Qualcomm has introduced the Qualcomm Internet Processor (IPQ) product line to transform networking devices like home gateways, routers and media servers into "Smarthome" platforms. With unmatched multi-tasking performance and low power, IPQ-enabled networks can readily support the next generation of IP-based content, applications, systems and things, known as the Internet of Everything, in homes and businesses.
"Just as Qualcomm helped propel the smartphone experience and ecosystem, we are now employing the company's mobile DNA to enable the Smarthome as a platform to deliver an advanced class of content, applications and services that can be enjoyed throughout the home. Qualcomm is bringing together its mobile and networking expertise in the Internet Processor to extend its portfolio and enable new capabilities for network platforms," said Amir Faintuch, President of Qualcomm Atheros. "With this new class of high-performance, energy-efficient and agile processors for home gateways and enterprise access points, Qualcomm is again demonstrating its ability and commitment to elevate consumer experiences by driving innovation at the edge of the network."
Pairing of Dual-Core Krait and Packet Processor Engine for Optimized Performance
The IPQ enables home network equipment to do more than deliver broadband connections. It will enable service providers to expand revenue opportunities by delivering new content, applications and services such as security and surveillance, and also allows retail original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to provide differentiated, value-add capabilities in premium networking products, such as home automation and control, and personal cloud. Qualcomm's "Smarthome" platform combines Qualcomm's dual-core 1.4 GHz Krait central processing unit (CPU), to manage advanced functions such as complex and demanding Internet-based applications and services, with Qualcomm's new dual-core 730 MHz Packet Processor Engine, to offload network traffic, supporting up to 5 Gbps of aggregate capacity across LTE, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, HomePlug powerline, hybrid wired/wireless, and Ethernet.
In addition, the platform offers Qualcomm security, encryption, Trustzone and secure boot to support advanced services, such as home and health monitoring, requiring best-in-class privacy and authentication. The unique pairing of Krait with the Packet Processor Engine gives the IPQ an unprecedented level of processing power, flexibility and agility to enable network platforms that support the growing number of devices and complexity of applications.
Lower Power, Greater Performance per Watt
Currently home networking equipment consumes significant levels of power, which impacts the environment and consumer wallets. The IPQ platform brings new levels of power efficiency for the "always on, always connected" home and will help reduce the cost of network operations in enterprise access points. Based on Qualcomm's low-power mobile architecture, the 28nm IPQ offers up to 70% greater performance-per-watt than the nearest competitor. The IPQ optimizes energy consumption by dynamically scaling system operation to adjust to network demands, whereas most network processors function only in on or off modes, with continuous power used in always-on gateways.
Flexible, Scalable Architecture
The truly smart home is going to require a number of network configurations to address existing and future applications and devices. For product developers, the IPQ provides a flexible architecture and numerous media and networking interfaces to enable a full range of connected home products with different feature sets and use cases. Additionally, the IPQ's modular hardware and software design featuring a PHY-agnostic processor enables customers to re-use hardware designs and software investments across DSL, cable and fiber access products. The IPQ supports major interfaces, such as PCI Express, USB 3.0, SATA 3, SDIO, and Gigabit Ethernet, to provide a broad range of products and minimize platform development investment and time across product lines.
The first two solutions in the IPQ product line, the IPQ8062 and IPQ8064 for retail routers and home media servers, are currently in production and will be available in commercial products in the first half of 2014. IPQ-based gateways and enterprise access points are expected by mid-2014.