HP 5200zl, 3500yl manual Management subsystem, Advanced capabilities of the product family

ProVision ASIC CPU

Each ProVision ASIC contain its own CPU for learning of Layer 2 nodes, packet sampling for the XRMON function, handling local MIB counters, and running other module-related operations. Overall, the local CPU offloads the master CPU by providing a distributed approach to general housekeeping tasks associated with every packet. MIB variables, which need to be updated with each packet, can be done locally. The Layer 2 forwarding table is kept fresh through the use of this CPU. Other per-port protocols, such as Spanning Tree and LACP, are also run on this CPU. The local CPU, being a full- function microprocessor, allows functionality updates through future software releases.

Fabric ASIC

The Fabric ASIC, which is located on the backplane of the switch, provides the crossbar fabric for interconnecting the modules together. The use of a crossbar allows wire-speed connections simultaneously from any module to any other module. As mentioned in the ProVision ASICs section, the connection between the Fabric-ASIC and each line interface module’s ProVision ASIC is through a 28.8 Gbps full-duplex link.

Management subsystem

The management subsystem is responsible for overall switch management. The management subsystem consists of a CPU, flash memory to hold program code, processor memory for code execution, status LEDs and pushbuttons, a console interface, and other system support circuitry to interface and control each line interface module. In the case of the 5400zl series switch, the management subsystem is on a module that is removable/upgradable. Each 5400zl series chassis requires one management module to function. For the HP ProCurve Switch 3500yl and 6200yl series, the management subsystem is an integrated component.

Advanced capabilities of the product family

The HP ProCurve Switch 5400zl, 3500yl, and 6200yl series product family includes a number of advanced capabilities that offer a highly reliable, robust chassis data environment that leads to increased network uptime, keeping overall network costs down.

Versatile Intelligent Port (VIP)

All Gigabit copper ports are PoE enabled and tie into the overall capabilities of the switch, such as the Policy Enforcement Engine. Having the VIP, any port can be connected to any place in the network. If a PC needs Gigabit connectivity, it is available. If an AP needs PoE, it is there. And if for some reason, these ports need to be swapped on the switch, that can be done by just moving the cables at the switch or patch panel.

The Versatile Intelligent Port provides a high degree of flexibility, makes troubleshooting easier, and provides a high degree of future-proofing.

ProVision hardware resiliency

Many functions required in a switch have been implemented in the single ASIC on the module. What requires a number of chips in other vendor products is achieved in a single ProVision ASIC, which keeps the part count low and increases overall reliability of the module by a significant degree.

Another engineering aspect in the ASIC is hardware error detection with correction in software for the memory used by the switch. This capability includes the memory used for forwarding the network traffic such as the routing and forwarding tables, the Policy Enforcement Engine information, multicast tables, and other data structures. Traffic sent across the backplane uses a protocol to check that there is space available at the destination module so that fabric data is not lost.

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