In this document
This document explains the use of network interface modules (NIMs) with the Napatech SmartNICs.
Overview
A NIM is the interface between the line, whether this is an optical fiber or a copper
line, and the PHY. The NIM can be plugged or unplugged while the system is running.
There are different types of NIMs: QSFP28,
CFP4, QSFP+,
SFP28, SFP+
and SFP modules. They have different mechanical form
factors and different electrical/optical properties.
Note: Bidirectional QSFP+ modules
are not required to have sensors.
A NIM contains registers that can be read from and/or written to by the system via an I2C or MDIO bus.