FPGA module

The Cisco Nexus 3550-F Fusion (formerly ExaLINK Fusion) uses reconfigurable FPGA technology to provide Layer 2 functionality. Different FPGA firmware can be loaded onto each of the internal modules in order to modify the functionality. To change the firmware function, use the configure module X function command. For example, to configure the mux firmware onto module X (the default module installed at the factory):

admin@N3550-F> configure module X function mux
Module X function set to mux
WARNING: Module X is initializing

On the Nexus 3550-F, the available firmware types are fastmux, mux, switch and custom.

On the Cisco Nexus 3550-F Fusion HPT, the available firmware types are hpt and hpt-40g.

The mux firmware is optimized for use with mux objects and mirror objects but does not support switch objects. The switch firmware provides full layer 2 switching functionality and supports all object types. The fastmux firmware uses advanced features to provide the lowest latency. The custom function should be set by users who are running their own firmware on one of the FPGA modules - please refer to the FPGA Development section for more information.

The show module command can be used to see information as to the current state and config of a module:

admin@N3550-F> show module X
Module     : X
Function   : mux
Power      : on
State      : running
FPGA state : configured

Please see this List of FPGA Firmware Differences for further details of the differences between the fastmux, mux and switch firmware types.

This page was last updated on Feb-19-2021.