1-1
Chapter 1
The 9E428-12/36 and 9E429-12/36 (Figure 1-1) are switching modules that
provide either 12 or 36 ports, depending on the module. The 9E428-12/36 provide
Ethernet fiber-optic 10Base-FL connectivity via multimode ST (straight through)
connectors, while the 9E429-12/36 modules use single mode ST connectors. There
are two ST connectors for each port, one for transmit and one for receive. Each
module also provides an additional port that connects directly to the Internal
Network Bus (INB) backplane interface. These modules use a SmartSwitch ASIC
design and an advanced Intel i960
®
microprocessor. This microprocessor provides
a platform for all management functions within a scalable RISC-Based
Architecture.
These modules can operate in two modes: either as a 12/36 port Ethernet
traditional switch (using 802.1d standards) with a high speed backbone
connection, or as a Secure Fast Switch (SFS) with 12/36 Ethernet connections.
Each port can be configured to operate in the Full Duplex mode. This
configuration allows each port to provide a full 20 Mbps of bandwidth for file
servers or high-end, user-intensive work stations.
Network management information is available through a variety of methods. All
information based on Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is
accessible either via an in-band (front panel port), Side Band (SMB-10), or via the
Environmental Module’s COM ports. Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP) or
Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) is supported by the Environmental Module’s COM
ports. For more information on the SMB-10, SLIP or PPP, refer to the SmartSwitch
9000 Local Management User’s Guide.
The 9E428-12/36 and 9E429-12/36 also feature front panel LANVIEW™
Diagnostic LED’s to offer at-a-glance status information about each front panel
port, as well as the operation of the overall module.