Low-SWaP Rugged Ethernet Switch for Military Applications

The X9 Spider Intelligent Switch features eight 10 GBase-TX Ethernet ports and four 100 Gb Ethernet ports By Mike Ball / 28 Sep 2023

Ethernet Switch

Discover cutting-edge solutions from 5 leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow DA

General Micro Systems (GMS) has launched the X9 Spider Intelligent Switch, an accelerated networking module designed to improve the performance of Ethernet-based military applications without compromising size, weight and power (SWaP) requirements.

This fully sealed, rugged, fanless and battlefield-ready switch features eight 10 GBase-TX Ethernet ports and four 100 Gb Ethernet ports, and provides acquisition and modernization programs with industry-leading bandwidth and efficiency in a palm-sized module.

The X9 Spider Intelligent Switch is intended for use within GMS’ X9 Spider family of modular, scalable and open distributed computing architecture (DCA) systems, which are designed to reduce the development barriers to rugged high-performance computing, high-definition video, sensor processing, AI, battlefield edge processing, storage, display and I/O. The switch can also be used in any standalone high-performance deployed network, including industrial and other types of rugged applications.

The heart of the X9 Spider Intelligent Switch is a Broadcom ultra-low latency, high bandwidth, enterprise-class and rugged switch, with up to 880 Gbps core switching bandwidth, coupled with an Intel Atom CPU, 32 GB DRAM and 1 TB SSD capacity. Capable of packet processing, forwarding and layer 2/3 routing, the X9 Spider Intelligent Switch enables intelligent, high-reliability networking without impacting mission-critical application processors. The switch uses Nvidia Cumulus Linux as its configuration software, unlocking advanced network configuration and packet processing capabilities like those found in routers running the internet cloud and data centers.

The X9 Spider Intelligent Switch’s eight 10 GBase-TX Ethernet ports and four 100 Gb Ethernet ports are 10 times and 100 times faster than the current “best” Ethernet at 1 Gb, using rugged GMS-style or mil-circular connectors for lab use and production applications. All connectors for power, 100 Gb Ethernet, service and 10 Gb Ethernet ports are fully rugged, waterproof (IP67) and include covers to prevent damage when no cables are connected.

The Intel Atom-based host processor is responsible for “housekeeping” switch configuration and provides a browser user interface for control and programming. To facilitate this interface, the switch includes a service port with video, dual USB ports and a 1Gb Ethernet port for remote access.

The X9 Spider Intelligent Switch highlights include:

  • Highest SWaP high-performance rugged Ethernet switch
  • Only 6” x 4.75” x 2” at only two pounds
  • Ultra-fast, low latency, 12 port intelligent Layer 2/3 switch
  • Up to 880 Gbps bandwidth switching via non-blocking, enterprise-class Broadcom 56760 switch
  • Four native 100G fiber Ethernet ports
  • Eight 10 GBase-TX Ethernet ports
  • Quad core Intel Atom CPU for packet operations and configuration
  • Configured via Nvidia Cumulus Linux for advanced top-of-rack data center IP processing
  • Up to 32 GB DRAM for packet and routing table processing
  • High-performance stacking and fast failover within 100 ms

Ben Sharfi, CEO and chief architect at GMS, commented: “The move to sophisticated data fusion, video and AI workloads within vehicles, ships, unmanned aerial systems and airborne platforms is an emerging megatrend in military programs. As a result, these systems must have rugged networking backbones capable of supporting commercial rack-mount-like performance. Our new X9 Spider Intelligent Switch is the only solution available today with necessary elements to make it happen — and it’s all in a module you can fit in the palm of your hand, with the highest bandwidth and most platform throughputs of any switch out there.”

He added: “As a key component of our X9 Spider family, the innovative design of the X9 Spider Intelligent Switch ensures the performance and reliability of next-generation in-vehicle, embedded and distributed networks plus the data they carry. Our end-to-end optimization for increased bandwidth and port counts, along with unprecedented architectural flexibility and ruggedization, is driving program win momentum for GMS products among military programs and industry partners.”

Find more suppliers of rugged switches for military and defense applications here

Posted by Mike Ball Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Quadratix: Unified Software Ecosystem from General Atomics

Quadratix, a General Atomics vertically integrated software enterprise, aims to deliver agile, interoperable solutions that bridge air, land, sea, cyber, and space operations

Apr 17, 2025
Ophir® FoldIR Lens Enhances Long-Range Imaging for Defense & Security Operations

The new Ophir® FoldIR 25-275mm MWIR zoom lens delivers compact, long-range imaging with low-SWaP performance for drones and small gimbal platforms

Apr 17, 2025
Rugged Power Conversion Devices for Military & Defense Applications

Defense Advancement showcases RIPEnergy's field-proven power conversion products for military and defense applications

Apr 17, 2025
Forcys: Advancing Seabed Warfare with Integrated Payloads, Detection Tools & Secure Communications

Forcys outlines strategies for countering underwater threats, combining sensor payloads, communications tools, and autonomous systems with defense and commercial applications

Apr 17, 2025
Advancing EMP/HEMP Filter Technology for Modern EMI Threats

Spectrum Control highlights key advancements in EMP/HEMP filters designed to protect critical systems from EMI and electronic warfare in its white papers

Apr 16, 2025
24th Annual Future Artillery Conference Registration Details

The Indirect Fires community gathers for the 24th Defence iQ Future Artillery Conference backed by NATO and the British Army

Apr 16, 2025

Featured Content

Textron Systems to Support Software & Payload Development for Navy’s MCM USV

Textron Systems is set to support the software development and payload integration for the Navy’s Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), focusing on future mission capabilities and advanced system integration

Apr 14, 2025
Triad RF Systems Supplies Bi-Directional Amplifiers to Boost Naval Communications

Taiwan has received dual-channel bi-directional amplifiers (BDAs) from Triad RF Systems, strengthening real-time data transmission and ISR functionality in unmanned naval platforms

Apr 11, 2025
How the MQ-9B SeaGuardian® Enhances Naval Surveillance & Warfare

GA-ASI explains how the MQ-9B SeaGuardian® supports naval operations with long-endurance surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and real-time intelligence for enhanced maritime security

Apr 08, 2025
Advancing Defense Capability Through Strategic Collaboration Defense Advancement works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive defense capabilities forward.