Route Processor Selection; Gigabit Route Processor Overview - Cisco 12416 Installation And Configuration Manual

Alarm Card, Line Card, and Rout Processor Overview

Route Processor Selection

Note

Gigabit Route Processor Overview

Cisco 12016, Cisco 12416, and Cisco 12816 Router Installation and Configuration Guide
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Two types of RPs are available: a Gigabit Route Processor (GRP) or a
Performance Route Processor (PRP). The GRP is the route processor that shipped
with earlier Cisco 12000 series routers; the PRP is the route processor shipping
with all current Cisco 12000 series routers. You cannot mix GRPs with PRPs. If
you install a redundant RP, it must be the same type as the primary RP.
This publication uses the term route processor (RP) to indicate either a Gigabit
Route Processor (GRP) or a Performance Route Processor (PRP) unless otherwise
specified.
Each system includes at least one RP that performs a variety of functions
including the following:
• Downloads the Cisco IOS software to all installed line cards at power-on.
Processes the network routing protocols and distributes updates to Cisco
•
Express Forwarding (CEF) tables on the line cards.
Communicates with the line cards, either through the switch fabric or the
•
maintenance bus (MBus):
The switch fabric connection is the main data path for distributing
–
routing tables, as well as packets passed between the RP and the line
cards.
The MBus connection allows the RP to download a system bootstrap
–
image, collect or load diagnostic information, and perform general,
internal system maintenance operations.
The GRP uses an IDT R5000 Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) CPU
that runs at an external bus clock speed of 100 MHz and has an internal clock
speed of 200 MHz.
Figure 1-13 identifies the connectors and LEDs on the GRP front panel.
Chapter 1 Product Overview
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