[f-nsp] Brocade MLXe Module Interoperability

[Brant Ian Stevens]

Yeah, this is what I was thinking of... but we'll be using only Gen2 
fabric modules.  I was conflating that with interface modules.  Still 
gonna ask my local SE... :)

Thanks!

-Brant


> Tamas Csillag <mailto:tcsillag at interware.hu>
> April 15, 2012 5:08 PM
> Accoring to the BCSPNE study guide:
>
>
> High-speed Switch Fabric Modules
> • Gen-2 high-speed fabric (hSFM) modules support wire-speed forwarding 
> for all packet sizes, including
> jumbo frames
> • hSFM modules are supported on Brocade MLX Series and Brocade NetIron 
> XMR routers, and are
> interoperable with all existing interface module
> • hSFM modules are hot-swappable, which means you can install or 
> replace them while the system is
> powered up and running
> • hSFM modules can operate in normal mode or turbo mode but will boot 
> in turbo mode only if all active
> interface modules are Gen-2 module
> Note
> Gen-1 switch fabric modules and Gen-2 hSFMs are not compatible and 
> will not operate together in
> the same device.
>
> Managing Switch Fabric Modules
> High-speed Switch Fabric Modules can operate in Normal mode or Turbo 
> mode. Standard switch fabric
> modules (SFM) can only operate in Normal mode. The hSFM module is 
> classified as a G2 module and SFM
> module is classified as a G1 module.
> When operating in Normal mode, the system uses fixed size cells across 
> the backplane. When operating in
> Turbo mode, the system uses variable size cells across the backplane. 
> Turbo mode provides higher
> performance since it is a more efficient mechanism of sending cells 
> across the backplane.
> The system selects the operating mode for switch fabric modules at 
> startup, or when the first switch fabric or
> interface module is installed. The system uses this mode for all 
> modules that are subsequently installed.
> hSFM modules will boot in Turbo mode only if all active interface 
> modules are G2 modules. In a chassis
> loaded with G1 and G2 modules, the hSFM modules will default to Normal 
> mode.
> If the system fabric mode is changed to Normal mode from Turbo mode, 
> or vice versa, the system will not
> change the current operating mode unless the chassis is reloaded.
> The switch fabric modes have the following restrictions:
> • The system blocks discovery of any standard switch fabric (G1) 
> module if you have issued the
> system-init block-g1-sfm command.
> • If the system is operating in Turbo mode, standard switch fabric 
> modules (G1) and standard (G1) interface
> modules are automatically blocked.
> • If there are any active G1 switch fabric modules, G2 interface 
> modules are blocked.
> • If there are any active G2 interface modules, G1 switch fabric 
> modules are blocked.
>
>
> Since this is just a study guide, I'd ask a Brocade rep, just to be sure.
>
> Tamas
>
>
>
>
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