What kind of Metro Ethernet Switchs?

[husseinmuneer]

Dear Sir,

We adopted an IP/MPLS network so we need to make expansion. The expansion will be Cisco Metro Ethernet Switches.

What kind of Cisco Switch will be suitable for this purpose ?

Find the attached image for the Network topology so the Core routers is Huawei NE80E and the Edge Router is Huawei NE40E.

Waiting for your suggestion.

Regards.

[tnothnag · Accepted solution]

Hi Hussein,

there are multiple options possible. For access layer, you may use ME3400E, C3750-METRO or the new ME3600X series.

What specific device fits best in your network cannot be in depth answered here. You may contact your local Cisco team in order to further talk about the specific requirements for your networ in order to find the best fitting solution for you.

For a general overview, you may have a look to the data sheets:

ME 3600X

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/prod/collateral/switches/ps6568/ps10956/data_sheet_c78-601946.html

C3750 METRO

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/prod/collateral/switches/ps5718/ps5532/product_data_sheet0900aecd806e27b9.html

ME 3400E

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/prod/collateral/switches/ps6568/ps9637/data_sheet_c78-495220.html

Best regards,

Tim

[husseinmuneer]

Thanks Mr. Tim

We don't have a local cisco systems team in our country.

C3750 METRO is good, so from it's Datasheet :

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/switches/ps5718/ps5532/product_data_sheet0900aecd806e27b9.html

It looks like an edge router and can do most of the edge router functions but the problem in this model the 24 ports are not SFP based so what do you think about ME3800X.

The required switch for our IP/MPLS network should work as an edge switch and do most MPLS functions. In this case it will work as an aggregation (Access) and IP/MPLS edge node.

If you suggust another options please tell me.

Regards

[thomas.feichter]

Hu Hussein!

I worked a lot on ME3750..I can´t recommend this platform! The hardware and sw features are obsolete.

If you do not need MPLS, the ME3400E (E Series!!) supports features like "selective QinQ", wich could be very nice n an metro ethernet network.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/switches/metro/me3400e/software/release/12.2_58_se/configuration/guide/swtunnel.html

You have only 1GE ports.

I think the ME3600X/3800X should be the choice. You have the features like 3400E and EVC support

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/switches/metro/me3600x_3800x/software/release/12.2_52_ey/configuration/guide/swevc.html

The 3600X by default has enabled the  two 10GE ports. The 3800X NO. Check the licensing model (also for scalabiliz, mpls) before you buy...

The features of the platforms are nearly the same.

The 3800X supports larger TCAM, more VRFs,ecc

I never used the 3600/3800 series.The platform is very new. But future proof 

..or maybe a  6500 or 7600 platform (if you need port density)...?

Regards,

Thomas