1.2 Switch Configuration Options

LAN9645x devices support different configuration modes corresponding to the system architecture and level of management control.

  • Unmanaged – Strap Only
    • Basic operation using hardware configuration straps. No external memory or host processor required.
  • Unmanaged – EEPROM / SPI Flash Configuration
    • Static configuration applied at boot from an external EEPROM or SPI Flash. Enables extended features such as VLANs, QoS, and PHY initialization without a host processor.
  • Managed – Host Processor (Linux DSA over SPI)
    • Full switch configuration, monitoring, and control using an external host processor. This mode enables dynamic configuration and access to advanced features.
Figure 1-1. Managed vs. Unmanaged Architecture
Note: Managed operation is supported on both LAN9645xS and LAN9645xF devices using a host processor (Linux DSA over SPI). LAN9645xS enables basic managed functionality (configuration, monitoring, and control), while LAN9645xF extends this to include advanced features such as TSN, AVB, and high-availability redundancy.