M40e PICs Description

PICs physically connect the M40e Multiservice Edge Router to network media. They are housed in Flexible PIC Concentrators (FPCs).

PICs receive incoming packets from the network and transmit outgoing packets to the network, performing framing and line-speed signaling for their media type as required. PICs also encapsulate outgoing packets received from the FPCs before transmitting them. The controller ASIC on each PIC performs additional control functions specific to the PIC media type.

The router supports various PICs, including ATM, Channelized, Gigabit Ethernet, IP Services, and SONET/SDH interfaces.

Some PICs accept small form-factor pluggables (SFPs), which are fiber-optic transceivers that can be removed from the PIC. Various SFPs have different reach characteristics. You can mix them in a single PIC and change the combination dynamically. SFPs are hot-removable and hot-insertable. ,

M40e PIC Slots

The number of ports on a PIC depends on the type of PIC. You can install up to four PICs in each Type 1 FPC and one PIC in each Type 2 FPC. Blank PICs resemble other PICs but do not provide any physical connection or activity. When a slot is not occupied by a PIC, you must insert a blank PIC to fill the empty slot and ensure proper cooling of the system.

PICs installed on Type 1 FPCs and Type 2 FPCs are hot-removable and hot-insertable.

M40e PIC Components

Most PICs supported on the M40e Multiservice Edge Router have the following components:

• One or more cable connector ports—Accept a network media connector.
• LEDs—Indicate PIC status. Most PICs have an LED labeled STATUS on the PIC faceplate. Some PICs have additional LEDs, often one per port. The meaning of the LED states differs for various PICs. See each PIC description for more information about the LEDs.

• Offline button—Prepares the PIC for removal from the FPC when pressed.

  • Type 1 PICs—The offline button for each PIC is next to it on the FPC.
  • Type 2 PICs—The offline button is on the PIC faceplate.