78CHAPTER 4: CREATING AN XRN STACKING FABRIC

Guidelines For

Interconnecting

Units

This section offers some guidelines for creating a Fabric. Using these guidelines will help prevent problems arising when setting up your Fabric.

The maximum number of switch units that can be interconnected is eight.

It is not possible to create a Fabric by interconnecting a 3Com Switch 5500 with any other 3Com device (such as a 5500G-EI) or mix Enhanced Image (EI) Switch 5500 units with Standard Image (SI) units.

3Com strongly recommends that you upgrade all switches to be interconnected to the latest software agent.

3Com recommends that you remove the configuration file from a switch unit that has previously been used elsewhere in your network before you interconnect to an existing unit. If you do not do this, problems may be caused by conflicting switch configurations. Use the dir command from the User View to display the configuration files stored on the switch and locate the [filename].cfg file. Do NOT under any circumstances remove the 3comoscfg.def file (this is the default configuration file).

For a detailed description of how XRN Technology operates and implementation guidelines, refer to the “Switch 5500 Family Configuration Guide” available on the 3Com Web Site at www.3com.com.

Unit Numbering When a Fabric is created using the Switch 5500 the unit numbering can

within the Fabric be determined in two ways.

You can manually assign unit IDs 1 to 8 to specific units using the change[self-unit,unit-id] to [1-8,auto-numbering]command from the System View. If you manually assign unit IDs to a switch via the change command the IDs will be retained after a power cycle.

If you add a unit to a Fabric that has previously been manually configured with a unit ID and this conflicts with an ID already within the Fabric, then the switch with the lowest MAC address assumes the ID in question and the other unit will automatically renumber.

3Com recommends that you manually assign the unit IDs within the Fabric if you wish to have predictability of knowing which units have which IDs at all times.

Fabric topology is ‘discovered’ and the units auto-number their IDs.

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3Com 5500G-EI, 5500-EI manual Guidelines For Interconnecting Units

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.