This chapter describes the function and physical components of the optional router module (also known as an R-brick) in the following sections:
The router module or R-brick is an eight-port 2U high option module that functions as a high-speed switch to route network packets between Altix 330 modules within a system. This creates a NUMAlink-4 interconnect fabric (as opposed to a module-to-module topology which is used in two-unit linked system configurations). The optional router is generally only used when there are three to eight modules interconnected as a single system image (up to 16 processors). Figure 5-1 shows a front view of the router.
Figure 2-5 illustrates the cabling of an optional router system using a block diagram. The section “Optional Router Configurations” in Chapter 2 details the cable connection points used in an optional router system.
The key component within the module is the router chip, an SGI custom-designed ASIC. The router chip is an eight-port crossbar that connects any input-link channel to any of the seven possible output-link channels (ports).
The router has the following features:
Eight NUMAlink-4 channels
One USB port for system controller support
One L1 controller and LCD display
One 9-pin console connector
Two hot-pluggable cooling fans (not customer replaceable)
Figure 5-2 shows a block diagram of the router.
This section describes the external components that are located on the front and rear panels of the router.
The router contains the following front panel items (as shown in Figure 5-1):
L1 display. The L1 display is a 55.7 mm X 32 mm backlit liquid crystal display (LCD) that displays system messages. It displays two lines with a maximum of 12 characters on each line.
On/Off switch with LED. Press this button to turn on the router internal components. You can also turn on the router internal components at a system console.
Three LEDs:
On/Off switch LED. This LED illuminates green when the router internal components are on and turns off when they are off.
Service required LED. This LED illuminates orange to indicate that an item is broken or not operating properly (for example, a fan is off), but the router is still operating.
Failure LED. This LED illuminates red to indicate that a system failure has occurred and the router is down.
Fans. Two hot-pluggable fans provide N+1 redundant cooling.
The router has the following rear panel items (see Figure 5-3):
PWR (power) connector. This connects the router to the power outlet, (120 or 220V autosensing).
Links Altix 330 to NUMAlink connectors (A through H or 1 through 8). These link connectors connect the router to the Altix 330 compute or option modules to form an interconnect fabric.
L1 port connector. This connects the internal USB hub of the router to an optional console/controller. The internal USB hub can receive the USB signals from the controller via this port and distribute these signals to the L1 of the router.
Console connector. This serial port provides optional connection to a terminal for system control purposes.
Link connector LEDs. Each NUMAlink connector has two LEDs, as follows:
The yellow LED illuminates to indicate that both the router and the brick to which it is connected are powered on.
The green LED illuminates when a link has been established between the router and the brick to which it is connected.
Table 5-1 lists the technical specifications of the router.
Table 5-1. Router Technical Specifications
Characteristic | Specification |
|---|---|
Height | 3.3 in. (83.82 mm) |
Width | 17.38 in. (441.45 mm) |
Depth | 27.5 in. (698.50 mm) |
Weight | 20 lb (9.1 kg) |
Heat dissipation | 205 Btu/hr maximum |
Input power | (~ 60 W) |
Table 5-2 lists the specifications of the router ports.
Table 5-2. Router Port Specifications
Port | Quantity | Peak Transfer Rate |
|---|---|---|
link | 8 | 3.2 GB/s each direction |
L1 | 1 | 12 Mbits/s |