abaco systems NETernity RM921N Quick user guide

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Hardware Reference Manual
NETernity* RM921N / RM921ND
VME Managed Ethernet Switch, IPv6-Capable,
Layer 2/3+, 12/24 Port Gigabit, OpenWare* Switch
Management
Publication No. 597-0000000013-000 Rev. F

2NETernity* RM921N / RM921ND Hardware Reference Manual Publication No. 597-0000000013-000 Rev. F
Document History
Revision
Date
Description
D
November 2010
N/A
D.1
March 2016
Rebranded to Abaco format
E
September 2019
Added CoV in Appendix C
F
November 2019
Added updated CoV and added reference to RM921ND
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Returns
Abaco Systems is registered with an approved Producer Compliance Scheme (PCS) and, subject
to suitable contractual arrangements being in place, will ensure WEEE is processed in
accordance with the requirements of the WEEE Directive.
Abaco Systems will evaluate requests to take back products purchased by our customers before
August 13, 2005 on a case by case basis. A WEEE management fee may apply.

Publication No. 597-0000000013-000 Rev. F About This Manual 3
About This Manual
Conventions
Notices
This manual may use the following types of notice:
WARNING
Warnings alert you to the risk of severe personal injury.
CAUTION
Cautions alert you to system danger or loss of data.
NOTE
Notes call attention to important features or instructions.
TIP
Tips give guidance on procedures that may be tackled in a number of ways.
LINK
Links take you to other documents or websites.
Numbers
All numbers are expressed in decimal, except addresses and memory or register
data, which are expressed in hexadecimal. Where confusion may occur, decimal
numbers have a “D” subscript and binary numbers have a “b” subscript. The prefix
“0x” shows a hexadecimal number, following the ‘C’ programming language
convention. Thus:
One dozen = 12D= 0x0C = 1100b
The multipliers “k”, “M” and “G” have their conventional scientific and engineering
meanings of x103, x106and x109, respectively, and can be used to define a transfer
rate. The only exception to this is in the description of the size of memory areas,
when “K”, “M” and “G” mean x210, x220 and x230 respectively.
In PowerPC terminology, multiple bit fields are numbered from 0 to n where 0 is the
MSB and n is the LSB. PCI terminology follows the more familiar convention that bit
0 is the LSB and n is the MSB.
Text
Signal names ending with “#” denote active low signals; all other signals are active
high. “-” and “+” denote the low and high components of a differential signal
respectively.

4NETernity* RM921N / RM921ND Hardware Reference Manual Publication No. 597-0000000013-000 Rev. F
Further Information
Abaco Website
You can find information regarding Abaco products on the following website:
LINK
https://www.abaco.com
Abaco Documents
This document is distributed via the Abaco website. You may register for access to
manuals via the website.
LINK
https://www.abaco.com/products/neternity-rm921n/p1222
NOTE
Technical literature describing components used on the RM921N is available from the manufacturers’
websites.
Technical Support Contact Information
You can find technical assistance contact details on the website Support page.
LINK
https://www.abaco.com/support
Abaco will log your query in the Technical Support database and allocate it a unique
Case number for use in any future correspondence.
Alternatively, you may also contact Abaco’s Technical Support via:
LINK
[email protected]
Returns
If you need to return a product, there is a Return Materials Authorization (RMA)
form available via the website Support page.
LINK
https://www.abaco.com/support
Do not return products without first contacting the Abaco Repairs facility.

Publication No. 597-0000000013-000 Rev. F Contents 5
Contents
About This Manual ........................................................................................................................ 3
1 • Overview ................................................................................................................................... 8
1.1 Features ..............................................................................................................................................................9
1.1.1 Product Features...............................................................................................................................................................9
1.1.2 Switch Fabric Features.....................................................................................................................................................9
1.2 System Management Support ...........................................................................................................................9
1.3 Safety Summary ...............................................................................................................................................10
1.3.1 Do Not Operate in an Explosive Atmosphere ................................................................................................................10
1.3.2 Keep Away from Live Circuits.........................................................................................................................................10
1.3.3 Do Not Service or Adjust Alone ......................................................................................................................................10
1.3.4 Do Not Substitute Parts or Modify System ...................................................................................................................10
1.3.5 Handling...........................................................................................................................................................................10
2 • Unpacking and Installation .................................................................................................... 11
2.1 Unpacking Procedures .....................................................................................................................................11
2.2 Identifying Your Board......................................................................................................................................11
2.3 Equipment Grounding.......................................................................................................................................11
2.4 Installation ........................................................................................................................................................11
2.5 Front Panel Connectors and Indicators...........................................................................................................12
2.5.1 Network Connections .....................................................................................................................................................12
2.5.2 Port LEDs .........................................................................................................................................................................12
2.5.3 Serial Console Port..........................................................................................................................................................14
2.5.4 Baseboard-to-VME Backplane Connector .....................................................................................................................15
3 • Theory of Operation................................................................................................................ 16
3.1 Operation...........................................................................................................................................................16
3.2 Switch Software Environment .........................................................................................................................19
3.3 Switching Fabric...............................................................................................................................................19
3.3.1 IPv6 Support....................................................................................................................................................................19
3.3.2 Layer 2/3..........................................................................................................................................................................19
3.3.3 Virtual LAN (VLAN)..........................................................................................................................................................20
3.3.4 Routing Domains.............................................................................................................................................................20
3.3.5 Port Mirror .......................................................................................................................................................................21
A • Compliance............................................................................................................................. 22
A.1 Emission Compliance Notice...........................................................................................................................22
A.2 Optical/Laser Device Notice ............................................................................................................................23
B • Specifications......................................................................................................................... 24
C • Statement of Volatility ........................................................................................................... 25
C.1 Volatile Memory................................................................................................................................................25
C.2 Non-Volatile Memory........................................................................................................................................25
C.3 Media Storage ..................................................................................................................................................26

6NETernity* RM921N / RM921ND Hardware Reference Manual Publication No. 597-0000000013-000 Rev. F
List of Figures
Figure 2-1 RM921N Front Panels ...............................................................................................................................13
Figure 2-2 Serial Console Port ....................................................................................................................................14
Figure 2-3 Serial Console Port LEDs’ Location ..........................................................................................................14
Figure 3-1 Baseboard Block Diagram.........................................................................................................................17
Figure 3-2 DA921 with Removable Secure Memory ..................................................................................................18

Publication No. 597-0000000013-000 Rev. F List of Tables 7
List of Tables
Table 2-1 Front Panel LEDs.........................................................................................................................................12
Table 2-2 Serial Console Port (P13) Pin Descriptions ...............................................................................................14
Table 2-3 Serial Console Port (P13) LEDs ..................................................................................................................14
Table 2-4 Board-to-VME Backplane Connector (P1) Pin Description........................................................................15
Table 2-5 Board-to-VME Backplane Connector (P2) Pin Description........................................................................15
Table B-1 Specifications for RM921N ........................................................................................................................24
Table C-1 Volatile Memory..........................................................................................................................................25
Table C-2 Non-Volatile Memory ..................................................................................................................................25
Table C-3 Media Storage.............................................................................................................................................26

8NETernity* RM921N / RM921ND Hardware Reference Manual Publication No. 597-0000000013-000 Rev. F
1 • Overview
The NETernity* RM921N is a full wire speed, Managed Layer 2/3 switch with
Abaco’s exclusive OpenWare* switch management environment. The RM921N
provides an all‐Gigabit Ethernet solution for high availability VME systems with an
option to support 100Base-FX Ethernet connections. The boards feature 12 or 24
ports of GbE (Gigabit Ethernet) or 100Base-FX. Port configuration can be ordered
with a combination of different types of Gigabit (copper and fiber) and 100Base-FX
interfaces. The 100Base-FX interface uses an LC‐type fiber transceiver. In addition,
the RM921N offers Layer 3 support for routing and Layer 4‐7 for packet classification
and filtering. All ports are switched ports.
The RM921N occupies either a single slot (12) or dual slot (24) in a VME chassis,
depending upon the number of ports configured. The minimum configuration is the
baseboard with 12 ports. The expansion board (second slot) provides an additional
12 ports through a board‐to‐board connection which then enables the RM921N to
support a total of 24 ports.
The GbE ports can be ordered as either fiber or copper interfaces. The fiber interfaces
support either 1000Base-SX or 1000Base-LX GbE transceivers. RJ45 connectors are
used for the copper media; LC for fiber.
The new management processor board, DA921, has an optional secure memory
function that allows easy removal of the flash memory from the board. This is
available on the RM921ND only. The flash memory on the RM921N is not
removable.

Publication No. 597-0000000013-000 Rev. F Overview 9
1.1 Features
1.1.1 Product Features
•6U VME form factor
•Layer 2/3 Switching
•12 Port Gigabit /100Base-FX Switch [single slot]
•24 Port Gigabit /100Base-FX Switch [dual slot]
•Fully managed solution
•Full IPv6 Compatibility
•Combination of copper or fiber ports
•Full wire speed
•1000Base-SX fiber transceivers
•1000Base-LX fiber transceivers
•Automatic MDI crossover on each copper port
1.1.2 Switch Fabric Features
•Optional secure memory
•QoS prioritization
•Packet filtering
•Link aggregation
•802.1Q VLAN standard
•Multiple Spanning Tree
•Broadcast and multicast storm control
•Port mirroring
•Congestion control
1.2 System Management Support
•Linux®based management software executing on PPC (PowerPC®) processor
•802.1Q Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol
•Frame statistics collection and reporting
•Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)
•Operators Command Line Interface (CLI) accessed via network (Telnet or SSH)
and local RS232 Serial port

10 NETernity* RM921N / RM921ND Hardware Reference Manual Publication No. 597-0000000013-000 Rev. F
1.3 Safety Summary
The following general safety precautions represent warnings of certain dangers of
which Abaco Systems is aware. Failure to comply with these or with specific
Warnings and/or Cautions elsewhere in this manual violates safety standards of
design, manufacture and intended use of the equipment. Abaco Systems assumes no
liability for the user’s failure to comply with these requirements. Also follow all
warning instructions contained in associated system equipment manuals.
WARNING
Use extreme caution when handling, testing, and adjusting this equipment. This device may operate in an
environment containing potentially dangerous voltages.
Ensure that all power to the system is removed before installing any device.
To minimize shock hazard, the chassis and system cabinet must be connected to an electrical ground. A
three‐conductor AC power cable should be used. The power cable must either be plugged into an approved
three‐contact electrical outlet or used with a three‐contact to two‐contact adapter with the grounding wire
(green) firmly connected to an electrical ground (safety ground) at the power outlet.
1.3.1 Do Not Operate in an Explosive Atmosphere
Do not operate the system in the presence of flammable gases or fumes. Operation of
any electrical system in such an environment constitutes a definite safety hazard.
1.3.2 Keep Away from Live Circuits
Operating personnel must not remove product covers. Component replacement and
internal adjustments must be made by qualified maintenance personnel. Do not
replace components with power cable connected. Under certain conditions,
dangerous voltages may exist even with the power cable removed. To avoid injuries,
always disconnect power and discharge circuits before touching them.
1.3.3 Do Not Service or Adjust Alone
Do not attempt internal service or adjustment unless another person capable of
rendering first aid and resuscitation is present.
1.3.4 Do Not Substitute Parts or Modify System
Because of the danger of introducing additional hazards, do not install substitute
parts or perform any unauthorized modification to the product. Return the product
to Abaco for service and repair to ensure that safety features are maintained
1.3.5 Handling
Only handle the RM921N by the edges, ejector handles or front panel.

Publication No. 597-0000000013-000 Rev. F Unpacking and Installation 11
2 • Unpacking and Installation
This chapter describes the handling, installation, front panel and baseboard‐to‐
backplane connectors of the RM921N board.
2.1 Unpacking Procedures
On receipt of the shipping container, check for any evidence of physical damage. All
claims arising from shipping damage should be filed with the carrier and a complete
report sent to Abaco Technical Support, see Technical Support Contact Information.
Electronic assemblies use devices that are sensitive to static discharge. Observe
antistatic procedures when handling these boards. All products should be in an
antistatic plastic bag or conductive foam for storage or shipment. Work at an
approved antistatic workstation when unpacking boards.
2.2 Identifying Your Board
The board is identified by labels at strategic positions. These can be cross-checked
against the Advice Note provided with your delivery.
Identification labels attached to the shipping box and the antistatic bag give identical
information: product code, product description and equipment number. On the
board within the antistatic bag, there is an identifying label attached to the PCB.
2.3 Equipment Grounding
To minimize electric shock hazard, connect the equipment chassis and
rack/enclosure to an electrical ground. If AC power is supplied to the rack/enclosure,
the power jack and mating plug of the power cable must meet International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) safety standards.
2.4 Installation
1. Locate the slot in the chassis into which the switch will be installed.
2. Switch off power to the chassis.
3. Observing proper anti‐static procedures, insert the RM921N into the chassis.
4. Use the ejector handles to ensure the card is fully seated into the backplane.
5. The chassis may now be powered up
NOTE
To utilize the VME system reset, the JP1 jumper must be installed on the board.

12 NETernity* RM921N / RM921ND Hardware Reference Manual Publication No. 597-0000000013-000 Rev. F
2.5 Front Panel Connectors and Indicators
2.5.1 Network Connections
There are three types of network connections used in the product family:
•RJ45 connectors for 10/100/1000 MByte/s TX (copper) ports
•LC connections for Fiber ports
•RJ45 Connector for console port
All RJ45 connectors are wired per industry specification; any standard network cable
may be used to connect them to a NIC card. Each copper port can perform an
automatic Media Dependent Interface (MDI) crossover, eliminating the need for
crossover cables or cross‐wired (MDIX) ports.
2.5.2 Port LEDs
RM921N uses two LEDs per port. One LED is used to indicate a valid link and the
other one displays port activity. The LED colors for fiber and copper interfaces are
defined in Table 2-1.
Table 2-1 Front Panel LEDs
Copper Interface LEDs
LED
Color
Description
Indication
ACT
Yellow
Port activity
Blinking: Port in TX/
RX mode
LNK
Green
Link status
ON: Valid link
OFF: No link
Fiber Interface LEDs
LED
Color
Description
Indication
A
Orange
Port activity
Blinking: Port in TX/
RX mode
S
Green
Signal detect
(SD)
ON: Valid fiber link
OFF: No fiber link

Publication No. 597-0000000013-000 Rev. F Unpacking and Installation 13
Figure 2-1 RM921N Front Panels
NOTE
The front panels from left to right are: The first front panel with 8 Gigabit Copper ports and 4 Gigabit Fiber
ports; the second front panel is the Expansion Panel with 12 Gigabit Copper ports, and the third front panel
is 8 Gigabit Copper ports and 4 100FX Fiber.

14 NETernity* RM921N / RM921ND Hardware Reference Manual Publication No. 597-0000000013-000 Rev. F
2.5.3 Serial Console Port
The baseboard provides a serial port through an RJ45 with integrated LEDs in the
front panel (P13). This port is used for serial communication with the management
board.
Figure 2-2 Serial Console Port
Table 2-2 Serial Console Port (P13) Pin Descriptions
Pin No.
Name
Description
1, 2
N/C
No Connection
3
GND
Circuit Ground
4
RXD0
Receive Data
5
TXD0
Transmit Data
6
GND
Circuit Ground
7, 8
N/C
No Connection
9, 10
CGND
Chassis Ground
Table 2-3 Serial Console Port (P13) LEDs
LEDs
Indication
DS25[GRN]
ON: Power Good: Board not in reset
OFF: Board in reset
DS26[GRN]
Not Used
Figure 2-3 Serial Console Port LEDs’ Location

Publication No. 597-0000000013-000 Rev. F Unpacking and Installation 15
2.5.4 Baseboard-to-VME Backplane Connector
The RM921N base module interconnects with the VME backplane through the P1
and P2 connectors. P1 and P2 are standard DIN triple‐row, 96‐pin male connectors.
Table 2-4 Board-to-VME Backplane Connector (P1) Pin Description
Pin No.
Name
Description
Comments
A9, A11, A15, A17,
A19
GND
Circuit ground
Connected to RM921N ground plane
A21-A22
IACKIN#,
IACKOUT#
Interrupt Acknowledge
IN & OUT
Signals are bypassed on RM921N
A32
+5V
+5V supply
Connected to RM921N +5V power plane
B4-B5
BG0IN#,
BG0OUT#
Bus grant IN & OUT
(level 0)
Signals are bypassed on RM921N
B6-B7
BG1IN#,
BG1OUT#
Bus grant IN & OUT
(level 1)
Signals are bypassed on RM921N
B8-B9
BG2IN#,
BG2OUT#
Bus grant IN & OUT
(level 2)
Signals are bypassed on RM921N
B10-B11
BG3IN#,
BG3OUT#
Bus grant IN & OUT
(level 3)
Signals are bypassed on RM921N
B20 and B23
GND
Circuit ground
B32
+5V
+5V supply
Connected to RM921N +5V power plane
C9
GND
Circuit ground
C32
+5V
+5V supply
Connected to RM921N +5V power plane
NOTE
The RM921N uses only +5V voltage from rows A, B and C. Pins not listed in the table are left open.
Table 2-5 Board-to-VME Backplane Connector (P2) Pin Description
Pin No.
Name
Description
Comment
B1, B13, B32
+5V
+5V supply
Connected to RM921N +5V power plane
B2, B12, B22, B31
GND
Circuit ground
Connected to RM921N ground plane
NOTE
The RM921N uses only +5V voltage from rows B. Pins not listed in the table are left open.

16 NETernity* RM921N / RM921ND Hardware Reference Manual Publication No. 597-0000000013-000 Rev. F
3 • Theory of Operation
The RM921N is a VME‐based managed Ethernet switch with 12/24 port Gigabit,
Layer 2/3, supporting IPv6. Moreover, the RM921N supports 100Base-FX interfaces
through different hardware configurations. The management entity executes on an
embedded processor. With a single slot solution, the baseboard supports 12 ports for
GbE or 100Base-FX or a combination of both. With a dual slot solution, the combined
baseboard and expansion board will support a total of 24 ports for GbE, 100Base-FX
or a combination of both.
3.1 Operation
The RM921N block diagram is shown in Figure 3-1. The design incorporates a highly
integrated 24-port GbE multi‐layer switch fabric. The switch fabric supports IPv6
routing functions.
The Management processor configures and manages both the switch and port
controllers.
The DA921 management board with secure memory option provides a Mini Edge
Card socket. This connector enables user to plug/remove the flash memory module
into/from the management board.
The RM921N board supports a combination of fiber and copper media interfaces.
For copper media, the BCM56302 interfaces with an external PHY to provide link
layer support (e.g., auto negotiation). The copper physical interface uses dual RJ45
connectors with integrated LEDs. The fiber optic interface is connected directly to
the switch fabric.

Publication No. 597-0000000013-000 Rev. F Theory of Operation 17
Figure 3-1 Baseboard Block Diagram

18 NETernity* RM921N / RM921ND Hardware Reference Manual Publication No. 597-0000000013-000 Rev. F
Figure 3-2 DA921 with Removable Secure Memory
NOTE
The removable memory module is only available on the RM921ND.

Publication No. 597-0000000013-000 Rev. F Theory of Operation 19
3.2 Switch Software Environment
The Switch Control services execute within the context of a standard Linux kernel.
Using Linux as the basis for services has a number of advantages.
On powerup, the Linux kernel goes through the basic initialization steps. Local
configuration information is loaded from files saved on the switch.
The operator interface for switch control and monitoring is the console program that
provides a Command Line Interface (CLI) for configuration and control of the
switching fabric.
The console may be accessed from either the RS232 port or via a network session
(Telnet or SSH).
3.3 Switching Fabric
The fundamental feature of the RM921N is a state‐of‐the‐art IPv6-capable Switch
Fabric. Switch Fabrics are distinguished from hubs or repeaters by allowing multiple
ports to be active simultaneously. The fabric is capable of full wire speed switching,
allowing a maximum aggregate throughput that is the sum of all the ports. Use of a
Switch Fabric increases both overall capacity and reduces typical latency because
multiple ports can forward packets at the same time. A packet will only be delayed if
there is already activity on the destination port. Packet switching is at Layer 2/3 and
packet routing at Layer 3 (IP routing).
3.3.1 IPv6 Support
The RM921N provides support for IPv6 routing. Management interface can be on
both IPv6 and IPv4 networks (i.e., assigned both types of addresses).
3.3.2 Layer 2/3
Address information (i.e., packet source and destination) is in headers at the
beginning of each packet. The headers are sequential: Layer 2 followed by Layer 3
and Layer 4 information. During initialization (or dynamically by operator control),
information is entered into the fabric that controls packet processing. As each packet
arrives at the switch fabric, header information is examined and compared with the
stored information to determine the port(s) to which the packet should be
forwarded. Once sufficient header information has been processed, the packet will
be sent to the resolved port(s).
Layer 2 switching uses only the MAC address of each network interface (i.e.,
network connected host system) to guide packets through the fabric. As each packet
arrives at the switch, its source (L2 or MAC) address is examined, and the
information stored. For Layer 2 switching, no outside information (e.g., IP addresses)
is necessary. No configuration or setup is required, making installation of the switch
simple.