Cisco Switch Clustering
Cisco takes stacking to a new level with its new Switch
Clustering technology. This breakthrough technology
enables up to 16 interconnected Catalyst 3500 XL, 2900 XL,
and Catalyst 1900 switches, regardless of geographic
proximity, to form a single-IP managed network. These
switches can be clustered using a broad range of connectivity
options to deliver various levels of performance to meet
customer requirements. Clustering connectivity options for
the Catalyst 3512 XL and Catalyst 3524 XL include
Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Fast EtherChannel
®
, low-cost Cisco
GigaStack GBIC, Gigabit Ethernet, and Gigabit
EtherChannel. Because customers are not limited by
proprietary stacking modules and stacking cables, Cisco
Switch Clustering technology expands the traditional
stacking domain beyond a single wiring closet and lets users
“mix and match” interconnections to meet specific
management, performance, and cost requirements.
Catalyst 3500 XL switches can be configured either as
command or member switches in a Cisco switch stack or
cluster. The command switch serves as the single IP address
management point and disburses all management
instructions dictated by the network administrator.
Command switches can cluster up to 15 additional
interconnected member switches regardless of
interconnection media.
Web-Based Switch Management:
Cisco Visual Switch Manager
The Catalyst 3512 XL and 3524 XL feature the Cisco
Web-based management tool, Cisco Visual Switch Manager
(CVSM), which allows network administrators to view and
manage the switch from anywhere on the network through a
standard browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or
Netscape Navigator. CVSM is launched from the switch itself,
and delivers simple network- and device-level management,
including port configuration, virtual LAN (VLAN) setup,
network views, and port monitoring. CVSM is an integral part
of the Cisco scalable stacking architecture, allowing users to
easily configure and manage stacks and switch clusters and to
administer software upgrades across multiple switches.
Standard Edition Software
Cisco Catalyst 3500 series XL Standard Edition switches
include several exceptional features to increase network
performance, manageability and security. The command
switch feature delivers single-IP managed Cisco Switch
Clustering technology to up to 16 interconnected Catalyst
3500 XL, 2900 XL, and Catalyst 1900 switches. Fast
EtherChannel and Gigabit EtherChannel technology offer
from 400-Mbps to 4-Gbps high-performance bandwidth
among Catalyst switches, routers, and servers. Cisco Group
Management Protocol (CGMP) enhances performance of
multimedia applications and reduces network traffic by
allowing a switch to selectively and dynamically forward IP
multicast traffic to targeted end stations. Up to 250
port-based VLANs per switch allow data packets to be
forwarded only to stations within a specific VLAN, creating
a virtual firewall between groups of ports on the network.
Network Time Protocol (NTP) provides a unified clock
across the network, ensuring accurate time stamps for
troubleshooting all network events. Media Access Control
(MAC)-based port level security prevents unauthorized
stations from accessing the switch. Multi-layer security on
the switch console prevents unauthorized users from gaining
access and altering the switch configuration. All Standard
Edition switches can be upgraded with the purchase of an
optional Enterprise Edition upgrade kit.
Enterprise Edition Software
Enterprise Edition software includes all of the features of the
Standard Edition and adds enhanced end-to-end VLAN
support to your Catalyst 3500 series XL switch. Virtual LAN
trunks can be created from any port using either 802.1Q
trunking or the Cisco Inter-Switch Link (ISL) VLAN
architecture. VLANs using standards-based 802.1Q and ISL
trunking provide broadcast control and enhanced security,
and simplify adds, moves and changes.
authentication enables centralized access control of the
switch and restricts unauthorized users from altering the
configuration. Uplink Fast technology ensures quick failover
recovery, enhancing overall network stability and reliability.
An Enterprise Edition switch is the best choice in a network
that requires higher-level security, superior fail-safe
redundancy, and end-to-end VLANs spanning multiple
routers, chassis switches, and access servers.
