In the world of networking silicon, few chips defined an era like the Marvell Prestera® family. For years, the 98DX2122 was the brain inside countless "24-port Managed Switches" found in server closets and industrial cabinets worldwide.
It is a highly integrated Packet Processor designed specifically for the Access Layer—connecting end-user devices (VoIP phones, PCs) at 100Mbps while uplinking to the core network at Gigabit speeds.
While now considered a legacy component, understanding the 98DX2122 is crucial for engineers maintaining existing infrastructure or looking to migrate to modern silicon.
Table of Contents
- 1. Decoding the Part Number
- 2. Technical Specs: The 24+4 Architecture
- 3. Inside the Chip: ARM + Switch Fabric
- 4. Lifecycle & Modern Alternatives
- 5. Conclusion
1. Decoding the Part Number
Marvell part numbers are descriptive if you know the code. Here is the breakdown for the common 98DX2122-A1-BIH2C000:
| Code Segment | Meaning | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 98DX | Family | Prestera DX. Marvell's premier line of enterprise switch ICs. |
| 21 | Series | Entry-Level L3. Supports static routing and basic dynamic routing. |
| 22 | Config | 24xFE + 4xGE. The specific port count definition. |
| A1 | Revision | Silicon Revision. Important for errata checks. |
| BIH2 | Package | BGA Package. (Ball Grid Array). |
2. Technical Specs: The 24+4 Architecture
The 98DX2122 was purpose-built for a specific network node: the Edge.
- Downlink: 24 Ports of Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps). Ideal for connecting legacy IoT devices, printers, and office PCs.
- Uplink: 4 Ports of Gigabit (1GbE) or 2.5GbE. Used for stacking switches or connecting to the fiber backbone.
- Performance:
- Wire-Speed Switching: Non-blocking architecture ensures all ports can run at full speed simultaneously.
- L3 Routing: Supports hardware-based IPv4 and IPv6 routing, offloading the CPU from packet forwarding duties.
3. Inside the Chip: ARM + Switch Fabric
What made the Prestera family revolutionary was its integration.
The Brain: 800MHz ARM CPU
Embedded inside the chip is an ARM Service Processor.
- It runs the switch operating system (like Marvell's own software or a custom Linux build).
- It handles management tasks: SNMP, STP (Spanning Tree), OAM, and Security Policies.
- Benefit: No need for a separate, expensive external CPU on the motherboard.
The Brawn: Network Shield
Security is hardware-accelerated. The chip includes deep packet inspection capabilities (Network Shield Technology) to filter traffic, enforce QoS (Quality of Service) for VoIP, and block Denial of Service (DoS) attacks at wire speed.
4. Lifecycle & Modern Alternatives
Status: Mature / EOL (End of Life) The 10/100 Mbps standard is fading in favor of pure Gigabit. Consequently, the 98DX2122 is not recommended for new designs.
Migration Path: If you are redesigning a board that used the 98DX2122, look at:
- Marvell Prestera 98DX25xx (2500 Series): The modern successor. Offers Gigabit downlinks and 10G uplinks.
- Marvell Link Street Family: For simpler, lower-power, or unmanaged/smart-managed industrial applications.
For Maintenance: You can still find stock for repairs, but be wary of "pulled" (used) parts. Verify the Date Code and ensure the BGA balls are in good condition (no oxidation).
5. Conclusion
The Marvell 98DX2122 was a workhorse of the Fast Ethernet era. Its integration of a powerful ARM CPU with a dedicated 24+4 switch fabric set the standard for modern access switches. While today's networks demand higher speeds, this chip remains a vital component in the long tail of industrial and enterprise infrastructure.
Sourcing Marvell Switch ICs? Need to maintain legacy equipment or find a modern replacement? Visit Aichiplink.com to search for verified stock of 98DX2122 and the newest Prestera solutions.
Written by Jack Elliott from AIChipLink.
AIChipLink, one of the fastest-growing global independent electronic components distributors in the world, offers millions of products from thousands of manufacturers, and many of our in-stock parts is available to ship same day.
We mainly source and distribute integrated circuit (IC) products of brands such as Broadcom, Microchip, Texas Instruments, Infineon, NXP, Analog Devices, Qualcomm, Intel, etc., which are widely used in communication & network, telecom, industrial control, new energy and automotive electronics.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the Marvell 98DX2122 used for?
It is a Prestera packet processor used in 24-port Fast Ethernet managed switches with Gigabit uplinks.
Q2: How many ports does the 98DX2122 support?
It supports 24× Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps) ports and 4× Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports.
Q3: Does the 98DX2122 include an embedded CPU?
Yes. It integrates an ARM-based service processor for switch management and control functions.
Q4: Is the Marvell 98DX2122 still in production?
No. The 98DX2122 is considered mature or end-of-life (EOL) and is not recommended for new designs.
Q5: What is the modern replacement for 98DX2122?
Modern alternatives include the Marvell Prestera 98DX25xx series, which supports full Gigabit access ports.
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