A P P E N D I X C

Switch Port Functionality

The 10/100 Fast Ethernet ports on the Cisco 3200 Series router FESMIC default to Layer 2 switch ports. The FESMIC is a “learning bridge,” as defined in 802.1D with the Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) capabilities of 802.1P/Q. The BCM5618 is fully capable of line-rate switching for all four 10/100 Fast Ethernet ports.

VLANs provide the segmentation services traditionally provided by routers in LAN configurations, as shown in Figure C-1. VLANs make it easy to move an network or to change a network design.

Broadcast control—Just as switches physically isolate collision domains for attached hosts and only forward traffic out a particular port, VLANs provide logical collision domains that confine broadcast and multicast traffic to the bridging domain.VLANs solve the scalability problems of large flat networks by breaking a single broadcast domain into several smaller broadcast domains.

Security—VLANs improve security by isolating groups. High-security users can be grouped into a VLAN, possibly on the same physical segment. If you do not include a router in a VLAN, no one outside that VLAN can communicate with the users inside the VLAN and vice versa. This extreme level of security can be highly desirable. Users outside that VLAN cannot penetrate into the VLAN without an appropriate routing through secure Layer 3 routing services.

Performance—Users that require high-performance networking can be assigned to their own VLAN. You might, for example, assign an engineer who is testing a multicast application and the servers that the engineer is using to a single VLAN. The engineer experiences improved network performance by being on a “dedicated LAN.” The rest of the engineering group experiences improved network performance, because the traffic generated by the network-intensive application is isolated to another VLAN. This of course implies some areas of physical isolation of separate VLANs or prioritized service by tagging support and prioritized queuing classes within the switches and bridges of the 802.1Q VLAN.

Network management—Software on the switch allows you to assign users to VLANs. Changing the cabling to change connectivity is no longer necessary in the switched LAN environment because network management tools allow you to reconfigure the LAN logically in seconds.

Cisco 3200 Series Router Hardware Reference

 

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Cisco Systems 3200 manual Switch Port Functionality

3200 specifications

Cisco Systems 3200 Series routers are designed to deliver high-performance, reliable networking solutions for enterprise and service provider environments. They are part of Cisco's extensive portfolio that addresses the challenges of modern networking, particularly in connecting remote offices and branch locations efficiently and securely.

One of the standout features of the Cisco 3200 Series is its scalability. The routers support a variety of modular interfaces, allowing organizations to tailor their network infrastructure according to specific needs. This modularity ensures that as businesses grow and their networking requirements evolve, the Cisco 3200 can adapt without necessitating a complete overhaul of existing hardware.

Security is another critical characteristic of the Cisco 3200 routers. They incorporate robust security features such as integrated firewall capabilities, advanced encryption standards, and Virtual Private Network (VPN) support. This ensures that sensitive data transmitted over the network is protected from potential threats, making them ideal for businesses that prioritize security, especially in regulated industries.

Performance-wise, the Cisco 3200 is equipped with advanced processing capabilities, enabling it to handle high data throughput even in demanding environments. This performance is bolstered by the use of Cisco's proprietary technologies, such as Quality of Service (QoS) and traffic shaping, which allow the prioritization of critical applications to ensure seamless connectivity.

The router series also benefits from Cisco's extensive software ecosystem, which includes Cisco IOS (Internetwork Operating System). IOS provides a familiar interface for network administrators, alongside a wealth of features for configuration and management. Furthermore, the Cisco 3200 Series is designed to integrate with Cisco's Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) solutions, offering enhanced flexibility in managing network resources.

Connectivity options for the Cisco 3200 Series are extensive, offering support for various WAN technologies, including MPLS, LTE, and broadband internet. This versatility enables organizations to choose the best connectivity solutions according to their geographic and operational requirements.

Finally, the Cisco 3200 Series routers are built with reliability in mind. They are designed for high availability and redundancy, ensuring that network services remain uninterrupted in the event of hardware failures or maintenance activities.

In conclusion, Cisco Systems 3200 routers represent a comprehensive networking solution, combining scalability, security, performance, and reliability, making them a preferred choice for organizations looking to enhance their networking infrastructure in a dynamic digital landscape.