Asante Technologies 8000 - Manual (Page 9)

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Introduction
This chapter introduces the IntraCore architecture, then gives a description
of the chassis and the various modules that can be installed in the IntraCore
8000. There are also tables of the key features, default settings, and
specifications of the IntraCore 8000, and explanations of the different LED
indicators used by the various modules.
IntraCore Architecture Overview
Asanté has developed the IntraCore™ Architecture to meet the needs of
multi-service networks that support all applications and data types. The
architecture is standards-based and provides
G multi-vendor inter-operability
G a migration path from current systems
G investment protection
With the IntraCore Architecture, Asanté has found innovative ways of
embracing industry standards and technology advances to create products
capable of meeting real world requirements for converged, multi-service
networks.
The overall design incorporates a family of tightly integrated ASICs,
designed as system building blocks. These building blocks enable the rapid
development of advanced networking systems that are timed to meet market
requirements. The architecture ensures consistent high performance as
systems scale their capacity and feature capability. This approach extends
the useful life of the system and protects customer investments.
The Core Switching Engine
The Core Switching Engine is the centerpiece for all IntraCore products.
Based on advanced silicon ASICs, the Core Switching Engine is a high
performance, non-blocking, multi-gigabit switching fabric with scalable
bandwidth capacity. The Core Switching Engine is data format independent
and can support either frame or cell based interfaces. This capability is
becoming increasingly important as enterprise (primarily frame-based) and
service provider (primarily cell-based) networks move closer together.