Technology Overview

Q. What is Cisco StackWise technology?

A.The Cisco StackWise technology provides an innovative method for collectively using and extending the resources of a stack of units. Up to nine switches can be joined together to create a single switching unit with a virtual 32-Gbps stack interconnect. Furthermore, the entire stack can be managed as one unit with a single IP address. To the rest of the network, the stack operates as a single switch. With a unified management interface, the customer can with one command load a single image to all compatible switches on the stack. Cisco StackWise technology is optimized for Gigabit Ethernet deployment bringing customers new levels of performance through the high speed interconnect, resiliency through advanced failover mechanisms and ease of use through automated configuration and a single management interface.

Because of the Cisco StackWise technology, the Cisco Catalyst 3750 Series is highly scalable. There can be up to 252 Gigabit Ethernet ports in a stack. Switches within the stack can be added and removed without affecting user network access. New devices get the global configuration from the stack master, and replacement devices get the exact configuration of the old device. There is one configuration file with all stack member configurations.

Its innovative design sets the bar of availability in stackable switches. It supports link and switch level redundancy. The Cisco Catalyst 3750 supports cross-stack EtherChannel® as well as Cross-Stack UplinkFast (with subsecond failover), and cross-stack equal cost routes across different switches in the stack. These features eliminate the need of relying on HSRP for router failures. In the case of Master switch failure, another Master switch takes over with minimal disruption within 2 to 3 seconds.

For more information about Cisco StackWise technology, go to:

http://www.cisco.com/go/catalyst3750.

Q. What are Small Form-Factor Pluggables (SFPs)?

A. SFPs are transceivers that provide Gigabit Ethernet connectivity from the Cisco Catalyst 3750 switches to distribution layer switches. They are functionally equivalent to Gigabit Interface Converters (GBICs), but are much smaller.

Q. What SFPs are supported on Cisco Catalyst 3750 switches?

A. Cisco Catalyst 3750 switches support 1000BASE-LX/LH and 1000BASE-SX SFPs.

Q. Do the Cisco Catalyst 3750 switches interoperate with SFPs from other vendors?

A. No, like other Cisco switches and routers, the Cisco Catalyst 3750 switches do not interoperate with other vendors’ SFPs. The switch will shut down the port if an SFP is inserted that is not a Cisco SFP.

Q. Is there a limit to the number of SFPs that can be used on a Cisco Catalyst 3750 Switch?

A. No. Users can populate all the SFP ports of any Cisco Catalyst 3750 Switch with the same SFP or with a combination of different SFPs. Cisco Catalyst 3750 switches support the following Cisco SFPs: 1000BASE-SX and 1000BASE-LX/LH.

Cisco Systems, Inc.

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