Connecting Compression Network Modules

This chapter describes the compression network module for Cisco 3600 series routers. It contains the following sections:

This module provides hardware assistance to protocols that use compression and decompression, reduces the load on the CPU caused by software compression, and improves router performance.

Note Compression network modules are supported in Cisco 3600 series routers only.

Compression Network Module

The compression network module (Cisco product number NM-COMPR) does not provide network interfaces of its own, but instead compresses and decompresses data passing through interfaces on other network modules or WAN interface cards in the router. (See Figure 15-1.)

Hardware compression is supported only over Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) links. The compression network module supports only the Stacker compression algorithm.

Cisco IOS Release 11.3 and later allow Frame Relay compression support using the FRF.9 compression algorithm.

Figure 15-1: Compression Network Module

Interfaces Supported

The compression network module supports the following interfaces:

Channelized T1 Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) Primary Rate Interface (PRI)
Channelized E1 ISDN PRI
ISDN Basic Rate Interface (BRI)
Synchronous serial
Switched 56-kbps data service unit/channel service unit (DSU/CSU)

Compression Network Module LEDs

Figure 15-2 shows compression network module LEDs. Table 15-1 describes their meaning.

Figure 15-2: Compression Network Module LEDs

Table 15-1: Compression Network Module LEDs

LED Meaning

EN

Green indicates that the module has passed its self-tests and is available to the router.

ERROR

Amber indicates that an error was found, and if it remains on, that the error might prevent accurate compression.

Off during normal operation.

ACTIVE

Green indicates that the module is ready to process data. It goes on when the boot process is complete and stays on during normal operation.

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