ES2 etherswitch modules for ISR G2

[Dmitry Podtikhov]

Hi!

Does anyone use ES2 enhanced etherswitch modules?

Could not find out whether it functions identically as NM-16ESW or not. I do understand that ES3 module act like a separate device connected to the router chassis via internal interface and has its own configuration file and processor resources similar to older NME-16ES modules. What about ES2 card (e.g. SM-ES2-24)? Does it work as separate L2 switch connected to the router chassis via trunked internal interface or integrates to the router like the older NME-16ESW module did? Is it possible to turn its ports into the routed mode (no switchport) and use them for L3 forwarding with routing protocols such as OSPF?

[Amit Aneja]

Dmitry,

You would need to log into ES2 to configure it similar to ES3 or NME on ISR.

ES2 has L2 ports only, cannot be converted to L3.

Take a look at the config guide of ES2:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/routers/access/interfaces/software/feature/guide/eesm_sw.html#wp1919739

Regards,

Amit

[Dmitry Podtikhov]

Thank you for your reply.

Do you use it in production environment? Currently we use older NM-16ESW and 38xx ISRs and it is rather convinient because they integrate with router chassis, share the same config and ports can be turned to routed mode.

My understanding that there are no identical card to replace them, each of the new generation cards act as a separate device, am I right?

[Amit Aneja]

Dmitry,

Yes, I have seen it in production. I believe that HWIC & NM-16ESW still work with ISR G2 series (not with all models though). Take a look at the modules supported on ISR G2 on the following link:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps10536/products_relevant_interfaces_and_modules.html#notes

Regards,

Amit

[Dmitry Podtikhov]

Thanks, Amit.

I beleive it is hardware compatible with ISR G2s through the adapter. Btw, it is not available for ISR G2s in cisco configuration tool (though it was earlier)

Found this link, it is declared EOS and EOL:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/modules/ps2797/eol_c51-632346.html

Seems strange that Cisco made this card obsolete and have no new identical module to replace it with. Behaviour of the new etherswitch modules seems less convinient to me.

Nevertheless, i suppose my choice is using subinterfaces on the router and vlans on the ES2 card instead of routed ports of the NME-16ESW module. My understanding is that i will have the same features but slightly different configuration.