17 is an unfortunate number, as MIDIbox modules support faders and buttons in multiples of 8.
Sounds like it's not a MIDIbox anymore. The brain for a MIDIbox is always the core module, here it is most likely going to be the upcoming LPC17 core module - somewhat comparable to the STM32 but with Ethernet onboard. This is running MIOS, the OS, which serves all the modules attached to it. If you want to use a different "core", like a router, you might be able to use the modules still, but you would have to write drivers etc. for those yourself. And, where would you want to connect the modules to?