C H A P T E R 1 Hardware Installation and Network Topology

NOTE

By default, flow control is enabled on all ports.

If you configure a port for full duplex, flow control is auto- matically disabled.

Excessive flow control problems

During times of peak network usage, you may occasionally see the FC/FD LED blink (for a description of the LED, see page 6). This is normal. However, if it stays lit for more than a few seconds at a time, or if there’s an excessive number of flow controls reported by the network management software, it could indicate a problem with your network configuration.

A port’s FC/FD LED indicator flashes whenever a packet is received that needs to be forwarded to a port that already has too many packets queued. This indicates a temporary overload situation on one port; the total traffic to the port exceeds the amount the buffer can hold. This typically occurs when there are several fast machines on different ports trying to access a machine across the switch. If this is infrequent, you don’t need to do anything. However, if this occurs often on the network, then the devices causing flow control to activate should be identified and moved to the same segment as the device that they are talking to.

When Ethernet bandwidth is temporarily insufficient for the traffic, there are only three possible actions: drop packets, use flow control, or segment the network. Buffering packets only works for a very short while. An extended overload will eventually overflow buffers and cause dropped packets. Flow control stops transmission on a port and forces devices to resend packets, ensuring that packets aren’t lost. This is the most reasonable solution, since it relies on Ethernet’s inherent collision detection mechanism to relieve temporary overload.

Repeater count limitations

The switch doesn’t count as a repeater. Each port on the switch can support a full Fast Ethernet network. There can be one repeater/hub between the switch and any workstations or servers (a stack of Intel Express 100BASE-TX Hubs counts as a single hub). Also, the total diameter of a segment can’t exceed 200 meters when using UTP cable. That is, the distance between any two nodes on a segment (or the switch and a node on the other side of a hub) can’t exceed 200 meters.

13

Page 16 Page 18
Page 17
Image 17
Intel 654655-001 manual Excessive flow control problems, Repeater count limitations
Page 16 Page 18

654655-001 specifications

The Intel 654655-001 is a high-performance embedded computing platform designed to support a variety of industrial and commercial applications. As part of Intel's robust family of processors, it integrates a combination of innovative technologies that enhance both processing capabilities and energy efficiency.

One of the standout features of the Intel 654655-001 is its multi-core processor architecture. This allows for efficient multitasking and improved performance in demanding applications. The multi-core design is particularly beneficial for real-time data processing, which is crucial in sectors like manufacturing, telecommunications, and automotive systems.

The processor supports advanced power management technologies, ensuring optimal energy efficiency while maintaining robust performance levels. This is particularly important for embedded systems, where power consumption directly affects operational costs and sustainability. Intel's Intelligent Power Management technology allows the system to adaptively adjust power usage based on workload demands, leading to substantial energy savings.

In addition to its powerful processing capabilities and energy efficiency, the Intel 654655-001 also features integrated graphics. This allows for high-quality visual outputs, making it suitable for applications that require graphical interfaces or advanced visualization. The integrated graphics also alleviate the need for dedicated GPUs, streamlining designs and reducing component costs.

Another vital aspect of the Intel 654655-001 is its support for a wide array of connectivity options. The platform is designed to facilitate seamless communication with various peripherals and networks, making it highly versatile for different applications. Support for industrial standards like PCIe and USB ensures compatibility with numerous devices, enhancing its integration into existing systems.

Furthermore, the Intel 654655-001 benefits from a robust security framework, essential for protecting sensitive data and maintaining operational integrity. Features like Intel Trusted Execution Technology help secure the platform against potential threats, making it an ideal choice for industries that handle confidential information.

Overall, the Intel 654655-001 combines powerful processing capabilities, energy efficiency, integrated graphics, versatile connectivity, and robust security features, making it an ideal solution for modern embedded computing needs across various sectors. Its adaptability and reliability position it as a preferred choice among engineers and developers seeking high-performance embedded systems.
Top Page Image Contents