Universal sub slot architecture for networking modules

A universal sub slot module configured to be inserted in a slot in a hardware module that is configured to be inserted in one of a chassis and rack mounted sem, the universal sub slot module comprising:

• a printed circuit board;
• an optics component on the printed circuit board;
• a data plane and a control plane on the printed circuit board and communicatively coupled to the optics component;
• connectors on the printed circuit board and communicatively coupled to the data plane and the control plane, wherein the connectors are configured to connect to corresponding connectors in the one or more hardware modules;
• and
• an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) having Vital Product Date (VPD) and Runtime Product Date (RPD), wherein the EEPROM is configured to be accesible from the hardware module without powering the universal sub slot module, wherein
• the universal sub slot module is adapted to mate with the hardware module that is one of a chassis-based module and a rack mounted unit.

A universal sub slot module configured to be inserted in a slot in a hardware module that is configured to be inserted in one of a chassis and rack mounted system, the universal sub slot module comprising:

• a first printed circuit board;
• an optics component on the first printed circuit board;
• a data plane and a control place on the first printed circuit board and communicatively coupled to the optics component;
• connectors communicatively coupled to the date pane and the control plane, wherein the connectors are configured to connect to corresponding connectors in the one or more hardware modules;
• and
• a second printed circuit board including the connectors thereon adapted to connect to the connectors of the hardware module, and wherein the first printed circuit board includes a reduced thickness at an interconnect between the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board relative to a thickness of the first printed circuit board carrying cages for small form factor pluggable interfaces, wherein
• the universal sub slot module is adapted to mate with the hardware module that is one of a chassis-based module and a rack mounted unit.