MARVELL 98DX8572A0-BVI4C000 Ethernet Switch Controller: Datasheet and Technical Overview

The MARVELL 98DX8572A0-BVI4C000 is a highly integrated, high-performance Ethernet switch controller designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern enterprise, data center, and carrier-grade networking equipment. As part of Marvell's Prestera® DX 8500 series, this device delivers advanced features, robust security, and exceptional scalability, making it a cornerstone for next-generation network infrastructure.

Architecture and Core Capabilities

Built on a sophisticated, programmable architecture, the 98DX8572A0 supports a high port count with a blend of multi-gigabit Ethernet interfaces, including 1G, 2.5G, 5G, 10G, 25G, 40G, and 50G speeds. Its core is engineered for low latency and high throughput, ensuring efficient data movement critical for latency-sensitive applications like financial trading, real-time analytics, and high-performance computing.

A key feature of this controller is its deep buffer memory architecture. This is essential for preventing packet loss during periods of network congestion, especially in data center environments where large, bursty data flows are common. The device intelligently manages buffer allocation to maintain performance and Quality of Service (QoS) across all ports.

Advanced Switching and Routing Features

The controller supports a comprehensive suite of Layer 2/3 switching and routing protocols. It includes hardware acceleration for IPv4/IPv6 forwarding, MPLS, VXLAN, and other overlay networking technologies, which are vital for building scalable, software-defined networks (SDN) and network virtualization (NFV) platforms.

Its advanced traffic management capabilities allow for granular quality of service (QoS) policies. Network administrators can prioritize critical applications, shape traffic, and ensure bandwidth guarantees, providing a consistent user experience even under heavy load.

Enhanced Security and Visibility

Security is integrated at every level. The 98DX8572A0 incorporates hardware-based security features including MACsec (IEEE 802.1AE) encryption on ports for securing data in flight, preventing eavesdropping and tampering. It also supports robust Access Control Lists (ACLs) for policy enforcement and protection against unauthorized access.

Furthermore, the device offers advanced network monitoring and analytics through features like sFlow and telemetry streaming. This provides deep visibility into network traffic, aiding in performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and capacity planning.

Target Applications

This switch controller is ideally suited for a wide range of applications:

Top-of-Rack (ToR) and Leaf Switches in modern data centers.

Enterprise Core and Aggregation Switches.

Service Provider Edge and Access Equipment.

Network Appliances for security and application delivery.

ICGOOODFIND Summary

The Marvell 98DX8572A0-BVI4C000 is a feature-rich, high-performance Ethernet switch controller that stands out for its programmability, extensive high-speed interface support, and robust security. Its deep buffering and advanced traffic management make it a powerful solution for building resilient, scalable, and efficient networks for the most demanding environments. It represents a significant offering for designers of cutting-edge networking hardware.

Keywords: Ethernet Switch Controller, High-Performance Networking, Quality of Service (QoS), Hardware Security, Data Center Networking.