3COM 3C16857R

The Switch Fabric Module is the core of the 3Com Switch 7700 system. This module provides optional fabric redundancy for the Switch 7700R, with sub-one-second fabric failover.

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. Based on the address-forwarding table, the hardware performs line-speed switching of Layer 2 / Layer 3 data packets.

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 an option for the 3Com Switch 7700R system operation and must be installed into the second slot to connect to the chassis backplane.