Chapter 32 Configuring Switch Acceleration; Understanding Switch Acceleration - Cisco WS-C4003 - Catalyst 4000 Chassis Switch Software Configuration Manual

Configuring Switch Acceleration
This chapter describes the Backplane Channel module and the switch acceleration feature supported on
the Catalyst 4000 family supervisor engine.
This chapter consists of these sections:
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Note For complete syntax and usage information for the commands used in this chapter, refer to the Command
Reference—Catalyst 4000 Family, Catalyst 2948G, and Catalyst 2980G Switches.

Understanding Switch Acceleration

The switch acceleration feature provides the following supervisor engine performance benefits:
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The switch acceleration feature is supported on Catalyst 4006 switches with Supervisor Engine II and
on the Catalyst 4000 family Backplane Channel module. The switch acceleration feature reduces internal
traffic congestion by creating a full-mesh connection between the switch engines (SEs). The Supervisor
Engine II has three switch engines that switch traffic to and from the modules and the uplink ports. This
chapter refers to these switch engines as SE1, SE2, and SE3.
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By default, there is no direct internal connection between SE1 and SE3. As a result, traffic coming in on
SE1 destined for SE3 or vice versa must go through SE2, which could potentially create congestion. To
avoid such congestion, you can disable the uplink ports and create a direct internal link between SE1
and SE3.
78-12647-02
Understanding Switch Acceleration, page 32-1
Configuring Switch Acceleration, page 32-3
Backplane Channel Module, page 32-3
Increased bandwidth between switch engines
Full-mesh connectivity between switch engines
Reduced internal traffic congestion
SE1 handles traffic for Gigabit Ethernet uplink port 1/1 and traffic between modules installed in the
chassis.
SE3 handles traffic for Gigabit Ethernet uplink port 1/2 and traffic between modules installed in the
chassis.
SE2 switches internal traffic and forwards traffic bound for the uplink ports to the correct SE for that
port.
Software Configuration Guide—Catalyst 4000 Family, Catalyst 2948G, Catalyst 2980G, Releases 6.3 and 6.4
C H A P T E R
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