Chapter 1 Cisco 7200 VXR Product Overview

Field-Replaceable Units

CompactFlash Disks, Flash Disks, and PC Cards, page 1-52

Rack-Mount and Cable-Management Kit, page 1-53

Note Replacement instructions for removing and replacing FRUs are contained in separate online documents. For example, if you need to replace an AC power supply in your Cisco 7200 VXR router, refer to the 280-WattAC-Input Power Supply Replacement Instructions publication. Replacement instructions are available on the Documentation DVD and on Cisco.com.

Network Processing Engine or Network Services Engine

The network processing engine or network services engine maintains and executes the system management functions for Cisco 7200 VXR routers. Also, the network processing engine or network services engine shares the system memory and environmental monitoring functions with the I/O controller.

Because the NPE-G1 and NPE-G2 contain I/O functionality, the Cisco 7200 VXR routers can operate with no I/O controller with an NPE-G1 or NPE-G2 installed. With both an I/O controller and the NPE-G1 or NPE-G2 installed, the NPE-G1 or NPE-G2 enhances the I/O controller functionality.

Cisco 7200 VXR routers support nine versions of the network processing engine: NPE-G2, NPE-G1, NPE-400, NPE-300, NPE-225, NPE-200, NPE-175, NPE-150, and NPE-100. These network processing engines have the same functionality; however, their performance differs because of the microprocessor type and the type of memory for packet data (SRAM and DRAM, or SDRAM) that each network processing engine provides.

Cisco 7200 VXR routers also support the NSE-1, which consists of two modular boards: the processor engine board and the network controller board. The NSE-1 Parallel eXpress Forwarding (PXF) processor works with the Route Processor to provide accelerated packet switching, as well as accelerated IP Layer 3 feature processing.

Note Detailed instructions for removing and replacing the network processing engines or network services engine are contained in the online Network Processing Engine and Network Services Engine Installation and Configuration publication. It is available on the Documentation DVD and on Cisco.com.

The network processing engines and network services engine consist of the following components:

Reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor

The NPE-G2 uses a Motorola Freescale 7448 microprocessor that operates at an internal clock speed of 1.67 GHz.

The NPE-G1 uses a BCM 1250 microprocessor that operates at an internal clock speed of 700 MHz.

The NSE-1 uses an RM7000 microprocessor that operates at an internal clock speed of 262 MHz.

The NPE-400 uses an RM7000 microprocessor that operates at an internal clock speed of 350 MHz.

The NPE-300 uses an RM7000 microprocessor that operates at an internal clock speed of 262 MHz.

The NPE-225 has an RM5271 microprocessor that operates at an internal clock speed of 262 MHz.

Cisco 7200 VXR Installation and Configuration Guide

 

OL-5013-08

1-11

 

 

 

Page 11
Image 11
Cisco Systems 7200 VXR manual Network Processing Engine or Network Services Engine

7200 VXR specifications

The Cisco Systems 7200 VXR Series is a robust and highly scalable modular router designed to meet the demands of service providers and enterprises seeking high-performance solutions for their network infrastructures. Launched as part of the Cisco 7200 series, the VXR (Virtual Extensible Routing) variant enhances capabilities while providing effective support for a wide range of applications, including Internet Protocol (IP) routing, Voice over IP (VoIP), and Virtual Private Network (VPN) configurations.

At the core of the 7200 VXR is its modular design, which enables network administrators to customize the router according to their specific needs. The router supports a variety of interface cards, processing engines, and power supply options, ensuring flexibility for diverse network environments. This modularity facilitates easy upgrades and expansions, making it ideal for growing enterprises and service providers looking to future-proof their networks.

One of the standout features of the Cisco 7200 VXR is its impressive routing performance. It can handle a high level of traffic with low latency, which is critical for bandwidth-intensive applications. The router supports a wide array of routing protocols, including Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), and Integrated Intermediate System-to-Intermediate System (IS-IS), providing versatility for various network topologies.

The 7200 VXR also incorporates advanced features for enhanced security and reliability. With support for IPsec VPNs, it enables secure data transmission across untrusted networks. The router also includes features like Quality of Service (QoS) for prioritizing network traffic, ensuring critical applications receive the bandwidth they require even during peak loads.

In terms of scalability, the Cisco 7200 VXR can support hundreds of thousands of routes and MAC addresses, making it suitable for large metropolitan area networks (MANs) as well as enterprise backbone applications. It also provides the capability to support IPv4 and IPv6 networks, preparing organizations for a transition to next-generation internet protocols.

Additional characteristics of the Cisco 7200 VXR include enhanced manageability through the Cisco IOS software, which offers a comprehensive command-line interface and support for network management protocols. The router is also energy-efficient, with options for redundant power supplies that ensure continuous availability and minimal downtime in mission-critical applications.

Overall, the Cisco Systems 7200 VXR represents a powerful solution that combines performance, scalability, and security, making it an excellent choice for organizations looking to enhance their network capabilities in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.