Cisco Catalyst Switching Solutions Guide
Cisco Catalyst Switching Solutions Guide
Intelligent Switching
for the Evolving Network
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Intelligent switching
for the evolving network:
Easing network migration,
adaptation, and expansion.
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That’s why Cisco Systems created this guide —to provide an overview of the issues
confronting countless businesses, schools, government agencies, and other organi-
zations as they migrate, adapt, and expand their networks to meet new needs. And
to explain how Cisco Catalyst® switches can help, both in the short term and the
long haul.
Cisco Catalyst switches spare networks from these and other growing pains. They
provide the advanced quality of service (QoS) needed to ensure mission-critical
traffic is assigned top priority. They enhance security with new features that pro-
tect the network from risks within and without. And they provide the bandwidth
needed to grow, all the way up to 10 Gigabit Ethernet.
The Cisco Catalyst family runs the range from chassis to stackable
switches, with models available to address special requirements,
such as support for inline power and Gigabit Ethernet over copper.
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Cisco Catalyst switches classify and mark data packets at the network edge, mini-
mizing congestion and allowing traffic to be prioritized, so time-sensitive applica-
tions such as IP telephony or videoconferencing take precedence over less critical
traffic, such as Web browsing.
Extending intelligence to the network edge also makes it possible for network man-
agers to set up policies on a per-user basis, and frees up router processing power.
MAC DA MAC SA 802.1Q/1p length IP header info TOS … IP SA IP DA … TCP/UDP header DATA
Layer 2 switches only process Layer 2 information. Cisco Catalyst switches look
deeper into the packet and make decisions based on Layer 3 and Layer 4 informa-
tion —that’s why they’re called “intelligent.” As a result, traffic flows more effi-
ciently through the network, helping to prevent bottlenecks. Utilizing Layer 3 and
Layer 4 information also provides a superior level of control over network traffic,
making it easier to adjust to changing requirements and priorities as networks
grow and evolve.
According to a recent study by the FBI and Computer Security Institute, reported
financial losses due to security breaches in the United States approached $378 million
in 2001, up from $266 million the year before. So it’s not surprising that for many
organizations, enhancing security is a major concern. Fortunately, it’s also a major
benefit of deploying Cisco Catalyst switches.
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The primary security features and applications supported by these switches include
access control lists (ACLs), filtering, port security, IEEE 802.1x, multilevel console
security, and Secure Shell (SSH) Protocol. This unique combination provides the
enhanced security needed to support new and expanding network services,
addressing three distinct areas of concern in the network:
• Accounting Who’s using the network and what are they doing?
All together, the security features supported by Cisco Catalyst switches offer the
protection and control needed to prevent both malicious acts and inadvertent
mishaps.
Finally, it’s worth noting that Cisco Catalyst switches support applications to deal
with another concern: physical security. Their multiservice capabilities make them
ideally suited for IP video surveillance applications, providing an effective, yet
affordable, alternative to conventional video monitoring systems.
As the industry leader in LAN switching, Cisco makes the transition to Gigabit
Ethernet faster and easier with standards-based solutions for both fiber-optic and
copper cabling. Cisco products can also be deployed in stages for a more gradual
migration to Gigabit Ethernet, starting at the core and moving on to the wiring closet.
Organizations can use Cisco Catalyst switches to extend Gigabit Ethernet to the
desktop, simply and affordably, to support today’s powerful computers, sophisti-
cated applications, and high traffic volumes. Delivering up to 10 gigabits per
second (Gbps), the range of solutions offered by Cisco will satisfy even the most
bandwidth-hungry environments.
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Whatever the size of the network, intelligent services can ease the strain of migration and expansion. By delivering Layer 2–4 services
across the entire network, from the core to the edge, Cisco Catalyst switches provide the advanced quality of service, enhanced security,
and high availability evolving networks require. All Cisco Catalyst network platforms run on Cisco IOS® Software, creating a unified network
and a solid foundation for building Internet applications.
Medium-Sized Network
High Availability
Internet VPN
M Si Si
PSTN Network
Si
QoS
Security
QoS features ensure critical applications receive the bandwidth they
QoS need by differentiating and prioritizing traffic, so time-sensitive
packets like voice and video are handled accordingly. With Cisco
Catalyst switches, QoS can be extended to the network edge,
minimizing both upstream and downstream congestion. This also
makes it easy to set policies on a per-user basis and frees up
IP router processing power.
Enhanced Security
The need for security increases as services and devices are added
to the network. Safeguards must be taken to ensure only authorized
users can gain access to the network, to restrict access to sensitive
network areas, and to prevent data and voice traffic from traveling
to the wrong PC or IP phone. Cisco Catalyst switches support
Small-Business Network
multiple layers of security for end-to-end protection of network
controls and resources.
Internet VPN
High Availability
The Cisco Catalyst family also increases network uptime—and
employee productivity—through a unique combination of features
designed to ensure maximum availability. Capabilities include
High Availability high-performance IP routing, Layer 2 and Layer 3 load balancing,
bandwidth aggregation technology, multicast management via
QoS Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) snooping and
Protocol Independent Multicast (PIM), and Cisco Spanning-Tree
Protocol enhancements such as BackboneFast, UplinkFast,
PortFast, and CrossStack UplinkFast.
Security
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Product Overview
Here are some of the reasons why Cisco Catalyst switches are the right choice:
• Cisco Catalyst 2950, 3550, 4000, and 6500 Series switches provide a complete
Gigabit Ethernet switching solution, from the edge of the network to the core.
• The Cisco Catalyst family, a complete range of stackable and chassis switches,
provides industry-leading performance, functionality, scalability, and flexibility,
which deliver valuable enhancements to your network operations.
• Cisco Catalyst network platforms run on Cisco IOS Software, which creates a
unified network and provides a solid foundation for building Internet applications.
Extending common services and interfaces across the network also reduces
training, management, and troubleshooting costs.
• Cisco provides comprehensive service and support, with the expertise to handle
any situation that arises after installation. Warranty and SMARTnet support
services ensure that operations staff can refresh their system software and access
a wealth of knowledge. Customers can keep their technology up to date, aug-
ment their knowledge and skills, gain access to resources and tools for rapid
problem resolution, and minimize the challenges associated with the stocking
of replacement hardware.
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Product Overview
• The Catalyst 4000 Series simplifies network management and control with a
Cisco CMS Software enables network single software image and IP address for device management, a comprehensive
managers to manage the entire LAN
set of management tools offering a wide variety of interface options, and
through a single Web interface.
well-designed system default settings.
• In the Catalyst 6500 Series, Element Manager Software leverages the Cisco
Element Manager Framework (CEMF) to manage and monitor one or more
specific devices. Through an intuitive user interface, each Element Manager
eases and accelerates deployment, enables efficient operation of large network
environments, and streamlines the provisioning process. Each Element Manager
also provides fault and element management without requiring detailed knowledge
of Cisco IOS Software or SNMP.
• Cisco Catalyst 2950 Series makes it easy and affordable to deploy intelligent
services at the network edge with new fixed-configuration, stackable models that
provide wire-speed Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet desktop connectivity.
Designed for small and medium-sized businesses and small enterprises, Catalyst
2950 Series Intelligent Ethernet switches can be paired with a Catalyst 3550
Series Intelligent Ethernet switch to enable IP routing from the core of the
6 network to its edge.
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Product Overview
• Cisco Catalyst 4000 Series extends control from the backbone to the network
edge with intelligent network services including advanced QoS, scalable
performance, comprehensive security, and simplified management. Its modular,
high-density, high-performance design supports switched 10/100/1000 in the
LAN, packet telephony, enhanced security, and integrated WAN capabilities
for converged networks.
Stackables Chassis
Cisco Catalyst 2950 Cisco Catalyst 3550 Cisco Catalyst 4000 Cisco Catalyst 6500
• Desktop Configurations with • Aggregation and Desktop • High Switching Capacity • Highest Switching Capacity
or without Intelligent Services Configurations • High Density 10/100/1000 • Highest Port Density
• Stackable, Compact Footprint • Upgradeable to IP Routing • High Density 100FX • Optional Services Modules
• Medium Port Density • Stackable, Compact Footprint and 1000LX • High Availability—Stateful Failover
• L2-L4 Switching • Medium Port Density • Non-blocking Gig Density: 32 • Redundant Supervisor, Fabric
• Clustering Management • Non-blocking Gig Density: 12 • LAN/WAN Interfaces (T1/E1) • 10 Gigabit Ethernet Interfaces
• External Redundant Power • L2-L4 Switching • L2-L4 Switching • Non-blocking Gig Density: 142
• Clustering Management • Inline Power • LAN/WAN Interfaces (to OC-48)
• Inline Power (3524-PWR XL) • Integrated Redundant Power • L2-L7 Switching
• External Redundant Power • Integrated Inline Power
• Integrated Redundant Power
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Every network is unique, just like the organizations they serve. These diagrams illustrate four common deployments in wiring closets,
utilizing Cisco Catalyst 2950, 3550, 4000, and 6500 switches. Depending on the size of the business, these could be linked into the core
network layer. These are merely options, of course—the Cisco Catalyst family supports a far more diverse range of needs than those
depicted here.
Si Si Si
Si
Si
Functionality
Core/
Distribution Catalyst
Layer M 6500/4000
Deployment for IP Telephony and Wireless Access
IP telephones and wireless access points can connect to Cisco
chassis or stackable switches in the access layer.
Si Catalyst
• Inline power distribution and automatic phone discovery for Access 6500/4000/
ease of deployment and management Layer 3524-PWR XL
• Separate voice VLANs for simplified management
• Intelligent QoS features prioritize delay-sensitive voice traffic
and provides high-quality communications
• Voice Services and gateway functionality enable ease
IP
of migration to IP telephony from legacy TDM services
(Catalyst 6500/4000)
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Conclusion
A network is, and probably always will be, a work in progress. Companies grow,
requirements change, and new applications emerge, presenting opportunities for
even greater efficiency and productivity.
Cisco Catalyst switches are designed to make those transitions almost effortless.
They provide stability in an ever-changing landscape, delivering the performance
and intelligent services needed to ensure networks evolve efficiently, reliably, and
securely. And that means network managers can embrace change, rather than
struggle with it.
Networks get bigger and more sophisticated all the time. But with Cisco Catalyst
switches, they don’t have to get more complicated.
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Glossary
AVVID
Cisco Architecture for Voice, Video, and Integrated Data. As the industry’s only
enterprise-wide, standards-based network architecture, Cisco AVVID provides the
roadmap for combining business and technology strategies into one cohesive model.
Availability
The amount of time that a network or device is operational —in other words, the
likelihood that it will be available for use when needed.
Backbone
The part of a network that acts as the primary path for traffic moving between,
rather than within, networks. See also Core and Edge.
Bandwidth
The data-carrying capacity of a network connection, used as an indication of
speed. See also Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Gigabit Ethernet.
Client
A networked PC or terminal that shares services with other PCs. These services are
stored on or administered by a server. See also Server.
Cisco CMS
Cisco Cluster Management Suite Software. A unique, free software tool embedded
in Cisco Catalyst 3550 and 2950 Intelligent Ethernet Series switches. Cisco CMS
Software dramatically simplifies network management by enabling remote moni-
toring and configuration of up to 16 clustered switches at once through a single,
easy-to-use Web interface. Cisco CMS Software also eases the deployment of
intelligent services at the network edge.
Congestion
Traffic in excess of network capacity.
Convergence
The speed and ability of a group of internetworking devices running a specific
routing protocol to agree on the topology of an internetwork after a change in
that topology. Often refers to the merging of video and/or voice services onto a
data network.
Core
The innermost part of a network, where services typically originate. See also
Backbone and Edge.
Edge
The outermost part of a network, where users are typically directly connected.
See also Backbone and Core.
Ethernet
A popular LAN technology that moves packets between workstations and runs
over a variety of cable types at 10 Mbps (megabits per second).
Fast Ethernet
An extension of the Ethernet standard, offering speeds of 100 Mbps —or 10 times
the speed of standard Ethernet. See also Bandwidth, Ethernet, and Gigabit Ethernet.
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Glossary
Frame
The basic unit of Ethernet data traffic. An Ethernet frame can vary in size from
a minimum length of 64 bytes to a maximum length of 1522 bytes. An Ethernet
frame contains the Ethernet destination address, Ethernet source address,
802.1Q/1p fields, and TCP/IP packet.
Gigabit Ethernet
An extension of the Ethernet standard, offering speeds of 1 Gbps. That equals
1,000 Mbps —or 100 times the speed of standard Ethernet. See also Bandwidth,
Ethernet, and Fast Ethernet.
Hub
A device that interconnects clients and servers, simply repeating or amplifying the
signals between them. Hubs act as wiring “concentrators” in networks based on
star topologies, rather than bus topologies, in which computers are daisy-chained
together. See also Switch.
Inline Power
Inline power is 48-volt DC power delivered to terminal devices such as IP phones
over standard network cables, eliminating the need for separate power sources
such as wall outlets.
Internet
A massive global network, interconnecting countless computers and networks
worldwide. It is accessible from any computer with a modem or router connection
and the appropriate software.
IP
Internet Protocol. A network layer protocol in the TCP/IP stack offering a connec-
tionless internetwork service. IP provides features for addressing, type-of-service
specification, fragmentation and reassembly, and security.
IP Routing
Unlike static routing, where traffic patterns are established by the network admin-
istrator and must be manually adjusted, IP routing is dynamic. When a packet
begins its journey through the network, its entire route is not known. Instead,
it progresses through the network one “hop” at a time, and at each interval the
network automatically calculates the ideal route to the next stop along the way.
This improves network performance and availability.
IP Telephony
The transmission of voice and fax telephone calls over data networks using the
Internet Protocol.
IP Video
The transmission of video images over data networks using the Internet Protocol.
LAN
Local-area network. Typically, a network or group of network segments confined
to one building or a campus. See also WAN (Wide Area Network).
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Glossary
Layer 2
The data link layer in the OSI Model. For Ethernet, this applies to the Ethernet
frame that contains the Ethernet destination address, Ethernet source address and
802.1Q/1p fields. See also Layer 3.
Layer 3
The physical layer in the OSI Model. For TCP/IP, this applies to the IP packet that
contains the IP destination address, IP source address and ToS byte. See also Layer 2.
Multicast
Single packet copied by the network and sent to a specific subset of network
addresses.
Packet
A block of data with a “header” attached that can indicate what the packet con-
tains and the destination where it is headed. Think of a packet as a data envelope,
with the header acting as an address.
QoS
Quality of service. A set of intelligent features that enables the network to classify,
mark, and prioritize traffic, reducing congestion and bringing order to the flow of
data and services.
Router
A device that moves data between different network segments and can look into
a packet header to determine the best path for the packet to travel. Routers can
connect network segments that use different protocols. They also allow all users
in a network to share a single connection to the Internet or WAN.
Server
A computer or even a software program that provides clients with services —such
as file storage (file server), programs (application server), printer sharing (print
server), fax (fax server) or modem sharing (modem server). See also Client.
Switch
A device that improves network performance by segmenting the network. When a
switch port receives data packets, it forwards those packets only to the appropriate
port for the intended recipient. This capability further reduces competition for
bandwidth between the clients, servers, or workgroups connected to each switch
port. See also Hub.
WAN
Wide-area network. Typically refers to a network that connects devices over greater
distances, such as geographical regions. A WAN often connect two or more LANs
together. See also LAN (Local Area Network).
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