CPU and Memory Utilization thresholds

[kmcdonald1973]

Hello,

I have recently stared monitoring my cisco switches abd routers for memory and CPU utilization. Does anyone know what average utilization is too much and where I should be concerned about performance degredation?

I see a few of my older switches with average utilization in the 70's. I dont see much CPU utilization on these same switches but im also curious as to what is a safe threshold for CPU as well.

I am preparing to purchase some new equipment and I want to make sure I am properly sizing it.

Thanks, Kevin

[bmurray000]

Anytime you consistently exceed 80% utilization on your CPU you should begin to consider adding additional equipment to share the load or upgrading your existing equipment.  Is your utilization gradually growing as you take on more traffic, or is it static at around 80% or less?

Use your growth rates to estimate when you will need to upgrade or add equipment.

Bill