L2 Switch recommendation

[avilt]

In my current setup, we have around 300 nodes with Catalyst 4006 L3 switch for intervaln routing. No VOIP, COS or QOS, its just the data network.

I need to replace all the switches. I am attaching the current network setup diagram and the link utilization graph of the back pane from the L3 switche .

Appreciate your advice.

[Kishore Chennupati · Accepted solution]

Hi,

From what I have seen IP base image supports basic L3 routing like static routing, RIP, EIGRP(not full features). It doesn't support ospfv2 if thats what you are asking for.If you want to deploy ospf then you better for IP services. But, from your topology do you really need ospf?

HTH,

Regards,

Please rate if helpful

[avilt]

Alright I will go for IP Services Adv. L3.

This data center connectes to other 4 offices thru routers WAN link. So I do need some routing protocol, currently OSPF is in use.

By the way where should I keep the router's segment (Routers LAN interface)? As the 3750 model which I selected does not have L2 ports.

[Leo Laohoo · Accepted solution]

IP Base will support RIPv1/v2, ISIS and, depending on the IOS version you have, OSPFv1 (you really don't want to use this).  IP Services will support OSPFv2 and the rest.

[avilt]

Thank You.

By the way instead of using SFP cables, can I just use GBPS LAN cables to create a uplink from L2 to L3 switches? This way I can reduce SFP cable requirements and go for a lower model switch with 4 SFP cables.

[Leo Laohoo · Accepted solution]

By the way instead of using SFP cables, can I just use GBPS LAN cables to create a uplink from L2 to L3 switches?

Are you saying you don't want to use fibre optic cables for your uplink?

[avilt]

Yes, is it possible or recommended since L2 ports are also gbps ports.

[Leo Laohoo · Accepted solution]

Yes, is it possible or recommended since L2 ports are also gbps ports.

Sure it's possible.  Instead of using the more expensive 3750G-12S, you can use other models of the 3750G series of switches.

[Kishore Chennupati · Accepted solution]

Hi,

If you want wan to buy low end then you still need 2 switches and you still need to stack them to get 5 uplinks. Also if your traffic is going to be greater than 1Gbps between the L2  and L3 switches you would still need the 1G uplink ports. If you look at the whole thing, it will cost you about the same.

so , i would recommend going for a 12port fibre switch. Its up to you though.

HTH.

Regards,

Please rate if helpful

[avilt]

Do I need to stack 3750 switches together? I have to just stack C2960S access switches and then connect the uplinks to both L3 3750 switches right?

Sorry, bit confused about the stacking technology.

[Kishore Chennupati · Accepted solution]

Hi,

If you gonna use the gig copper ports on the 3750, then you dont need to stack them. just trunk them across the way it was in your diagram.

you only stack the 2960's.

HTH

Regards,

Please rate if helpful

[avilt]

Just confirmed the cost of "GE SFP LC connector transceiver". It's around 600US$ per device, I need around 12 connectrots, so I feel it's better to use GBPS LAN cables instead of expensive GE SFP LC connector transceiver. Apart from the fible cable cost. Any advice?

[Kishore Chennupati · Accepted solution]

Hi,

yea. you can just use the copper ports. should be ok

Regards

[avilt]

One last question, can we span one vlan in 2 separate switches with 2 separate uplinks as shown in the diagram?

Is there any design issue?

As shown in the diagram, I have 2 separate access layer switches both in the same vlan 10 and are uplinked to L3 switch.

The reason I am asking is with this kind of setup I can even reduce Stack modules at access layer which seems to be very expensive.

[Kishore Chennupati · Accepted solution]

should be fine. You can span it and STP can take care of avoiding Layer2 loops.

HTH,

Regards,

Please rate if helpful

[avilt]

Hope it's a ideal setup instead of setting up a cluster of 2 L2 switches at access layer.