Multicore processors are at the heart of the revolution in the world’s communications infrastructure, enabling virtualized network functions (VNFs) and the shift to cloud-based services. Industry developments including software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV) rely on server platforms with multicore processors that scale from small and medium-size business premises equipment, through the network edge to hyperscale data centers. There are now more high-performance multicore processors available for networking and data center applications than ever before, and the market is continuing to evolve. Qualcomm is acquiring NXP, and Macom plans to sell off the AppliedMicro compute business when it completes acquisition of the company early in 2017. A key challenge for equipment manufacturers and service providers is picking the right solution for both server performance and network bandwidth.
This report surveys high-performance multicore processors for virtualized networking applications, including general-purpose multicore processors, integrated multicore processors, I/O processors and network processors. The report also reviews the strategy, product mix and product architectures of multicore processor, intellectual property (IP) and software vendors. As such, the report not only provides granular information on the components themselves — of interest to chip manufacturers and purchasers — but also provides insights into how the overall market for multicore processors is likely to develop — of interest to a wide audience, including carriers and investors.