Silicon Graphics SGI Altix 3700 Bx2, User Manual

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007-4377-002 97
Chapter 8
8. R-brick
This chapter describes the function and physical components of the optional R-brick in
the following sections:
• “Overview” on page 97
• “External Components” on page 100
• “Technical Specifications” on page 103
Overview
The R-brick (router brick) is an eight-port optional router that functions as a high-speed
switch to route network packets from one CR-brick to another throughout the
NUMAlink interconnect fabric. Figure 8-1 shows a front view of the R-brick.
The key component within the R-brick is the router chip, an SGI custom-designed ASIC.
The router chip is an eight-port crossbar that connects any input-link channel to any of
the seven possible output-link channels.