Component Overview

Route Processor

Flash Memory SIMM

LEDs

Ethernet Port

Flash PC Card Slots

Console Port

Switch Module

Line Modules

10/100BaseT Ethernet UTP

100BaseFX Multimode Fiber

Gigabit Ethernet Fiber

Component Overview

This chapter provides a brief overview of the hardware components described in later chapters and contains these sections:

Route Processor

This section describes the route processor, shown in Figure 1-1.

The route processor resides in slot 4 of the Catalyst 8540 switch chassis. It contains most of the system memory components and the main system processor, which includes the network management processor for the system software. The route processor maintains and executes the management functions that control the device.

Figure 1-1: Route Processor

The route processor features include the following:

MultiChannel Interface Processor (MIP) architecture R5000 microprocessor at 200 MHz internally, 100-MHz system interface
Three memory components:
- Two dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) single in-line memory modules (SIMMs) for storing incoming and outgoing packets, queues, and caches
- One Flash memory SIMM for storing the system software image (8 MB default, upgradable to 16 MB)
- Two Flash PC card slots for additional Flash memory
Air temperature sensor for environmental monitoring
Console serial port for connection to a terminal or a modem
10-Mbps Ethernet port for connection to a Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) management station

In addition to these features, the route processor performs the following management functions:

Monitors interface and environmental status
Provides SNMP management and the console (Telnet) interface

Flash Memory SIMM

Using the Flash memory SIMM, you can load and store system software images remotely. You can download a new software image over the network or from a local server and add the new image to Flash memory or replace an existing image.

LEDs

The LEDs on the route processor indicate the status of the route processor, Flash PC card slots, and interface ports. (See Figure 1-2.)

Note For detailed descriptions of the route processor LEDs, refer to the section "Route Processor and Switch Module LEDs" in the chapter "Checking the Component Installation."

Figure 1-2: Route Processor LEDs

Ethernet Port

The route processor includes one 10BaseT RJ-45 Ethernet port that you can use to connect a management workstation for SNMP management. (See Figure 1-2.)

Note The Ethernet port on the route processor cannot be used as a routed port.

Flash PC Card Slots

The route processor includes two Flash PC card slots into which you can install up to two Type II Flash memory cards. (See Figure 1-3.) You can store the system software and configuration information on these cards. You can also configure the system to boot from a software image stored on a Flash memory card.

For detailed descriptions of the Flash memory cards, refer to the section "Installing and Removing Flash Memory Cards" in the chapter "Installing and Connecting Components."

Figure 1-3: Flash PC Card Slots

Console Port

The route processor includes one console port, shown in Figure 1-4.

Figure 1-4: Console Port

The console port is a female EIA/TIA-232 data communications equipment (DCE), DB-25 receptacle, used for connection to a console terminal or modem.

Note EIA/TIA-232 and EIA/TIA-449 were known as recommended standards RS-232 and RS-449 before their acceptance as standards by the Electronic Industries Association (EIA) and Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA).

Switch Module

The switch modules reside in slots 5 and 7 of the Catalyst 8540 switch chassis. You must have two switch modules for proper operation. Each switch module contains the Fast Ethernet Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching engine.

The LEDs on the switch module indicate the status of the module. (See Figure 1-5.)

Note For detailed descriptions of the switch module LEDs, refer to the section "Route Processor and Switch Module LEDs" in the chapter "Checking the Component Installation."

Figure 1-5: Switch Module LEDs

Line Modules

The Catalyst 8540 CSR line modules provide ports for connection to network services. You can install line modules in slots 0 through 3 and slots 9 through 12. Slots 4 through 8 are reserved for route processors and switch modules.

The line modules are used for 10-Mbps, 100-Mbps, or 1000-Mbps Ethernet connections. Status and link LEDs on each port give quick, visual indications of port status and operation. Comprehensive statistics gathering and alarm monitoring capabilities are available for all connections.

All configuration information for line modules is saved between hot swaps and reboots, and interface types are discovered automatically by the Catalyst 8540 CSR. This eliminates mandatory manual configuration.

The Catalyst 8540 CSR supports any line module combination. You can configure it with only the number and type of interfaces required, with up to 128 interface ports.

10/100BaseT Ethernet UTP

The 10/100BaseT Ethernet line module has 16 10-Mbps or 100-Mbps Layer 2 or Layer 3 unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) connections. (See Figure 1-6.) This module supports full-duplex or half-duplex connections and Fast EtherChannel operation.

Figure 1-6: 10/100BaseT Ethernet UTP Line Module

100BaseFX Multimode Fiber

The 100BaseFX multimode fiber Ethernet line module is used for 100-Mbps Layer 2 or Layer 3 fiber-optic connections. (See Figure 1-7.) This module supports full-duplex or half-duplex connections and Fast EtherChannel operation. It provides 16 multimode fiber ports with MT-RJ connectors.

Figure 1-7: 100BaseFX Multimode Fiber Line Module

Gigabit Ethernet Fiber

The Gigabit Ethernet line module is used for 1000-Mbps Layer 2 or Layer 3 fiber-optic connections. (See Figure 1-8.) It provides two Gigabit Ethernet ports with SC-type connectors.

Figure 1-8: Gigabit Ethernet Line Module

Table of Contents

Component Overview