Expanding Fiber Port Interfaces on Huawei Switches

Huawei switches support expanding fiber ports through interface splitting, modular uplinks, and flexible optical module configurations to increase network capacity and flexibility.

Interface Splitting on CX320 Switches

Huawei CX320 switches allow high-bandwidth interfaces to be split into multiple lower-bandwidth interfaces. For example, a 40GE port can be split into four 10GE interfaces, enabling flexible connectivity to multiple devices without additional hardware . Key points include:

• Cabling Options: Use a 1-to-4 high-speed cable, 1-to-4 active optical cable (AOC), or a 1-to-4 40GE optical module with optical fibers. The remote 10GE interfaces must have compatible optical modules installed .
• Configuration Persistence: If a stack member switch is replaced, the split configuration is automatically applied to the new switch, retaining service configurations .
• Operational Notes: Split interfaces initially appear offline and become active after a switch restart. Converted 10GE interfaces do not support cut-through packet forwarding mode .

Modular Uplink Expansion on S5700-LI Switches

The S5700-LI series provides flexible 10GE uplink ports and supports CSFP downlink ports, each offering 2 Gbit/s bidirectional bandwidth . This allows:

• Incremental Fiber Expansion: Add high-speed uplinks without replacing the entire switch.
• Battery-Powered Models: S5700-LI-BAT switches ensure uninterrupted service during power failures, which is useful when expanding fiber connections in distributed access networks .
• Space Efficiency: Front-panel installation and maintenance in 300 mm deep cabinets save space in small equipment rooms .

High-Capacity Port Options

Huawei CloudCampus-compatible switches offer 64-port models with 100GE QSFP28 and 10GE SFP+ interfaces, supporting dense enterprise networks . These switches provide:

• Scalable Fiber Connectivity: Mix of high-speed uplinks and multiple 10GE ports for flexible deployment.
• Intelligent Traffic Management: Supports virtualization and smooth transitions between wired and wireless networks, including WiFi 6 .

Configuration Commands

To manage and verify fiber port expansion:

• Display Interfaces: display interface shows the status of all interfaces, including split ports .
• Ethernet Interface Commands: Commands like interface-type and interface-number allow configuration of specific fiber ports and isolation settings .
• Interface Split Commands: On CX320, configure the split type in system view and restart the switch to activate converted interfaces .

Best Practices

• Start using split 10GE ports from the first split fiber to ensure proper indicator status and monitoring .
• Ensure optical modules on both local and remote devices match in type and wavelength for proper connectivity .
• Use stackable switches with interface split cautiously, as 40GE interfaces cannot be split if added to a stack interface . By leveraging interface splitting, modular uplinks, and high-capacity optical ports, Huawei switches can efficiently expand fiber connectivity while maintaining performance and flexibility.