Altera and Pantherun Launch P4-based Next-Gen Configurable, Secure Networking at Embedded World 2026

As embedded systems evolve, so do the expectations for how networks are built, secured, and scaled. At Embedded World 2026, Altera™ and Pantherun announced a new collaboration designed to help customers move beyond fixed, one-size-fits-all approaches to networking and embrace a more flexible, future-ready architecture.

By combining Altera’s high-performance FPGA platforms and P4 programmable pipelines with Pantherun’s FPGA-accelerated L2/L3 networking stack, AES IP, and proven industrial deployments, this partnership creates a powerful foundation for customers building scalable, secure systems across industrial, telecom, and mission critical markets.

A Collaboration Built Around Flexibility and Feature Velocity

Pantherun’s Lithe network IP engine, a modular, runtime configurable Layer 2/3 stack implemented entirely in programmable logic, brings ASIC-class performance together with the adaptability developers’ needs as standards and requirements continue to evolve. With Altera’s P4 compiler team and FPGA toolchain joining forces with Pantherun’s datapath technology, customers gain:

• The ability to update networking features over time as protocols change
• Ultra low latency switching and routing across 1G to 100G platforms
• Long-term product viability through reconfigurable hardware
• Seamless integration of P4 workflows into Pantherun’s hardware architecture

This joint engineering approach helps customers design networks that not only perform today but can continue adapting over the lifetime of their products.

Security Embedded at Every Layer

As industries adopt more connected and automated systems, secure networking is no longer optional; it must be fundamental. Together, Altera and Pantherun integrate security directly into the data path, using Stealth AES encryption IP, postquantum–ready IP, and FPGA-based inline encryption and other security solutions.

This enables:

• Deterministic, at-line-rate encryption
• Hot pluggable secure modules for edge and industrial environments
• Architectures aligned with emerging industrial cybersecurity standards

By building security into the fabric of the network, the solution is prepared for a world where both performance and protection are equally critical.

Designed for Industries That Need More Than Fixed Solutions

From industrial automation and robotics to railway, defense, and telecom edge infrastructure, many sectors require networking equipment that can adapt to new timing profiles, new security expectations, and evolving protocols without redesigning hardware. Pantherun’s global deployments, including rugged platforms operating across the Americas, Asia, and Europe, bring a strong track record of reliability, environmental tolerance, and configurability.

Paired with Altera’s FPGA platforms, customers gain a path to:

• Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN)
• Profinet / EtherNet-IP / Industrial Ethernet updates
• MPLS/IP edge routing
• Encrypted Smart SFP modules
• High-speed edge acceleration up to 100G

These capabilities allow networking systems to evolve organically instead of being limited by fixed chip feature sets.

What’s Coming Next

Throughout 2026, Altera and Pantherun will roll out new capabilities, including:

• 100G Lithe + Stealth AES reference designs on Altera FPGAs
• P4-to-Lithe data path generation workflows
• Secure Smart SFP modules for drop in encrypted networking
• Developer platforms for building custom network and security functions
• Industrial-grade hardware options with extended temperature and deterministic timing

Each initiative focuses on helping customers accelerate development while staying ready for new performance and security requirements.

Explore Configurable Networking at Embedded World 2026 with Pantherun’s Pepper Agilex® 5 FPGA Platform

Embedded World 2026 attendees can explore demonstrations of:

• FPGA accelerated L2/L3 switching with inline AES
• P4-generated pipelines integrated with the Lithe data path
• Secure Smart SFP modules
• Industrial and ruggedized platforms
• Developer kits and reference designs for rapid prototyping

Visit the Altera booth (Hall 5, Booth 5-329) and the Pantherun booth (Hall 5, Booth 5-279) to engage directly with engineering teams from both companies and see how this collaboration can empower next-generation designs.

A New Path Forward for Embedded Networking

Through this collaboration, Altera and Pantherun are enabling a new class of networks that are configurable, secure, high performance and future ready. With a shared commitment to flexibility and long-term scalability, the two companies are building networking solutions that keep pace with innovation without locking customers into fixed, inflexible silicon.

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