Chapter2.SCI: Virtual Switch Interface

Chapter 2. SCI: Virtual Switch Interface

Virtual Switch Interface (VSI) is the Switch Control Interface (SCI) that Cisco Systems, Inc. implements in multiservice switches. SCI allows multiple controllers to independently control a single ATM switch, as described in the preceding chapter.

VSI is a mature Switch Control Protocol (SCP) that has proven to be a solid implementation providing true multiservice capability. Other SCIs include IETF's GSPM v.3.

VSI is a message-based interface between the network software and the platform software. It provides a hardware-independent control interface between one or more VSI masters to control a switch (possibly a remote switch). Multiple controller coexistence is possible because of the resource partitioning provided by VSI. This chapter explores the VSI protocol and implementation.