M7i Midplane Description

The midplane is a panel located in the center of the chassis, running from side to side and forming the rear of the PIC card cage (see Figure 1). All router components plug directly into the midplane. The midplane contains an EEPROM that stores the serial number and revision level of the midplane.

The midplane performs the following functions:

• Transfer of packets—An incoming data packet crosses the midplane to a CFEB or CFEB-E. The CFEB or CFEB-E performs switching and forwarding functions and transfers outgoing packets back across the midplane to the FIC or PICs for transmission to the network.
• Power distribution—The midplane distributes power to all router components from the power supplies attached to it.
• Signal connectivity—The midplane transports the signals exchanged by system components for monitoring and control purposes.

Figure 1: Midplane

For midplane serial number information, see Displaying M7i Router Components and Serial Numbers.