CatOS vs IOS

[wai-li]

I have a 6509 with sup2/pfc2. Is there any advantage (like performance, etc) to run CatOS over IOS or vice verse?

Any comments appreciated.

[donewald]

Assume you have an MSFC as well, as it is required for IOS (Native)

1. You gain no performance in going with IOS

2. Single point of configuration for L2 and L3 configurations

3. Market direction (people are being encouraged to move off of CatOS)

4. New OSM/Module support may only be put into Native for certain modules.

Hope this helps,

Don

[john.forbes]

Our vendor here in AUS has indicated that CatOS (nativeOS) lends itself more to the orig. 6500 architecture of the device rather than being 'cisco-fied' just to be like other IOS switches.