The ZX1900 is a unique platform for packet processing and switching. The standard configuration includes a 5U chassis, 10-Gigabit Ethernet switch plus three closely-coupled payload slots for user applications.

The ZX1900 uses an innovative port-breakout architecture to consolidate multiple Fabric and Base links at the front of the chassis. With a total of 35 egress ports, the ZX1900 is compatible with "bump in the wire" processing applications as well as backbone deployments for large networks. Fourteen (14) of the front ports can host 1-Gigabit or 10-Gigabit links via copper or fiber pluggable modules (SFP+) and two additional ports are dedicated 10-Gigabit sites. The link speed and type is auto-detected from the SFP+ module. Twelve (12) of the front ports can host 1-Gigabit links via pluggable modules (SFP). Three (3) front-panel and four (4) rear-panel ports are fixed RJ45 ports, supporting 10/100/1000 Ethernet over UTP cable.

In addition to massive egress bandwidth totaling over 175 Gigabits/second, the ZX1900 can support three (3) payload boards for closely-coupled packet processing applications, including Deep Packet Inspection (DPI).

At link speeds surpassing 10-Gigabits, offload hardware is often required to enable advanced applications. Each payload slot of the ZX1900 is equipped with dual 10-Gigabit Fabric links (Active/Active) for incredible bearer-plane throughput, plus a separate 1-Gigabit Base link for control-plane tasks. The 10-Gigabit ports in each payload slot can support processing blades with either 10-Gigabit (Option 9) or 1-Gigabit (Option 1) Fabric ports. Using the OpenArchitect® environment, application blades can participate directly in the processing, mangling, forwarding, and inspection of every packet.