Switch Fabric (SF) Modules in an EX8216 Switch

The Switch Fabric (SF) modules provide switching functionality to an EX8216 switch. See Figure 1.

An EX8216 switch can have up to eight SF modules. We recommend that you install all eight SF modules in an EX8216 switch to support maximum midplane performance for the installed line cards. All shipping configurations of an EX8216 switch include eight SF modules. See EX8216 Switch Configurations.

In the EX8216 switch, all eight SF modules are simultaneously active when the switch is operational. All SF modules are fully connected to all installed line cards. If a single SF module fails, the input/output traffic for that module is load-balanced among the remaining SF modules, providing graceful degradation in midplane performance. The impact of an SF module failure on the performance of an EX8216 switch varies based on the type of line cards installed in the switch and the traffic mix flowing through them. In an EX8216 switch configuration that is fully loaded with 8-port 10-Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ line cards, if one SF module fails, the remaining seven SF modules still have sufficient switching capacity to maintain continuous switch operation at full wire-rate performance.

Figure 1: SF Module in an EX8216 Switch

The SF modules are installed in the rear of the chassis in the slots labeled SF7 through SF0 (from left to right). See Slot Numbering for an EX8216 Switch.

The SF modules are hot-insertable and hot-removable field-replaceable units (FRUs). However, you must take the SF modules offline before removing them. See Taking the SF Module Offline in an EX8216 Switch.

The SF modules contain logic that determines which RE module is the master. The master RE module controls many internal functions of the SF modules.

The SF modules provide these functions:

• Provide data path connectivity for the switch (switch data between line cards)

Each SF module has these components:

• SF module LEDs—Indicate system status. See SF Module LEDs in an EX8216 Switch.
• Ejector levers—Used for installing and removing the SF module.
• Handle—Facilitates installing and removing the SF module.
• Captive screws—Secure the SF module in place.