MXS824 Users Guide
–
Dolphin Interconnect Solutions
Page 10
Transparent PCIe IO expansion
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Multiple expansion chassis connected to one
server
The MXS824 can be used for regular PCIe IO expansion. An adapter card in host transparent mode is connected to the
switch upstream port (port P1, P2, P3 and P4 for a full x16). Transparent target adapters are connected to the other
downstream ports. Figure 4: Transparent PCIe IO Expansion below shows 5 expansion chassis connected to a single host.
Please note that the MXS824 Switch shipping default is NTB x16. To enable the switch to be used for standard IO
Expansion, please log into the Web GUI and select the desired IO configuration. Please consult the chapter
“
Configuring
the MXS824 switch
”
on page 16 for more details.
Please contact Dolphin for alternative configurations.
No special device driver is required for the
transparent adapter card or the MXS824 switch.
Any device in the PCI Express IO system will
operate using its standard device driver.
The IO devices can be connected using x16, x8 or
x4 links depending on the required scale out and
performance requirements.
NOTE: Please note that large scale PCIe IO
expansion may be limited by your BIOS. Please
consult your system vendor before buying the
system.
Figure 5: Transparent PCIe IO Expansion
