Network processors are microprocessors designed specifically for packet processing, a core element of high-speed communication routers. Despite the recent communications industry downturn, network processor technologies continue to advance rapidly. Similar to the microprocessor used in a PC, a network processor is a programmable chip, but its instruction set has been optimized to support the operations that are needed in networking, especially for packet processing. A number of companies, including Intel Corporation, have developed network processors. The Intel network processors are based on the Intel� Internet Exchange Architecture (Intel� IXA), and include the IXP2800, IXP2400, and IXP1200 processors.
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