DJ214 wrote:
Hello - real quick question. Was pricing a switch and noticed that a switch designated as a fixed configuration model was considerably less that a a similiar switch that is a for lack of better terminology - non fixed configuration.
Can someone explain to me what exactly fixed configuration means when pertaining to a cisco switch or router.
Thanks in advance.
DH
For both switches and routers fixed configuration means that the device cannot have additional cards/modules added.
So for switches the 4500/6500/Nexus switches are modular because they take line cards/modules that are inserted into the chassis and you can choose which line cards you buy.
Fixed configuration switches don't have this capability so if you buy a 48 port switch such as the 3560 thats it. You can't then increase the number of ports in that switch. To get more ports you have to buy another switch.
Routers - pretty much the same. Fixed means what you get when you buy the device is all you will be able to have in terms of interfaces/modules etc.
Modular routers means that they have spare slots which you can populate with diffferent types of interface/modules (such VPN/IDS) depending on you
your needs.
Obviously modular devices allow for more scalability for future needs hence the additional cost.
Jon
