Chapter 3
Operation
The 9A426-02 Module has three fixed network interface connections: the module’s two front panel ATM ports, and the module’s INB interface each connect to the module’s SmartSwitch ASIC core.
In addition to fixed interface connections, the module offers a user-configurable FNB interface. Through Local Management or SNMP, you can connect the module’s SmartSwitch ASIC core to one (or none) of the two FNB interfaces (FNB- 1 or FNB-2). Keep in mind that connecting the module’s SmartSwitch ASIC core to an FNB interface also connects the selected FNB to the module’s three fixed interface connections (the two front panel ATM ports and the INB interface).
As shown in Figure 3-1, packets can be received simultaneously at the front panel ATM ports, the INB interface and, if configured by the user, one of the FNB interfaces (FNB-1 or FNB-2). All packets that enter the module are converted into a common format known as a canonical frame. The SmartSwitch ASIC core’s circuitry determines the ports to which the frames are forwarded.
