Universal sub slot architecture for networking modules

A hardware module comprising:

• a form factor configured to operate in a chassis-based or rack mounted unit network element, wherein the form factor includes a host Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and a plurality of sub slots, each connected to the host PCB, and each sub slot configured to receive one of a universal sub slot module and a filler module,
• wherein the universal sub slot module includes
• a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) including circuitry for power, a data plane, and a control plane;
• a faceplate connected to one end of the PCB and connectors connected to another end of the PCB, wherein the connectors are configured to connect to corresponding connectors on the host PCB;
• and
• a form factor containing the PCB and configured to interface a sub slot of the plurality of sub slots.

A universal sub slot module comprising:

• a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) including circuitry for power, a data plane, and a control plane;
• a faceplate connected to one end of the PCB and connectors connected to another end of the PCB, wherein the connectors are configured to connect to corresponding connectors in a host module;
• a form factor containing the PCB and configured to interface a sub slot in the host module configured to operate in a chassis-based or rack mounted unit network element;
• and
• memory connected to the connectors and storing information related to the universal sub slot module, wherein the memory is configured to be accessible from the host module without powering the universal sub slot module.