Asterfusion CX102S-16GT-DPU-M-SWP: The Ultimate All-in-One Switching and Routing Solution for Small Business IT Excellence

In today’s fast-paced digital world, small businesses and SOHOs require robust, efficient, and versatile IT solutions to manage their growing network demands. The Asterfusion CX102S-16GT-DPU-M-SWP is designed to meet these needs by combining a 16-port Gigabit switch, a smart gateway, and an ARM server into a single, compact device. This innovative solution integrates the Marvell Prestera MV-DX2556 switching chip, boasting a 72Gbps switching capacity, with two Marvell OCTEON TX2 CN9130 DPU cards, all housed in a box no larger than a notebook.

Advanced Networking Capabilities: Enterprise SONiC Preload

At the core of the CX102S-16GT-DPU-M-SWP is the Marvell Prestera MV-DX2556 switching chip, running the SONiC Enterprise Distribution-AsterNOS. This powerful combination supports a wide range of Layer 2 and Layer 3 functionalities, including advanced routing protocols like OSPF and BGP, virtualization technologies such as VXLAN and BGP-EVPN, and essential features like MLAG and IPv6. This ensures that the device can handle complex networking tasks with ease.

Integrated Smart Gateway and Server with two Marvell OCTEON TX2 CN9130 DPUs

But the CX102S-16GT-DPU-M-SWP is much more than just a switch. It features two Marvell OCTEON TX2 CN9130 DPU chips, each equipped with Quad Core Armv8 Cortex-A72 processors and embedded encryption and decryption engines. These DPUs are tightly integrated via a 10G Ethernet backplane, allowing them to function as intelligent gateway/router and servers simultaneously when they runing on corresponding open software.

Why We Need it?

In the modern digital landscape, enterprises face the challenge of managing increasing network traffic driven by cloud computing, big data, video conferencing, live broadcasting, AI, and IoT technologies. Traditionally, this has required a range of dedicated devices, each serving distinct functions, such as switches, routers, firewalls, VPN gateways, IDS/IPS, and servers. These devices, often reliant on proprietary hardware and software, make network infrastructures complex, costly, and difficult to maintain.

The Asterfusion CX102S-16GT-DPU is a game changer by integrating two additional Marvell OCTEON TX2 CN9130 DPUs to the switch’s motherboard, combining all of these features into a single device, simplifying the network infrastructure and reducing operational complexity.

• Switching Capabilities: The CX102S-16GT-DPU provides 16 x 1GE downlink interfaces, with 8 ports supporting PoE++ to connect WiFi APs,with feature-rich enterprise SONiC NOS preoad, meeting the network access needs of small businesses with up to 100 users.
• Intelligent Gateway: The DPU chip offers full-stack analysis and intelligent processing of network traffic up to 10Gbps, encompassing the functionalities of a router, firewall, IPS/IDS, and VPN gateway. It supports up to 2 x 10GE or 8 x 1GE WAN interfaces, fully meeting the internet access requirements of small businesses.
• Server Functionality: The second DPU serves as a low-power, high-performance ARM64 server, capable of running the Linux operating system and a variety of enterprise services, allowing businesses to host internal applications such as CRM, ERP, and databases.

The 10G Ethernet connection on the backplane efficiently links the DPU and the switch chip, delivering high-speed, lossless, and ultra-low latency performance. This innovative design eliminates the need for up to four 10G SFP optical modules, streamlining connectivity and enhancing overall efficiency.

Compact yet powerful, the CX102S-16GT-DPU is a high-performance solution that fits comfortably in the size of a laptop and stands at just 1U in height. Despite its compact dimensions, the device is capable of functioning as both a 16-port Gigabit switch and an egress gateway, in addition to serving as a small ARM server. The device is a single unit with multiple functions, and it is sufficiently powerful to operate all three perfect simultaneously. It fundamentally transforms the IT infrastructure for small businesses by significantly reducing both acquisition and operational costs.

Products Highlights:

Hardware features:

• Marvell Prestera MV-DX2556 switch chip with a switching capacity of 72Gbps
• Dual Marvell OCTEON TX2 DPUs to provide L4-L7 processing capabilities
• Quad Core Armv8 Cortex-A72, CPU frequency up to 2200 MHz on each DPU
• 16 x 1GE RJ45 and 2 x 10GE SFP+ ports
• Port 1-Port 8 offers POE++ standard with 150W power budget
• Optional PTP/SyncE accuracy with 20ns

Software ecosystem:

• Enterprise SONiC Distribution-AsterNOS
• Compatible with various Linux distributions including Ubuntu, Debian, OpenWRT, and CentOS
• Supports a wide range of open software ecosystems such as OpenVPN, iptables, Snort, Nginx, ClearOS,PacketFence
• Allows enterprises to run multiple applications on the same device tailored to their specific needs

Application Scenarios of Dual Marvell®OCTEON TX2™ CN913X DPUs

As previously stated, in addition to the standard switching functions, the CX102S-16GT-DPU incorporates two extra Marvell OCTEON TX2 CN9130 DPUs, which make the device the most multifaceted and versatile. It is therefore pertinent to explore the potential applications of these two DPUs and the operating systems and open-source software that can be installed on them.

The following section outlines a number of typical scenarios in which the CX102S two DPUs are particularly effective, and which can be utilised not only individually but also in combination.

Router: Ubuntu + VPP

• Hardware-optimized vector packet technology and DPDK accelerate data plane forwarding, delivering up to 60Gbps forwarding performance.
• Multi-WAN load balancing across Ethernet and 5G/LTE links.
• Comprehensive QoS policies for precise management of traffic from different users and applications.

Firewall: Ubuntu + iptables + BPFILTER

• Flexible and efficient iptables configuration suitable for a wide range of scenarios.
• GUFW provides a simple and user-friendly GUI.
• BPFILTER leverages eBPF for advanced packet filtering and processing.

VPN Gateway: Ubuntu + OpenVPN/WireGuard

• Hardware-accelerated OpenVPN with encryption/decryption engine supports up to 60Gbps throughput.
• WireGuard benefits from an 8-core CPU for accelerated performance.
• Installation of the latest VPN software on demand to adapt to changing network environments.

IDS/IPS: Ubuntu + Snort

• Leading open-source IDS/IPS with continuously updated rule sets from its active open community.
• Hardware DPDK enhances packet processing performance and reduces latency.
• Hardware regular expression engine significantly boosts IDS/IPS performance.

Server: Ubuntu Server + Nginx + Mysql

• Run on the second DPU
• Hosting corporate websites
• Install CiviCRM, ERPNext and other open source software on demand to achieve free CRM, ERP and other services

One-stop Enterprise IT Server: ClearOS/Zentyal/NethServer

• Run on the second DPU
• One-stop IT management functions, including Web services, mail services, print services, web filtering, domain controllers, etc.
• Active community provides free support and rich resources

Asterfusion OpenWiFi Controller: Ubuntu + Astria Campus Controller

• Run on the second DPU
• Centralized management of APs
• ZTP for automatic deployment and operation

NAC (Network Access Control): Debian + PacketFence

• Run on the second DPU
• Flexible management of user and device access rights
• GUI simplifies management and real-time network status

Additionally, users have the flexibility to install new software or develop their own software using the built-in toolchain as needed to address additional use cases.

Rich Open Software Ecosystem for Marvell OCTEON TX2 CN9130 DPUs,

The CX102S-16GT-DPU-M-SWP exemplifies versatility with its support for a broad spectrum of open-source operating systems running on dual DPUs. Designed to be compatible with ARM64 + Linux, the CX102S-16GT-DPU empowers customers with a diverse and flexible selection of software tailored to meet their specific requirements. Whether your needs include routing, management, or other critical network functions, the CX102S-DPU is the comprehensive solution you can rely on.

Operating System

• Supports Ubuntu, Debian, OpenWRT and other Linux distributions, such as CentOS, OpenSUSE, Arch Linux, AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, Linux Mint and Elementary OS.
• Install and upgrade the OS using a USB disk with Trusted Firmware and UEFI

Open source Software

• Open-source routers, including OpenWRT, DD-WRT, VyOS, etc.
• Open-source firewalls, including iptables, UFW, OPNsense, IPFire, nftables, Firewalld, Shorewall, Untangle, etc.
• Open-source server: ClearOS/Zentyal/NethServer
• Open-source VPNs, including OpenVPN, WireGuard, IPSec, L2TP, Shadowsocks, Trojan, VMess, etc.
• GCC, GDB, BinUtils, Buildroot and other tool chains

Unlock Seamless Management: Asterfusion’s Free OpenWifi Controller on CX102S-16GT-DPU

All Asterfusion CX-M switches come equipped with Asteria, a free management software that is fully compatible with OpenWifi technology. This powerful software features a user-friendly interface that enables comprehensive monitoring and management of Wi-Fi access points, as well as Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches, ensuring no blind spots in oversight.We are excited to announce that this management software can also be installed on one of the DPUs in our CX102S-DPU device, providing a unified management solution. This integration simplifies IT infrastructure, allowing for seamless management of both wireless and wired networks through a single platform.

Looking ahead, our research and development efforts are focused on enabling seamless management of export routes. This will ensure that your campus network is managed without blind spots, from wireless to wired to export routing, delivering a truly comprehensive network management solution.

High-Performance Solutions Tailored for SMBs

The ET2500’s sleek and compact design makes it an ideal all-in-one solution for small businesses with fewer than 100 employees. It offers robust functionalities encompassing switching, routing, management, and even small server capabilities. The CX102S-DPU empowers small businesses to effortlessly achieve enterprise-grade networking performance, providing a comprehensive and scalable solution.

Simplify Your Network and Focus on Growth

The CX102S-16GT-DPU revolutionizes enterprise campus networks by significantly reducing capital expenditures (CAPEX), operational expenses (OPEX), and maintenance efforts. By simplifying complex network management, the CX102S-16GT-DPU enables organizations to concentrate on innovation and core business growth. This solution empowers enterprises to scale and evolve without being hindered by intricate network management challenges.

Conclusion

The Asterfusion CX102S-16GT-DPU-M-SWP epitomizes network convergence and efficiency, representing the future of small enterprise IT infrastructure. It delivers high performance, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness in a single package, making it the ultimate enterprise IT solution available today. Embrace the future with Asterfusion— the simplest and most effective way to manage your enterprise network.