Specifications

Second-Generation Channel Interface Processor (CIP2) Installation and Configuration 21
What Is the CIP2
What Is the CIP2
This section discusses channel attachment and the CIP2, its LED functions, and its memory and
cable requirements.
The following information is included:
• Channel Attachment Overview
• CIP2 Overview
• CIP2 Description, page 22
— CIP2 Model Numbers, page 23
— CIP2 DRAM Configurations, page 24
— CIP2 LED Indicators and Sequences, page 24
— ESCON and Bus and Tag Specifications, page 26
— ESCON Cable, page 26
— Bus and Tag Cables, page 27
Channel Attachment Overview
A mainframe channel (referred to as a channel) is an intelligent processor that manages the protocol
on the communications media and controls the data transfer to and from the main central processing
unit (CPU) storage. Devices called input/output processors (IOPs) communicate between the host
CPU and the channel. One IOP controls multiple channels, and there is no relationship between the
number of CPUs and the number of IOPs.
The channel relieves the mainframe CPU of direct communication with input/output (I/O) devices,
which saves processing cycles and allows data processing and communications tasks to run
concurrently. Channels use one or more channel paths as the links between mainframes and I/O
devices. I/O devices are connected directly to control units, which provide the logical capabilities
required to operate and control the I/O devices.
CIP2 Overview
The CIP2 provides up to two channel interfaces for Cisco 7000 series and Cisco 7500 series routers;
in some situations, this can eliminate the need for a separate front-end processor (FEP). The CIP2
contains combinations of a bus and tag (also called an original equipment manufacturer’s interface
[OEMI] and a parallel I/O interface) adapter and an Enterprise Systems Connection (ESCON)
adapter. The bus and tag adapter is called the Parallel Channel Adapter (PCA), and the ESCON
adapter is called the ESCON Channel Adapter (ECA). (For information on the latest ECA model
refer to the section “ESCON Channel Adapter Software, Hardware, and Microcode Prerequisites”
on page 7.) The PCA and ECA connect directly to the CIP2, and all combinations of the two adapters
are available.
Note The ECAs and PCAs must be upgraded or replaced (in the field) by a Cisco-certified
maintenance provider only. The CIP2 supports online insertion and removal, which allows you to
install or remove a CIP2 while the system is operating, without shutting down system power.