Sun Unified Network Platform Reference Architecture for WiMAX

Unlike traditional network architectures that rely on specialized network processors (NPUs) to execute Data Plane functions, the Sun WiMAX Reference Architecture is based on the Sun Unified Network Platform (SUN-P), which offers a holistic solution based on a single open architecture. Both Control Plane and Data Plane functions are executed on the same platform architecture, providing a simplified development and deployment environment.

The WiMAX Reference Architecture also takes advantage of the massive throughput offered by Sun UltraSPARC® T2 processors to deliver 10G line-rate packet-processing performance. The UltraSPARC T2 processor is the industry's first "system on a chip," packing the most cores and threads of any general-purpose processor available. It integrates all the key functions of a server on a single chip: computing, networking, security, and input/output (I/O). With up to eight multithreaded cores and 64 simultaneous threads, the UltraSPARC T2 processor improves throughput while using less power and dissipating less heat than conventional processor designs. It provides massive scalability by executing eight threads per clock cycle, enabling carriers to execute all types of workloads at very low power. It also includes integrated 10 Gigabit Ethernet support as well as integrated floating-point and cryptographic processing in each CPU core to enable extreme throughput.

The WiMAX Reference Architecture further leverages Sun Logical Domains (Ldoms) technology to virtualize the server environment and isolate Control Plane and Data Plane functions. LDoms technology allows for a lower cost structure for initial subscriber offerings by enabling each LDom to start small and then get resized whenever throughput and capacity requirements change.

System architecture for the Sun Reference Architecture for WiMAX includes system and software components from Sun and its partners: