MARVELL 88E6161-A1-LGO2C000 Gigabit Ethernet Switch Controller Datasheet and Technical Overview
The MARVELL 88E6161-A1-LGO2C000 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 system-on-chip (SoC) solution combines a robust switching fabric with advanced management features, making it a cornerstone for building scalable and efficient network infrastructures.
At its core, the 88E6161 features a non-blocking switch fabric architecture, supporting full wire-speed performance on all ports. It integrates sixteen Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps) ports, along with two high-speed 10-Gigabit XAUI interfaces, which can be configured for uplink connectivity or to stack multiple switches, thereby enhancing network scalability and flexibility. The device is built on a mature and low-power process technology, ensuring optimal performance per watt—a critical factor for densely populated equipment and energy-conscious deployments.
A key strength of this controller is its sophisticated traffic management and Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities. It supports hardware-based Layer 2 switching and Layer 3 routing, including static routing and RIP v1/v2. For precise traffic prioritization, it implements DiffServ code points (DSCP) and IEEE 802.1p priority tags across eight priority queues per port. This ensures low latency and jitter for real-time applications like VoIP and video streaming, even under heavy network load.
The 88E6161 offers robust security features to protect the network infrastructure. It includes Access Control Lists (ACLs) for granular filtering based on L2-L4 header information, port security mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access, and support for IEEE 802.1X port-based authentication. These features provide a strong defensive perimeter against internal and external threats.
From a management perspective, the device provides comprehensive control via a standard MIIM (Management Data Input/Output) interface, supporting both IEEE 802.3 Clause 22 and Clause 45 for PHY management. It can be managed through a rich set of interfaces, including SNMP, RMON, and a web-based interface, offering network administrators deep visibility and control over network operations.
In terms of physical deployment, the A1-LGO2C000 variant is supplied in a green, RoHS-compliant package, reflecting Marvell's commitment to environmental standards. Its design supports extended temperature ranges, making it suitable for industrial applications beyond typical commercial environments.
ICGOOODFIND: The Marvell 88E6161 stands out as a highly integrated and versatile switch controller, delivering enterprise-grade features, robust security, and advanced traffic management in a power-efficient design. It is an ideal solution for building next-generation managed switches, routers, and embedded networking platforms.
Keywords: Gigabit Ethernet Switch, Quality of Service (QoS), Layer 3 Routing, Network Security, Traffic Management.
