MARVELL 98DX4122A2-BIH2 Gigabit Ethernet Switch Controller: Datasheet and Technical Overview

The MARVELL 98DX4122A2-BIH2 is a highly integrated, high-performance Gigabit Ethernet switch controller designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern enterprise, industrial, and carrier-grade networking equipment. This device is part of Marvell's extensive Prestera® DX family, which is renowned for delivering robust feature sets, advanced security, and operational efficiency.

Architecture and Core Features

At its heart, the 98DX4122A2-BIH2 is built on a sophisticated architecture that supports high-port density and low-latency forwarding. It typically integrates a high-speed switch fabric, multiple media access controllers (MACs), and a powerful internal CPU for management and control plane functions.

A key architectural highlight is its support for Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching capabilities. This allows the chip to perform intelligent routing and switching based on IP addresses in addition to MAC addresses, making it suitable for complex network topologies. It often features advanced Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms, including priority queuing, traffic shaping, and policing, which are critical for ensuring performance for latency-sensitive applications like voice and video.

Security and Management

Security is a paramount concern, and this controller addresses it with a comprehensive suite of features. It includes support for Access Control Lists (ACLs) for granular traffic filtering, IEEE 802.1X port-based authentication to prevent unauthorized network access, and robust security protocols to safeguard data integrity.

Management of the switch is facilitated through various interfaces, including a dedicated Serial Management Interface (SMI) and support for the Management Data Input/Output (MDIO) protocol. This allows for detailed configuration, monitoring, and diagnostics of the network ports and the switch's internal status, providing network administrators with full visibility and control.

Performance and Integration

The 98DX4122A2-BIH2 is engineered for wire-speed performance on all ports simultaneously, ensuring no packet loss under full load. Its design emphasizes low power consumption, a critical factor for reducing operational costs and meeting environmental regulations in large-scale deployments.

The device is highly integrated, reducing the need for external components and simplifying board design. It typically interfaces directly with Gigabit Ethernet PHYs via Serial Gigabit Media Independent Interfaces (SGMII), streamlining the overall system architecture.

Application Use Cases

This level of performance and integration makes the controller ideal for a wide array of applications:

Enterprise Network Switches: Providing the core connectivity for office networks.

Industrial Ethernet Switches: Where reliability and deterministic latency are required for factory automation and control systems.

Carrier Ethernet Equipment: Used in telecommunications infrastructure for providing customer-facing services.

Networked Storage and Data Center Appliances: As a connectivity solution within storage arrays and servers.

ICGOODFIND Summary

The Marvell 98DX4122A2-BIH2 stands out as a powerful and versatile Gigabit Ethernet switch controller. Its blend of high-port density, advanced L2/L3 features, robust security, and management tools makes it a compelling solution for building next-generation networking hardware across enterprise, industrial, and service provider markets. Its integration and power efficiency further solidify its position as a key component for modern network infrastructure.

Keywords:

Gigabit Ethernet Switch Controller

Layer 3 Switching

Quality of Service (QoS)

Access Control Lists (ACLs)

Low Latency