Q:

Does the Huawei S6700 series aggregation switch support orthogonal architecture? In terms of wireless AP management, is its approach similar to that of a thin AP using orthogonal interconnection or a backplane-based design?

A:

No, it does not support orthogonal architecture.

The S6700 series is a fixed-form-factor switch, designed for campus or data center aggregation and 10-Gigabit server access. Internally, it adopts a box-type architecture based on an Ethernet Network Processor (ENP) and shared cache resources. This design is fundamentally different from the chassis-based, backplane-free orthogonal architecture.

Currently, only Huawei’s high-end modular switch platforms—such as the CloudEngine S16700 and S12700E—utilize a zero-backplane orthogonal architecture, in which line cards (service modules) and switch fabric modules are mounted perpendicularly (90°) and directly interconnected, eliminating the need for traditional backplane wiring. This results in higher switching efficiency and reduced latency.

As a fixed-box device, the S6700 series does not include dedicated switch fabrics, and therefore, orthogonal architecture is not applicable to its design.