03-06-2012 11:09 AM - edited 03-07-2019 05:23 AM
HI everybody
I have few questions:
What are some cisco switches generally used at access-layer?
What are some cisco switches generally used at distribution -layer?
What are some cisco switches generally used at core-layer?
thanks and havea great day.
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03-06-2012 01:25 PM
Hi Sarah
It really depends on size of the network (and money we have ), but lets assume we got a medium to large network. You need to have multilayer swicthes for distro and core layer.
Access-layer: Catalyst 2960
Distribution-layer: Catalyst 3560-X, Catalyst 3750-X, Catalyst 4500
Core-layer: Catalyst 6500
Best regards,
Jan
03-06-2012 02:28 PM
Depends on your budget.
There are so many combination to choose from:
Minimal budget:
Access: 2960 or 2960S
Distro: 3750X
Core: 3750X or 4500R+E with Sup7E or 6500E with Sup720 or Sup2T
Average budget:
Access: 3750X
Distro: 4500R+E with Sup7E or 4500X
Core: 6500E with Sup720 or Sup2T
High:
Access: 6500E with Sup32
Distro: 6500E with Sup720
Core: 6500E with Sup2T
DC-grade, High
Access: Nexus 2K or 3K
Distro: Nexus 5k
Core: Nexus 7K
03-06-2012 03:11 PM
Like Leo said it depends on your budget, you can use a stack of 3750 switches and combine distribution and access layers ( if this for users- IDFs or for MDF s).
03-06-2012 05:39 PM
Disclaimer
The Author of this posting offers the information contained within this posting without consideration and with the reader's understanding that there's no implied or expressed suitability or fitness for any purpose. Information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as rendering professional advice of any kind. Usage of this posting's information is solely at reader's own risk.
Liability Disclaimer
In no event shall Author be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of use, data or profit) arising out of the use or inability to use the posting's information even if Author has been advised of the possibility of such damage.
Posting
"DC" likely stands for Data Center.
PS:
For access layer, whether you want L2 or L3 will narrow your choices.
Also, and especially for access layer, chassis solutions per port cost (and performance and features) varies much dependent on line card and supervisor selection. I.e., in large Enterprise you might see the same chassis for all three layers, but performance and cost can differ greatly.
03-06-2012 07:33 PM
I tried to google" DC-grade,high" but could not find any explanation. Could you please elaborate on it?
Sorry. I just coined the term "DC-grade" and "high". Basically "DC" stands for Data Centre grade network and with a HIGH budget. The Nexus family is regularly surpassing the capabilities of the Catalyst switches. It would be common sense to use a DC-grade switch for use in a DC.
If one has the money and a clean sheet of paper to start on, I'd settle for the Nexus family of switches in the Data Centre, 6509E with Sup2T in the Core, Sup720 in the distro and 4500R+E with Sup7E in the access layer.
03-06-2012 01:25 PM
Hi Sarah
It really depends on size of the network (and money we have ), but lets assume we got a medium to large network. You need to have multilayer swicthes for distro and core layer.
Access-layer: Catalyst 2960
Distribution-layer: Catalyst 3560-X, Catalyst 3750-X, Catalyst 4500
Core-layer: Catalyst 6500
Best regards,
Jan
03-06-2012 02:28 PM
Depends on your budget.
There are so many combination to choose from:
Minimal budget:
Access: 2960 or 2960S
Distro: 3750X
Core: 3750X or 4500R+E with Sup7E or 6500E with Sup720 or Sup2T
Average budget:
Access: 3750X
Distro: 4500R+E with Sup7E or 4500X
Core: 6500E with Sup720 or Sup2T
High:
Access: 6500E with Sup32
Distro: 6500E with Sup720
Core: 6500E with Sup2T
DC-grade, High
Access: Nexus 2K or 3K
Distro: Nexus 5k
Core: Nexus 7K
03-06-2012 05:17 PM
Thanks Leolaohoo
I tried to google" DC-grade,high" but could not find any explanation. Could you please elaborate on it?
Thanks and have a good day.
03-06-2012 05:39 PM
Disclaimer
The Author of this posting offers the information contained within this posting without consideration and with the reader's understanding that there's no implied or expressed suitability or fitness for any purpose. Information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as rendering professional advice of any kind. Usage of this posting's information is solely at reader's own risk.
Liability Disclaimer
In no event shall Author be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of use, data or profit) arising out of the use or inability to use the posting's information even if Author has been advised of the possibility of such damage.
Posting
"DC" likely stands for Data Center.
PS:
For access layer, whether you want L2 or L3 will narrow your choices.
Also, and especially for access layer, chassis solutions per port cost (and performance and features) varies much dependent on line card and supervisor selection. I.e., in large Enterprise you might see the same chassis for all three layers, but performance and cost can differ greatly.
03-06-2012 07:33 PM
I tried to google" DC-grade,high" but could not find any explanation. Could you please elaborate on it?
Sorry. I just coined the term "DC-grade" and "high". Basically "DC" stands for Data Centre grade network and with a HIGH budget. The Nexus family is regularly surpassing the capabilities of the Catalyst switches. It would be common sense to use a DC-grade switch for use in a DC.
If one has the money and a clean sheet of paper to start on, I'd settle for the Nexus family of switches in the Data Centre, 6509E with Sup2T in the Core, Sup720 in the distro and 4500R+E with Sup7E in the access layer.
03-06-2012 03:11 PM
Like Leo said it depends on your budget, you can use a stack of 3750 switches and combine distribution and access layers ( if this for users- IDFs or for MDF s).
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