Cisco Switch Clustering
Cisco takes stacking to a new level with its new Switch Clustering technology. This breakthrough technology enables up to 16 interconnected Catalyst 3500 XL, 2900 XL, and Catalyst 1900 switches, regardless of geographic proximity, to form a single-IP managed network. These switches can be clustered using a broad range of connectivity options to deliver various levels of performance to meet customer requirements. Clustering connectivity options for the Catalyst 3512 XL and Catalyst 3524 XL include Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Fast EtherChannel®, low-cost Cisco GigaStack GBIC, Gigabit Ethernet, and Gigabit EtherChannel. Because customers are not limited by proprietary stacking modules and stacking cables, Cisco Switch Clustering technology expands the traditional stacking domain beyond a single wiring closet and lets users “mix and match” interconnections to meet specific management, performance, and cost requirements.
Catalyst 3500 XL switches can be configured either as command or member switches in a Cisco switch stack or cluster. The command switch serves as the single IP address management point and disburses all management instructions dictated by the network administrator. Command switches can cluster up to 15 additional interconnected member switches regardless of interconnection media.
Web-Based Switch Management:
Cisco Visual Switch Manager
The Catalyst 3512 XL and 3524 XL feature the Cisco Web-based management tool, Cisco Visual Switch Manager (CVSM), which allows network administrators to view and manage the switch from anywhere on the network through a standard browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. CVSM is launched from the switch itself, and delivers simple network- and device-level management, including port configuration, virtual LAN (VLAN) setup, network views, and port monitoring. CVSM is an integral part of the Cisco scalable stacking architecture, allowing users to easily configure and manage stacks and switch clusters and to administer software upgrades across multiple switches.
Standard Edition Software
Cisco Catalyst 3500 series XL Standard Edition switches include several exceptional features to increase network performance, manageability and security. The command switch feature delivers single-IP managed Cisco Switch Clustering technology to up to 16 interconnected Catalyst 3500 XL, 2900 XL, and Catalyst 1900 switches. Fast EtherChannel and Gigabit EtherChannel technology offer from 400-Mbps to 4-Gbps high-performance bandwidth among Catalyst switches, routers, and servers. Cisco Group Management Protocol (CGMP) enhances performance of multimedia applications and reduces network traffic by allowing a switch to selectively and dynamically forward IP multicast traffic to targeted end stations. Up to 250 port-based VLANs per switch allow data packets to be forwarded only to stations within a specific VLAN, creating a virtual firewall between groups of ports on the network. Network Time Protocol (NTP) provides a unified clock across the network, ensuring accurate time stamps for troubleshooting all network events. Media Access Control (MAC)-based port level security prevents unauthorized stations from accessing the switch. Multi-layer security on the switch console prevents unauthorized users from gaining access and altering the switch configuration. All Standard Edition switches can be upgraded with the purchase of an optional Enterprise Edition upgrade kit.
Enterprise Edition Software
Enterprise Edition software includes all of the features of the Standard Edition and adds enhanced end-to-end VLAN support to your Catalyst 3500 series XL switch. Virtual LAN trunks can be created from any port using either 802.1Q trunking or the Cisco Inter-Switch Link (ISL) VLAN architecture. VLANs using standards-based 802.1Q and ISL trunking provide broadcast control and enhanced security, and simplify adds, moves and changes. TACACS+ authentication enables centralized access control of the switch and restricts unauthorized users from altering the configuration. Uplink Fast technology ensures quick failover recovery, enhancing overall network stability and reliability. An Enterprise Edition switch is the best choice in a network that requires higher-level security, superior fail-safe redundancy, and end-to-end VLANs spanning multiple routers, chassis switches, and access servers.
