Silicon Switch Processor (Ssp) - Cisco 7000 Hardware Installation And Maintenance

Figure 1-11

Silicon Switch Processor (SSP)

The SSP is the optional high-performance silicon switch for Cisco 7000 series routers. The SSP
provides distributed processing and control for the interface processors, and communicates with and
controls the interface processors on the high-speed CxBus. The SSP determines the destination of a
packet and switches the packet, based on that decision.
The SSP is always installed in the backplane SSP slot adjacent to the RP. A few seconds after bootup,
the enabled LED comes on to indicate that the SSP is enabled for operation.
One SSP (or SP) is required in each Cisco 7000 series router. The front panel of the SSP is physically
identical to the SP.
There are two hardware versions of the SSP: one with 512 KB of packet memory and another with
2 MB of packet memory (for installations requiring increased memory capacity).
Following are minimum system requirements for the SSP types:
•
The SSP with 512 KB of packet memory requires Cisco Internetwork Operating System
(Cisco IOS) Release 10.0, or later.
•
The SSP with 2 MB of packet memory requires Cisco IOS Release 10.0 or later. Cisco IOS
Releases 10.2(x) and 10.3(x) will provide the best use of the 2-MB SSP. (Detailed procedures for
upgrading your Cisco 7000 series router software are provided separately with the software
upgrade.)
Switch Processor (SP)
U 1 7 3
Physical Description
Product Overview 1-37