Differences between MSFC1 and MSFC2 in Catalyst switches

[chinna_22]

Hi,

Want to know the differences between MSFC1 and MSFC2 in Catalyst switches.

[devang_etcom]

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/switches/ps700/products_tech_note09186a008010e9d5.shtml

go through the above link... it will give you the answer

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regards

Devang

[Roberto Salazar]

Hi,

There is not much difference between MSFC1 and MSFC2, the main difference is how the MSFCs send the hardware programming to the PFC. The MSFC1 uses MLS to program the hardware by using the first packet of the traffic. While the MSFC2 uses CEF-based MLS to program the PFC so that the supervisor can make the hardware switching of the packet. NOtice the difference if the MSFC1 needs to see the first packet while the MSFC2, in theory will not need to see a first packet as it uses the CEF routing table to program the PFC2. Now, the kicker, if MSFC2 in sup1A , all this CEF-based MLS is not used since it needs PFC2 to be able to do this. Sup1A does not come with PFC2 only Sup2 comes with PFC2. The MSFCs gives the Cat6K a L3 ability and it's important but the switching performance of the switch depends on the PFC.

Here is a link on MSFC2 data sheet:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/switches/ps708/products_data_sheet09186a00800887fd.html

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