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C H A P T E R
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Catalyst 3550 Multilayer Switch Software Configuration Guide
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Overview
This chapter provides these topics about the Catalyst 3550 multilayer switch software:
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Network Configuration Examples, page 1-9
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In this document, IP refers to IP version 4 (IPv4). Layer 3 IP version 6 (IPv6) packets are treated as
non-IP packets.
Features
The Catalyst 3550 software supports the hardware listed in the release notes. This section describes the
features supported in this release:
Note
All Catalyst 3550 Gigabit Ethernet switches ship with the enhanced multilayer software image (EMI), which
provides Layer 2+ features, full Layer 3 routing, and advanced services. Catalyst 3550 Fast Ethernet switches
can be shipped with either the standard multilayer software image (SMI) or EMI installed. The SMI software
image provides Layer 2+ features and basic Layer 3 routing. You can order the Enhanced Multilayer Software
Image Upgrade kit to upgrade Catalyst 3550 Fast Ethernet switches from the SMI to the EMI.
Ease of Use and Ease of Deployment
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Express Setup for quickly configuring a switch for the first time with basic IP information, contact
information, switch and Telnet passwords, and SNMP information through a browser-based
program
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User-defined SmartPort macros for creating custom switch configurations for simplified
deployment across the network
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Cluster Management Suite (CMS) software for simplifying switch and switch cluster management
through a web browser, such as Netscape Communicator or Microsoft Internet Explorer, from
anywhere in your intranet
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Switch clustering technology used with CMS, for
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Unified configuration, monitoring, authentication, and software upgrade of multiple switches
(refer to the release notes for a list of eligible cluster members).