Advantech FWA-1112VC edge network appliance ready for 5G

Major upgrades include extended connectivity choice, with dual 10GbE SFP+ and PoE+ support, in addition to a future-proof design ready to adopt coming 5G and WiFi 6 technologies. The FWA-1112VC is a fanless and compact platform that fits working environments where noise levels need to be kept down. It also supports wide operating temperature range to meet edge deployment needs, extending uCPE use cases from enterprise to smart city and industrial IoT.

The new Advantech FWA-1112VC white-box appliance is based on Intel Atom processor and has been cost optimised to run SD-WAN and network security workflows. It provides flexible WAN connectivity options including 5G, 4G/LTE, WiFi 5, WiFi 6 and 10 GbE SFP+ configurations. Encryption and compression acceleration are supported using Intel QuickAssist with DPDK providing the technology needed to accelerate packet handling without consuming additional resources.

Additional features include PoE+, eMMC and dual 4G/LTE support and improved surge protection. Its fanless design allows for wide operating temperature ranges from -20 up to +70^oC to meet harsh environments requirements at the edge.

The FWA-1112VC has been validated by leading partners including ADVA and Combridge. ADVA Ensemble Connector is a virtualisation platform that enables agile, automated delivery of multi-vendor software services. Combined with the new FWA-1112VC hardened appliance, it provides an open edge platform that gives service providers access to a wide variety of uCPE use cases including recent ADVA-Advantech joint smart city blueprint.

Combridge, member of the Deutsche Telekom Group, offers data and internet services to business partners. By integrating the new FWA-1112VC as part of their portfolio, they are able to target new application areas at the edge and be prepared to bring the benefits of 5G and WiFi 6 technologies to their customer base.

"For over 20 years, Advantech has been providing innovative networking platforms trusted by top equipment manufacturers and service providers to transform global networks," said Sandy Chen, Head of Network Appliances & Hyper Converged Network Servers, Cloud IoT Group, Advantech. "The FWA-1112VC is another step forward in our pioneering white-box uCPE offering that extends the cloud to the edge supporting fully disaggregated network models that allow service providers and enterprises to drive innovation in the 5G and IoT era."

"The uCPE market is rapidly expanding to include additional application such as IoT and 5G," added James Buchanan, Senior Vice President and General Manager Edge Cloud at ADVA. "The new Advantech FWA-1112VC supports that evolution with its enhanced support for wireless technologies and extended temperature range. It will be a welcome addition for those looking to expand the deployment of virtualised applications."

"We already use Advantech's existing portfolio in our custom tailored solutions, enabling us to deliver highly customised, yet cost-efficient solutions to the market," said Endre Magyari, Business Development Director at Combridge. "I am very confident, that this new tiny yet powerful device Advantech FWA-1112VC will further enhance our capabilities and competitiveness in the SD-WAN market, considering its advanced 5G and WiFi 6 technologies and size/cost efficiency."

The FWA-1112VC is available for evaluation and will be available for customer shipping in September 2020.