Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolution and significance of programmable network switches and routers, particularly focusing on the advancements made by companies like Xsight Labs and Barefoot Networks in the realm of software-defined networking (SDN) and programmable application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) [1][2][3]. Group 1: Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Programmability - SDN has separated the control plane from network devices, allowing for a programmable external control plane that can adapt to current and future traffic patterns [1]. - The competition in the programmable data plane of switches and routers is highlighted, emphasizing the need for flexibility and programmability in ASICs [1][2]. - Barefoot Networks introduced the Tofino programmable switch and the P4 programming language, which allowed for greater control over network operations [1][2]. Group 2: Xsight Labs and Its Innovations - Xsight Labs, founded in 2017, aims to disrupt the networking field with fully programmable switches, leveraging the experience of its founders from previous successful ventures [2][7][8]. - The company has raised $281 million across four funding rounds, with notable investors including Intel, AMD, and Microsoft, and has a current valuation of approximately $1.1 billion [8][9]. - Xsight Labs plans to release its X2 switch, which will utilize a fully software-defined approach, allowing users to define their logical pipelines without hardware limitations [10][15]. Group 3: Technical Specifications and Future Developments - The X1 switch ASIC was released in December 2020, with total bandwidth options of 25.6 Tbps and 12.8 Tbps, while the upcoming X2 switch will utilize TSMC's 5nm process, reducing power consumption by 40% [16][18]. - The X2 chip is expected to provide various configurations, including 12.8 Tbps total bandwidth, with sample availability starting in July 2024 [20][22]. - The E1 DPU from Xsight Labs will feature 64 Arm Neoverse N2 cores, designed to enhance data path processing capabilities, and will support various Linux distributions [26][31].