PBR in Hardware

[m.glosson]

Greetings. I'm pretty sure the answer is "yes," but I just wanted to throw the question to the audience anyway...

You can set the ME3400 switch set to the Routing SDM template such that it support PBR. That is done in the ASICs, right? Because if it is done in software the switch could quickly become overwhelmed.

Thanks,

Matt

[acampbell · Accepted solution]

Matt,

Please look at the config guide.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/switches/metro/me3400/software/release/12.2_58_se/configuration/guide/swsdm.html

•Layer-2—The layer-2 template maximizes system resources for Layer 2 functionality and does not support routing. You should use this template when the switch is being used for Layer-2 forwarding. When you select the layer-2 template on a switch running the metro IP access image, any routing is done through software, which overloads the CPU and severely degrades routing performance.

•Default—The default template gives balance to all functions: Layer 2 and Layer 3 (routing). This template is available only on switches running the metro IP access image. If you do not use the default template when routing is enabled on the switch, any routing is done through software, which overloads the CPU and severely degrades routing performance.

Be VERY careful with the selection of the SDM template as you

can seriously degrade your switch CPU operation.

Make sure you know exactly which image you are running.

Regards,
Alex.
Please rate useful posts.

[Joseph W. Doherty · Accepted solution]

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Posting

It's a conditional "yes".  In the same guide that Alex referenced, in this section: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/switches/metro/me3400/software/release/12.2_58_se/configuration/guide/swiprout.html#wp1210866, you'll will find PBR options that are "not supported" and/or will be done in software.