DSL routers are layer 3 devices that are built for connecting end users to the Internet via broadband DSL lines; they have one or more DSL wide-area network (WAN) ports. Next-generation DSL routers are capable of simultaneously supporting multiple voice calls as well as video and data traffic via broadband DSL lines. Next-generation DSL routers normally sit in the customer premises.
Figure 1 shows a typical DSL router. The DSL mode chip receives the data, voice, and video traffic traveling over the DSL line and the packets are then prioritized by the traffic manager. Information is buffered in SRAM or SDRAM memory. Based on security settings, both incoming and outgoing information is processed and then transmitted to the local-area network (LAN) for the local users.
Figure 1. Typical DSL Router
Altera's low-cost Cyclone™ FPGA family enables customers to implement value-added features, (such as custom security processing and traffic management), depending on their specific needs. The bridging function can be implemented in Cyclone devices, allowing the designer to implement proprietary and standard interfaces in a single device. Cyclone devices support double data rate (DDR) interfacing to SDRAM or SRAM memories needed for system buffering. Designers can easily use a 32-bit Nios® soft embedded core RISC processor in Cyclone devices which provides the designer with the flexibility to implement application-specific peripheral and core performance. The designer can reduce design time by using Altera's intellectual property (IP) cores to implement Ethernet media access control (MACs) and integrating discrete devices into a single Cyclone device.
With a highly efficient device architecture, Cyclone devices meet the performance and price-level requirements of cost-sensitive routing applications. Complementing this powerful combination is Altera's Nios processor. No competitive soft processor comes close to matching the performance, utility, and cost-efficiency of a Nios RISC processor in a Cyclone device. The Cyclone device family and Altera's suite of complementary products and solutions provide router designers with unparalleled functionality and extremely affordable pricing.
