Intel plans to announce a new network processor on Tuesday that will handle security functions, a move it expects will reduce the cost and improve the performance of networking equipment. The company will also delay a similar product that does not offer security features.. . .

Intel plans to announce a new network processor on Tuesday that will handle security functions, a move it expects will reduce the cost and improve the performance of networking equipment. The company will also delay a similar product that does not offer security features.

The IXP 2850, due in the second quarter of next year, will route information packets inside switches and telecommunications servers, but it will also perform intelligent functions such as encryption or decryption, said Matt Campbell, a product marketing manager in Intel's communications division. Currently, these security functions require a co-processor.

"Most solutions from our competitors today require multiple chips to do content processing," he said.

Companies will likely use the Intel chip to power VPN (virtual private network) servers, he added. The chip will also be able to perform security functions at 10 gigabits per second, faster than current security co-processors.

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