76CHAPTER 4: CREATING AN XRN STACKING FABRIC

Table 23 SuperStack 4 Switch 5500 Support for XRN Distributed Fabric

Switch

Port used

XRN support

 

 

 

Switch 5500-SI 28-Port

Ports 27 (up port) and 28 (down

Supports DDM and

(3CR17151-91)

port) using a 1000 Mbps SFP

DLA*

 

transceiver

 

Switch 5500-SI 52-Port

Ports 51 (up port) and 52 (down

Supports DDM and

(3CR17152-91)

port) using a 1000 Mbps SFP

DLA*

 

transceiver

 

Switch 5500-EI 28-Port

Ports 27 (up port) and 28 (down

Full XRN functionality

(3CR17161-91)

port) using a 1000 Mbps SFP

 

 

transceiver

 

Switch 5500-EI 52-Port

Ports 51 (up port) and 52 (down

Full XRN functionality

(3CR17162-91)

port) using a 1000 Mbps SFP

 

 

transceiver

 

Switch 5500-EI PWR

Ports 27 (up port) and 28 (down

Full XRN functionality

28-Port (3CR17171-91)

port) using a 1000 Mbps SFP

 

 

transceiver

 

Switch 5500-EI PWR

Ports 51 (up port) and 52 (down

Full XRN functionality

52-Port (3CR17172-91)

port) using a 1000 Mbps SFP

 

 

transceiver

 

Switch 5500-EI FX 28-Port

Ports 27 (up port) and 28 (down

Full XRN functionality

(3CR17181-91)

port) via 10/100/1000BASE-T

 

 

ports

 

Switch 5500G-EI 24-Port

Two dedicated stacking cable

Full XRN functionality

(3CR17254-91)

ports (one ‘up’ and one ‘down’)

 

 

on the rear of the unit.

 

Switch 5500G-EI 48-Port

Two dedicated stacking cable

Full XRN functionality

(3CR17255-91)

ports (one ‘up’ and one ‘down’)

 

 

on the rear of the unit.

 

Switch 5500G-EI SFP

Two dedicated stacking cable

Full XRN functionality

24-Port (3CR17259-91)

ports (one ‘up’ and one ‘down’)

 

 

on the rear of the unit.

 

* Distributed Device Management and Distributed Link Aggregation

Stacking Switch 5500 Units

1Ensure that the switch units that you wish to interconnect have the latest software agent installed. You can use the display version command to check this.

2Enable the ‘up port’ and the ‘down port’ on each switch (see Table 23) to operate in Fabric mode using the following CLI command. From the System View enter fabric-port gigabitethernet 1/0/51 enable, for example.

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3Com 5500G-EI, 5500-EI manual Stacking Switch 5500 Units, SuperStack 4 Switch 5500 Support for XRN Distributed Fabric

5500G-EI, 5500-EI specifications

The 3Com 5500-EI and 5500G-EI series are advanced Ethernet switches designed for enterprise networks, catering to the growing demand for high-performance, secure, and scalable networking solutions. These switches are particularly suited for large organizations that require robust management capabilities and high-density connectivity.

One of the key features of the 5500-EI and 5500G-EI models is their modular architecture, which allows businesses to tailor the switch configuration to their specific needs. With options for various interface modules, including Gigabit Ethernet and PoE (Power over Ethernet), these switches can support diverse networking requirements and facilitate the gradual expansion of the network infrastructure.

The Series offers advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching capabilities. Layer 2 features include VLAN tagging, trunking, and Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) to ensure efficient traffic management and network segmentation. On the Layer 3 front, the switches support static routing, RIP, and OSPF, enabling dynamic routing protocols for better traffic flow and load balancing. These features together enhance the performance and reliability of enterprise applications.

Security is another vital aspect of the 3Com 5500-EI and 5500G-EI series. The switches come equipped with robust security features to protect sensitive data and maintain compliance. These include MAC address filtering, access control lists (ACLs), and support for 802.1X authentication. Additionally, the devices support secure management protocols like SNMP v3, which enhances the security of management communications.

The 5500G-EI model stands out with its high-density port offerings, supporting up to 48 ports in a single switch, with an option for stacking to create a unified management platform across multiple switches. This flexibility allows organizations to leverage their existing infrastructure while scaling seamlessly in response to growing demands.

Another notable characteristic is the built-in IPv6 support, which positions the 3Com 5500-EI and 5500G-EI models favorably for future-proofing enterprise networks as the transition to IPv6 continues. This feature ensures that organizations can maintain connectivity as devices increasingly adopt the newer protocol.

In conclusion, the 3Com 5500-EI and 5500G-EI series offer a comprehensive suite of features and technologies designed for high-performance enterprise networking. With modularity, robust Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities, enhanced security measures, and a focus on scalability, these switches provide a solid foundation for modern corporate networks, accommodating future growth and technological advancements.