Chapter 1 Plim, Sip, And Spa Product Overview; Introduction To Plims, Sips, And Spas; Physical Layer Interface Modules; Spa Interface Processors - Cisco ASR 14000 Series Hardware Installation Manual

PLIM, SIP, and SPA Product Overview
This chapter provides an introduction to physical layer interface modules (PLIMs), SPA interface
processors (SIPs), and shared port adapters (SPAs). It includes the following sections:
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For information on specific Cisco ASR 14000 Series Router software commands, refer to
Cisco ASR 14000 Series Router Interface and Hardware Component Command Reference.

Introduction to PLIMs, SIPs, and SPAs

PLIMs, SIPs, and SPAs comprise a carrier card and port adapter architecture that increases modularity,
flexibility, and density across Cisco Systems routers for network connectivity. This section describes
PLIMs, SIPs, and SPAs and provides some guidelines for their use.

Physical Layer Interface Modules

A physical layer interface module (PLIM) provides the packet interfaces for the routing system. Optic
modules on the PLIM contain ports to which fiber-optic cables are connected. User data is received and
transmitted through the PLIM ports, and is converted between the optical signals (used in the network)
and the electrical signals (used by line card chassis components).
Each PLIM is paired with a Forwarding Processor 40G (FP40) through the chassis midplane. The FP40
provides Layer 3 services for the user data, and the PLIM provides Layer 1 and Layer 2 services. An
FP40 can be paired with different types of PLIMs to provide a variety of packet interfaces and port
densities.

SPA Interface Processors

The following list describes some of the general characteristics of a SPA interface processor (SIP):
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OL-17456-01
Introduction to PLIMs, SIPs, and SPAs, page 1-1
SIP and SPA Compatibility, page 1-2
Modular Optics Compatibility, page 1-3
A SIP is a carrier card that is similar to a physical layer interface module (PLIM) and inserts into a
line card chassis slot like any other PLIM. Unlike SIPs on the other platform,
Cisco ASR14K-20XGE-FL SIP provides network connectivity.
Cisco ASR 14000 Series Router PLIM, SIP, and SPA Hardware Installation Guide
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