ROUTER WITH PASSIVE INTERCONNECT AND DISTRIBUTED SWITCHLESS SWITCHING

摘要

A multi-chassis router with passive interconnect and distributed switchless interconnect for connecting a plurality of nodes in full mesh is disclosed. This system allows direct and indirect communication between a source node and a destination node. In direct communication, data propagates via links connecting the source and destination nodes. In indirect communication, data is first sent to an intermediate node via links connecting the source and intermediate nodes. The intermediate node sends the data either to the destination node via links connecting the intermediate node and the destination node. A passive device with replaceable plugs connects the plurality of nodes in full mesh. The passive device facilitates setting up and updating a network.