Broadcom Unveils Next-Gen AI Trident 5-X12 Switch Chip

Broadcom has recently introduced the latest iteration of its flagship Trident 5-X12 network switch chip, featuring the innovative NetGNT (Networking General-purpose Neural-network Traffic-analyzer) neural network inference engine. This advancement significantly enhances the performance of AI applications within network data transmission.

As reported by Reuters and EENews Europe, the newly integrated NetGNT is poised to address congestion issues in network traffic. The chip's embedded neural network possesses the capability to analyze all data packets and traffic patterns, efficiently identifying traffic types that may prove challenging for traditional methods to capture.

Robin Grindley, an executive in Broadcom's Core Switching Group, highlighted that the Trident 5-X12 chip is designed to optimize the processing of network traffic. Leveraging its embedded AI capabilities, the chip can elevate efficiency within data centers and facilitate real-time analysis of traffic patterns.

This groundbreaking AI functionality becomes operational once customers establish AI models tailored for data center traffic. Operators can train these models to recognize and mitigate specific types of unnecessary traffic, such as denial-of-service attacks or network congestion. Once the model is established, it can be seamlessly integrated into the chip to aid in the effective management of network traffic.

Notably, the NetGNT operates at full speed in hardware, ensuring no impact on throughput or latency. Additionally, the chip features telemetry technology that provides comprehensive real-time insights into network operations, serving as valuable data for training neural network engines.

Broadcom has initiated the distribution of the Trident 5-X12 programmable chip to customers. Boasting 5-nanometer process technology, the chip offers on-site upgrade capabilities to introduce new features such as telemetry, security enhancements, and advanced traffic engineering. With a remarkable bandwidth of up to 16 Tbit per second, the Trident 5-X12 doubles the capacity of its predecessor, the Trident 4-X9, while reducing power consumption by 25% for each 400G port.

Other key advantages of Trident 5-X12 include:

· 25% reduction in power consumption per 400G port compared to Trident 4-X9

· Support for 800G ports using Broadcom's 100G-PAM4 SerDes, compatible with up to 4m DAC and linear optical devices

· Transition support for 400G NIC to next-gen CPU and GPU servers

· Addition of NetGNT for new features while improving network efficiency and performance

· Enhanced telemetry capabilities for in-depth real-time understanding of network operations, usable for training NetGNT

· Increased forwarding/policy scale to support expanding network scales

· Compatibility with traditional APIs of current Broadcom switch chips

· Full programmability using Network Programming Language (NPL), allowing on-site upgrades for additional telemetry, security, and traffic engineering features

· NPL compatibility with the existing Trident 4 series, widely used by customers for developing custom switch applications

· Support for enterprise-grade SONiC and SAI, enabling seamless integration into data center operation frameworks.