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static and routed information protocol (RIP) routing functionality. The EMI provides a richer set of enterprise-class features including advanced
hardware-based IP unicast and multicast routing and the Web Cache Communication Protocol (WCCP). After initial deployment, the EMI Upgrade
Kit gives users the flexibility to upgrade to the EMI. The Catalyst 3550-12T and 3550-12G are only available with the EMI.
Figure 1. Catalyst 3550 Series Switches
INTELLIGENCE IN THE NETWORK
Networks of today are evolving to address four new developments at the network edge:
•
Increase in desktop computing power
•
Introduction of bandwidth-intensive applications
•
Expansion of highly sensitive data on the network
•
Presence of multiple device types, such as IP phones and wireless LAN access points These new demands are contending for resources with many
existing mission-critical applications. As a result,
IT professionals must view the edge of the network as critical to effectively manage the delivery of information and applications.
As companies increasingly rely on networks as the strategic business infrastructure, it is more important than ever to ensure their high availability,
security, scalability and control. By adding Cisco intelligent functionality to the wiring closet, customers can now deploy network-wide intelligent
services that address these requirements in a consistent way from the desktop to the core and through the WAN.
With Cisco Catalyst Intelligent Ethernet switches, Cisco enables companies to realize the full benefits of adding intelligent services into their
networks. Deploying capabilities that make the network infrastructure highly available to accommodate time-critical needs, scalable to accommodate
growth, secure enough to protect confidential information, and capable of differentiating and controlling traffic flows are key to further optimizing
network operations.
NETWORK CONTROL THROUGH ADVANCED QUALITY OF SERVICE AND RATE LIMITING
The Cisco Catalyst 3550 offers superior Layer 3 granular QoS features to ensure that network traffic is classified, prioritized, and congestion is
avoided in the best possible manner. Configuration of QoS is greatly simplified through automatic QoS (Auto QoS), a feature that detects Cisco IP
phones and automatically configures the switch for the appropriate classification and egress queuing. This optimizes traffic prioritization and
network availability without the challenge of a complex configuration.
