Layer 3 and 3550 software images

[bsisco]

I'm currently preapring to use SVIs for my VLAN interfaces, but realized that the model #'s of my switches reads Model number: WS-C3550-24-SMI. From what I've read I'll need an EMI image in order to support layer3 SVIs (instead of RIP). Is this a simple matter of upgrading my software image to an enterprise version from the standard version?

[Georg Pauwen]

Hello,

the Standard Multilayer Image (SMI) - Cisco IOS Software Release 12.1(11)EA1 and later supports SVIs. I would check first what the version is that you have running on your switches and if it accepts the ' interface vlan' command. If you have a previous IOS version, you either need to upgrade the SMI version, or upgrade to EMI. The EMI is just a software image, part number is CD-3550-EMI= Enhanced Multilayer Software Image Upgrade(3550-24,3550-48).

HTH,

GP

[bsisco]

GP,

Thanks! The version currently on our oldest switch is 12.1(20)EA1a. I can see that VLAN1 (default) which has a management IP is noted as an EtherSVI interface. Does this mean that it will support Layer3 routing in contradiction to the note:

"The standard multilayer software image (SMI) supports static routing and the Routing Information Protocol (RIP). To use SVIs for full Layer 3 routing or for fallback bridging, you must have the enhanced multilayer software image (EMI) installed on your switch." found here http://www.cisco.com/en/US/customer/products/hw/switches/ps646/products_configuration_guide_chapter09186a0080211d21.html#wp1026951

Thanks again!

[frenzeus]

Hi,

With SMI, u can still use the SVI to provide layer 3 functionality, but u can only run basic routing with these interfaces, as pertaining to the document link u provided, SMI only allows for static routing and at most RIP.

To use other more advance routing protocols like OSPF, EIGRP, BGP etc., u would need to upgrade ur switch software image to the EMI version, as noted by GP.

HTH!