Configurable 10/40 gigabit ethernet switch for operating in one or more network operating modes

摘要

A configurable network switch is disclosed. The configurable network switch may include a plurality of network switch chips operatively connected to a plurality of connectors via a programmable crosspoint chip. The programmable crosspoint chip may be configured to operate in one or more network operating modes. In a first network operating mode, the programmable crosspoint chip may be configured to operate at Gigabit Ethernet speeds, whereas in the second network operating mode, the programmable crosspoint chip may be configured to operate at 10 Gigabit Ethernet speeds. The configurable network switch may also include an input interface, such as an I²C interface, that allows an operator of the network switch to select the one or more network operating modes of the configurable network switch.