Preface

Use this guide as a reference for the Cisco Catalyst 5000 Hub management software. Before using this guide, you should be familiar with SPECTRUM operation. For the purposes of this guide, the Cisco Catalyst 5000 Hubs are referred to as Òdevices.Ó

What Is in This Guide

The following outlines the organization of the Cisco Catalyst 5000 Hub

Management Module Guide.

Chapter

 

Description

 

Chapter 1

Describes the device, the management module and

Introduction

model types. This chapter also provides

 

 

information on accessing device-speciÞc views.

Chapter 2

Describes the Device views representing the

Device Views

device.

Chapter 3

Describes the ConÞguration views for the device

ConÞguration Views

and the network management information

 

 

provided by the views.

Chapter 4

Lists and explains the event and alarm messages

Event and Alarm Messages

generated in the Event Log or Alarm Manager for

 

 

the device.

Chapter 5

Describes the Application view and application-

Application View

speciÞc information for the device.

9032208 E4

xi

Page 12
Image 12
Cabletron Systems 5000, 5500 manual What Is in This Guide, Chapter Description

5500, 5000, 5500 specifications

Cabletron Systems was a significant player in the networking equipment industry during the 1990s and early 2000s, and its 5500 and 5000 series switches are notable for their innovative design and features. The Cabletron 5500 series is best known for its high performance and reliability, targeting enterprises requiring robust networking solutions.

The Cabletron 5500 is a high-capacity switch often used in backbone network environments. One of its main features includes the ability to support multiple protocols, such as Ethernet, Token Ring, and FDDI. This versatility allows for seamless integration into diverse network infrastructures. Additionally, the 5500's architecture supports a high level of redundancy and fault tolerance, ensuring continuous network operation even in the event of component failures. With advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching capabilities, the 5500 series excels in managing traffic efficiently, which is critical for high-demand applications.

The Cabletron 5000, while similar to the 5500, targets slightly less demanding network environments. It still offers significant features, including support for various networking standards, enabling easy compatibility with existing systems. The 5000 series is designed for scalability, allowing organizations to expand their networks without extensive overhauls. This switch is equipped with a user-friendly management interface, making it easier for network administrators to configure and monitor network performance.

Both series utilize Cabletron's patented FastPacket technology, which enhances packet processing speeds, leading to reduced latency in data transmission. This is especially beneficial for businesses with high data traffic volumes and real-time applications. Another key characteristic is the ability to prioritize traffic, which plays a vital role in Quality of Service (QoS) management, ensuring that critical applications receive the bandwidth they require.

Furthermore, the Cabletron 5500 and 5000 series switches are modular, allowing administrators to add or replace modules as needed. This modularity contributes to long-term investment protection, enabling organizations to adapt to evolving networking demands without the need for complete hardware replacements.

In summary, the Cabletron Systems 5500 and 5000 series represent a fusion of flexibility, speed, and reliability, positioning them as valuable assets in the networking landscape. Their features and capabilities support organizations of varying sizes in achieving efficient and dependable network performance.