eATCA system architecture from Advantech improves blade density

Advantech has introduced new system architecture called eATCA systems that integrate standard ATCA blades with extended rear transition modules (eRTM) providing almost four times more real-estate for PCIe-based I/O connectivity. “eATCA addresses the higher-end performance needs of datacom customers by combining the advantages of standardized ATCA with the benefits of full custom platform design.” said Peter Marek, senior director x86 solutions, Advantech Networks and Communications Group. “On one hand ATCA is a cost effective architecture which is highly scalable across a broad range of technologies and is available off the shelf. It brings all the advantages of an open standard carrier grade platform with broad ecosystem support, high blade density and great performance. But it would bring greater benefits to datacom customers if it supported an appliance type I/O model, options for storage expansion and had the flexibility to add application and customer specific special purpose hardware without the need to customize the COTS blades. Most of all, customers expect a high end networking platform to be managed like a single network element rather than a collection of blades within one chassis.. That’s what we have designed eATCA to do; we’ve effectively made ATCA look like a big appliance to support consistent management across our customers’ full product line.” “eATC...