Cabletron Systems 7C04 Workgroup - Manual (Page 8)

Introduction
1-3
1.3.1 7X00 SmartSwitch Controller Module
The 7X00 SmartSwitch Controller Module is the only processing
and management element in the 7C04 Chassis. The 7X00 Module
has no front panel data ports. All data enters and exits the 7X00
Module via the SmartSwitch Bus on the chassis’ backplane. The
7X00 Module directs incoming data to its intended destination by
using a group of Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs)
collectively known as the SmartSwitch Core. All packet switching
functions are performed in the module’s SmartSwitch Core. The
SmartSwitch Core is capable of switching up to 750,000 frames per
second. The firmware on a 7X00 Module determines the
SmartSwitch Core’s operating mode (traditional switch or
SecureFast Packet Switch). The module’s CPU (an i960
microprocessor
® ) is used to collect management data of the
SmartSwitch system (including the status of the chassis’ power
supply and fans).
Note: The 7X00 Module is not hot-swappable. Because the 7X00
Module is the only processing/management module in the 7C04
Chassis, removing the 7X00 Module will sever communications
to all
SmartSwitch interface modules in the 7C04 Chassis.
1.3.2 SmartSwitch interface modules
SmartSwitch interface modules in a 7C04 Chassis communicate
freely with each other via the chassis’ SmartSwitch Bus and 7X00
SmartSwitch Controller Module. SmartSwitch interface modules
can be installed or removed from the 7C04 Chassis at any time
without impacting the rest of the network.