***RADLAN Unveils ROS Software Architecture
(March 15)
RADLAN Computer Communications announced details about its
Routing Operating System (ROS) intellectual property. The ROS is
a generic routing software package that meets the requirements of
ASIC-based switching routers. With the ROS, Layer-2 networking
vendors, chip manufacturers and telecom service vendors can
provide Layer-3 services with a migration path to build,
scalable, multi-layer products.
Key Features of the ROS:
- Generic architecture
- Compliance with international standards
- Easy hardware adaptation
- Multiprotocols
- Quality of Service
- Security services
RADLAN's software architecture provides Layer-3 switching to
hardware-based routers. The ROS architecture is designed for task
distribution between an ASIC forwarding engine and a lower-speed
CPU. The ROS open architecture provides support for both routing
and forwarding algorithms. Its architectural design differs from
other software manufacturers in that the ROS is already built for
running in Layer-3 switching architectures where packet
forwarding is performed by an ASIC or a DSP (digital signal
processor).
The ROS software package provides a solid routing kernel
supporting most popular protocols. The Fast Forwarding Control
Module (FFCM) is part of the kernel; it determines the action to
be taken and sends the command to the lower level. The hardware
driver is an open software which is hardware-dependent and is
responsible for updating the forwarding tables in the forwarding
component (ASIC, DSP, etc.). The host module is in charge of the
final device feature configuration. In the ROS architecture, only
two modules require customization - the hardware driver and the
host.
This open architecture may be adapted to deliver routing solution
supporting IP, IPX, IP Multicast with support for RIP (v1 and
v2), SAP and OSPF protocols. Additional modules may include QoS,
security and load balancing.
RADLAN is headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel.
www.radlan.co.il
Wave Issue 9037 4/07/99 Article 8-01