Innovative module options
to meet any requirement
Simple, scalable and stackable
The Ethernet Routing Switch 8600
takes the complexity out of network
design by simplifying the network
architecture and increasing value per
port with advanced features on high-
density modules for modular products
and high-density ports for stacking.
High-density ports, combined with
the rich capabilities and applications
and the leading reliability technologies
offered by the Ethernet Routing Switch
8600, result in exceptionally high value
for enterprises. The Nortel RSP, which
is based on NPU technology, offers an
investment protection path for future
software upgrades.
Additions to the existing high-perform-
ance I/O module options offer a number
of practical business benefits. These
include a high-density 10G Ethernet (12
ports per module and up to 96 ports per
chassis) and a higher-density 1000BASE-
X 48-port module that complements the
existing 30-port model.
One module; many flavors
The Ethernet Routing Switch 8600 also
offers an innovative new hybrid combi na-
tion module that supports 10G Ethernet,
1000BASE-X and 10/100/1000BASE-
TX ports. Economical, flexible and an
industry first, this ‘combo’ module
includes copper 10/100/1000, SFP and
XFP interfaces to meet the demand of
smaller aggregation sites. It is an afford-
able solution that provides all the
func tionality many organizations need
— all in one convenient and affordably
priced module.
Applications: New capabilities
and more choice to optimize
communications
By offering advanced capabilities such
as IP VPN-Lite, VRF-lite and IP VPN
MPLS based all on one platform, the
Ethernet Routing Switch 8600 enables
virtual services across campus and metro
environments to address new and addi-
tional business requirements and applica-
tions. For example, a university seeking a
solution to connect several of its campuses
can choose industry-standard MPLS or
Nortel’s IP VPN-Lite technology.
Virtual Private Networking
through IP VPN-Lite
Nortel IP VPN-Lite is an innovative
IP-in-IP capability that leverages Nortel’s
flexible forwarding network processor
unit (RSP) — making it easier to
implement, deploy and manage VPN
services across campuses. With IP
VPN-Lite, enterprises can build any-to-
any private connections between local or
geographically dispersed sites using any
IP infrastructure (i.e., private or through
a public IP service provider).
IP VPNs are typically used for inter-office
connectivity and also to create trusted
connections to partner organizations;
they leverage IP as the common carriage,
and remove a dependency on specific
wide area technologies (e.g., frame relay
or ATM) or service providers. Nortel’s
IP VPN-Lite solution has the additional
benefit of being inherently less complex
and therefore more cost-effective than
using MPLS. Managing IP VPN-Lite
versus MPLS is much simpler and doesn’t
require costly MPLS IT training or
special resources.
IP VPN-Lite’s set-up is based on the flex-
ible RFC4364/2547 configuration model,
and requires no MPLS core infra structure.
As a result, the solution can scale as high
as an MPLS-based IP VPN. Additionally,
both MPLS and IP VPN-Lite can coexist
and operate in parallel.
Virtual Routing and
Forwarding (VRF-lite)
Through VRF-lite on Ethernet Routing
Switch 8600, enterprises can use the
same hardware platform to create
multiple Layer 3 routing domains to
support multiple customers and keep
traffic separated for both unicast and
multicast (IGMP, PIM-SM/SSM).
The VRF-lite capability virtualizes
routing within the switch, enabling
enterprises to facilitate business and
networking challenges such as mergers
and acquisitions, Data Center consoli-
dation and sharing, departmental or
business unit segmentation, and general
audit and compliant requirements.
By allowing the switch to have two or
more routing instances, more sophis-
ticated connections are made possible,
in addition to supporting overlapping
IP Address spaces. Complete traffic
separation on Layers 2 and 3 is usually a
key requirement. However, if necessary,
the system can be configured to provide
inter-VRF forwarding capabilities to
allow access to common resources.
Multi-Protocol Label
Switching (MPLS)
When delivered on a LAN Switch such
as the Ethernet Routing Switch 8600,
MPLS complements the majority of
today’s wide area networking solutions.
MPLS provides sophisticated connec-
tivity and traffic engineering techniques,
and is often used as the basis for VPNs.
Through this capability, users can create
MPLS environments based on the
Ethernet Routing Switch 8600, and
increase the overall level of transparency
and interoperability.
5
A set of hardware provides the necessary flexibility
as enterprises proceed with the transition to 10G
Ethernet in the Core and the Riser, and with server
consolidation in the Data Center.
