Security : 3Com 3C16872

Manufacturer's description

The switch fabric module is the core of the 3Com Switch 7700 system. The switch fabric performs route calculation and provides all Layer 3 switching functionality. It also performs Layer 2 switching between interface modules and where on-board Layer 2 switching is not possible.

The 3Com Switch 7700 4-Slot Switch Fabric Module supports an optional sub-module to deliver four ports of high-performance Gigabit directly from the switch fabric. Sub-modules are available in two port configurations: 10/100/1000BASE-T copper Gigabit; and 1000BASE-X GBIC Gigabit. The sub-module capability is particularly helpful when Gigabit Ethernet ports are required for an uplink when using fast Ethernet modules in the chassis payload slots.

Based on the address-forwarding table of the switch fabric module, the hardware performs line-speed switching of Layer 2 / Layer 3 data packets. VLANs, link aggregation, QoS traffic classification and prioritization, and ACLs (Access Control Lists) are also supported by the hardware.

In addition to switching functions, the switch fabric module performs control and management functions for the system. The management channel performs such functions as initialization and configuration of the system, data packet learning, protocol processing, and network management. It also provides environmental monitoring, software upgrade and interface module control.

The switch fabric module is essential for 3Com Switch 7700 system operation and must be installed into the top slot to connect to the chassis backplane.