BCM567X BOARDCOM [Broadcom Corporation.], BCM567X Datasheet - Page 19

• Manufacturer Part Number: BCM567X
• Description: A Scalable Approach to Gigabit Ethernet Switch Design
• Manufacturer: BOARDCOM [Broadcom Corporation.]

06/27/02
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In these systems, the maximum port density is usually not greater than 24 ports. The decisions here are the same as those
of a fixed system – whether to interconnect switching chips with a cascading or matrix interconnect.
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These systems are generally fixed systems that are installed in slow- or non-growth environments. Again, the decisions here
are port count and which interconnect type to use.
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Depending on how the vendor programs the chips, system designers can derive different values out of the StrataXGS family.
For example, they can choose to activate and customize a number of routing, security, and voice features. To reduce
componentry and development time, designers can use an Advanced Function Module, a network processor that is
software-upgradable, to activate server load balancing, WAN interfaces, firewall functions and VoIP call server capabilities
across all the components in a given system (see Figure 12, in the “Sample System Configurations” section).
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Another decision facing system vendors is whether they should develop their own software operating system for customizing
and activating features or whether they should buy it. Those who wish to purchase third-party software can acquire
Broadcom API-compatible operating systems from Broadcom partners RADLAN and Wind River Systems Inc.
If the system vendor elects to build the software, the Broadcom Switch API reduces development time and effort by shielding
upper-layer network applications and operating systems from the Layer 1 interfaces. Using the Broadcom API enables easy
migration between switch products and generations (see
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