In the rapidly evolving landscape of networking technology, Broadcom's StrataXGS® Trident3 series has emerged as a pivotal solution, addressing the increasing demands for higher bandwidth, programmability, and energy efficiency. At the heart of this series lies the BCM56770A0KFSBG, a switch ASIC that exemplifies Broadcom's commitment to innovation and performance.
Introduction to the Broadcom BCM56770A0KFSBG
The BCM56770A0KFSBG is a member of Broadcom's Trident3-X5 series, designed to cater to the needs of modern data centers, enterprise networks, and service provider infrastructures. Manufactured using a 16nm process technology, this ASIC offers a comprehensive feature set that includes advanced programmability, high port density, and robust telemetry capabilities.
Server interfaces in the enterprise and service provider data centers are starting to transition from 10 to 25GbE. At the same time SDN is taking hold in these market segments, bringing with it many new requirements such as novel overlays, instrumentation and telemetry. Trident3-X5 introduces dataplane programmability and 25 Gbps SerDes into the industry-leading Trident™ line to address these evolving markets.
With support for up to 20 ports of 100GbE, the StrataXGS® Trident3-X5 switch series can be used to build highly scalable, low-power, feature-rich Top-of-Rack (ToR), Aggregation and Spine switches. The programmable pipeline allows new features to be added after deployment by means of in-field upgrade, providing capex investment protection for operators. Trident3-X5 programmability enables the latest, cloud-scale instrumentation and telemetry features, for example in-band telemetry. Trident3-X5 programmability can also be used to add new software-defined forwarding and database reconfiguration features.
In addition, fabrics of BCM56770 devices can be interconnected via the HiGig2™ protocol to support multi-terabit chassis designs for large-scale data center, enterprise and service provider applications. The StrataXGS Trident3-X5 switch with integrated FleXGS™ Programmability technology has been designed to address performance, capacity and service requirements for next-generation data centers and cloud computing applications.
Key Features:
• High Port Density: Supports up to 20 ports of 100GbE, enabling scalable and flexible network architectures.
• Advanced Programmability: Incorporates the FleXGS™ packet processing architecture, allowing for customizable protocol parsing, processing, and editing.
• Enhanced Telemetry: Provides in-band and out-of-band telemetry features, facilitating real-time network visibility and diagnostics.
• Unified Packet Buffer: Equipped with a 32MB on-chip packet buffer, ensuring efficient congestion management and burst absorption.
The Evolution of the Trident Series
Broadcom's Trident series has undergone significant transformations since its inception, each iteration bringing forth enhancements tailored to the dynamic requirements of networking environments.
• Trident: Introduced foundational programmability features, supporting protocols like TRILL.
• Trident2+: Expanded capabilities to support up to 128 10GbE ports and introduced features such as VXLAN and EVPN.
• Trident3: Marked a substantial leap with support for 128 25GbE or 32 100GbE ports, along with advanced telemetry functionalities.
• Trident4: Further advanced to support 128 100GbE or 32 400GbE ports, emphasizing full programmability and the ability to handle Layer 4-7 functionalities.
The Trident3-X5, represented by the BCM56770A0KFSBG, stands out by balancing high performance with energy efficiency, making it a preferred choice for Top-of-Rack (ToR), aggregation, and spine switch deployments.
Technical Specifications of BCM56770A0KFSBG
To comprehend the capabilities of the BCM56770A0KFSBG, let's delve into its technical specifications:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Series | Trident3-X5 (BCM56770 Series) |
| Port Configuration | Up to 20 ports of 100GbE |
| Switching Capacity | 2.0 Tbps |
| Process Technology | 16nm |
| SerDes Speed | 25 Gbps |
| Packet Buffer | 32MB unified buffer |
| Programmability | FleXGS™ architecture with programmable parser, editor, and lookup engines |
| Telemetry Features | In-band and out-of-band telemetry, microburst detection, flow tracking |
| Network Protocols Supported | VXLAN, GENEVE, MPLS, NSH, and more |
| Power Efficiency | Optimized for low power consumption |
| Package Type | FCBGA (Flip-Chip Ball Grid Array) |
| Dimensions | Specific dimensions based on package type |
Note: The above specifications are based on available data as of January 2025.
Comparing Trident3-X5 (BCM56770) with Trident3-X7 (BCM56870)
Understanding the distinctions between different models within the Trident3 series is crucial for network architects and engineers. Below is a comparative analysis between the Trident3-X5 (BCM56770) and the Trident3-X7 (BCM56870):
| Feature | Trident3-X5 (BCM56770) | Trident3-X7 (BCM56870) |
|---|---|---|
| Switching Capacity | 2.0 Tbps | 3.2 Tbps |
| Maximum 100GbE Ports | 20 | 32 |
| SerDes Speed | 25 Gbps | 25 Gbps |
| Packet Buffer | 32MB unified buffer | 32MB unified buffer |
| Programmability | FleXGS™ architecture | FleXGS™ architecture |
| Process Technology | 16nm | 16nm |
| Target Deployments | ToR, Aggregation, Spine switches | High-density Spine switches, Data center cores |
Note: Both models share the same process technology and programmability features, with differences primarily in port density and switching capacity.
Applications and Use Cases
The BCM56770A0KFSBG is engineered to meet the diverse requirements of contemporary networking environments. Key applications include:
• Data Center Networks: Ideal for ToR and spine switches, facilitating high-bandwidth connectivity and efficient east-west traffic management.
• Enterprise Networks: Supports aggregation layers with advanced telemetry and programmability, enhancing network monitoring and adaptability.
• Service Provider Networks: Enables scalable and programmable infrastructures, accommodating evolving service demands and protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the significance of the FleXGS™ architecture in the BCM56770A0KFSBG?
A1: The FleXGS™ architecture introduces comprehensive programmability to the data plane, allowing for customizable packet parsing, processing, and editing. This flexibility enables network operators to adapt to emerging protocols and implement advanced features without hardware replacements.
Q2: How does the unified packet buffer benefit network performance?
A2: The 32MB unified packet buffer in the BCM56770A0KFSBG ensures efficient handling of traffic bursts and congestion.
Q3: How does the BCM56770A0KFSBG support network visibility and telemetry?
A3: The BCM56770A0KFSBG includes advanced telemetry features such as in-band and out-of-band telemetry, microburst detection, and flow tracking. These capabilities allow network administrators to monitor real-time network performance, detect anomalies, and optimize traffic management for better efficiency.
Q4: What are the key differences between Broadcom Trident3-X5 BCM56770 and other Trident3 variants?
A4: The Trident3-X5 BCM56770 offers a balance between performance and power efficiency, supporting up to 20 ports of 100GbE with a switching capacity of 2.0 Tbps. Compared to other Trident3 variants, such as the Trident3-X7 (BCM56870), which supports 32 ports of 100GbE, the X5 is better suited for mid-sized enterprise and data center applications where scalability and power efficiency are critical.
Q5: Is the BCM56770A0KFSBG compatible with existing networking infrastructure?
A5: Yes, the BCM56770A0KFSBG is designed to be highly compatible with existing network infrastructures. It supports widely adopted protocols like VXLAN, GENEVE, MPLS, and NSH, making it an excellent choice for upgrading networks without requiring a complete infrastructure overhaul. Additionally, its programmability ensures future adaptability to evolving networking standards.
Written by Icey Ye from AIChipLink.
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