Preface

Obtaining Additional Publications and Information

Opening a TAC Case

The online TAC Case Open Tool (http://www.cisco.com/tac/caseopen) is the fastest way to open P3 and P4 cases. (Your network is minimally impaired or you require product information). After you describe your situation, the TAC Case Open Tool automatically recommends resources for an immediate solution. If your issue is not resolved using these recommendations, your case will be assigned to a Cisco TAC engineer.

For P1 or P2 cases (your production network is down or severely degraded) or if you do not have Internet access, contact Cisco TAC by telephone. Cisco TAC engineers are assigned immediately to P1 and P2 cases to help keep your business operations running smoothly.

To open a case by telephone, use one of the following numbers:

Asia-Pacific: +61 2 8446 7411 (Australia: 1 800 805 227)

EMEA: +32 2 704 55 55

USA: 1 800 553-2447

For a complete listing of Cisco TAC contacts, go to this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/687/Directory/DirTAC.shtml

TAC Case Priority Definitions

To ensure that all cases are reported in a standard format, Cisco has established case priority definitions.

Priority 1 (P1)—Your network is “down” or there is a critical impact to your business operations. You and Cisco will commit all necessary resources around the clock to resolve the situation.

Priority 2 (P2)—Operation of an existing network is severely degraded, or significant aspects of your business operation are negatively affected by inadequate performance of Cisco products. You and Cisco will commit full-time resources during normal business hours to resolve the situation.

Priority 3 (P3)—Operational performance of your network is impaired, but most business operations remain functional. You and Cisco will commit resources during normal business hours to restore service to satisfactory levels.

Priority 4 (P4)—You require information or assistance with Cisco product capabilities, installation, or configuration. There is little or no effect on your business operations.

Obtaining Additional Publications and Information

Information about Cisco products, technologies, and network solutions is available from various online and printed sources.

The Cisco Product Catalog describes the networking products offered by Cisco Systems, as well as ordering and customer support services. Access the Cisco Product Catalog at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/products_catalog_links_launch.html

Cisco Press publishes a wide range of networking publications. Cisco suggests these titles for new and experienced users: Internetworking Terms and Acronyms Dictionary, Internetworking Technology Handbook, Internetworking Troubleshooting Guide, and the Internetworking Design Guide. For current Cisco Press titles and other information, go to Cisco Press online at this URL:

http://www.ciscopress.com

Catalyst 3550 Multilayer Switch Hardware Installation Guide

 

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Cisco Systems 3550 Obtaining Additional Publications and Information, Opening a TAC Case, TAC Case Priority Definitions

3550 specifications

Cisco Systems 3550 is a series of enterprise-class multilayer switches that have gained popularity in both enterprise and service provider networks. Introduced in the early 2000s, the 3550 series was designed to meet the increasing demand for advanced networking capabilities, including Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching, making it suitable for various network environments.

A standout feature of the Cisco 3550 is its support for advanced Layer 3 switching capabilities. This means it can perform routing functions similar to traditional routers while maintaining the speed and efficiency of a switch. The 3550 facilitates IP routing, enabling enhanced communication among different subnets without the need for additional routing devices.

The Cisco 3550 series is equipped with a range of ports, typically providing up to 48 Ethernet 10/100 ports and optional Gigabit Ethernet ports, ensuring scalability and flexibility in various network designs. The switches support Power over Ethernet (PoE), allowing the delivery of electrical power through Ethernet cables to connected devices, such as IP phones and wireless access points, streamlining installations and reducing cable management complexity.

Quality of Service (QoS) is another essential feature of the Cisco 3550. The switch supports advanced QoS mechanisms, which provide the ability to prioritize traffic. This is crucial in environments where bandwidth is limited, as it ensures that time-sensitive applications, like VoIP and video conferencing, receive sufficient bandwidth to function optimally.

In terms of security, the Cisco 3550 includes features such as access control lists (ACLs), port security, and VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks). These features help in segmenting network traffic and preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information, thereby enhancing network security.

The Cisco 3550 is highly regarded for its robustness and reliability, making it a suitable choice for various organizations looking to maintain high availability in their networking environments. Its management capabilities include support for Cisco's IOS software, which offers a command-line interface for configuration, as well as options for SNMP and web-based management tools.

Overall, the Cisco Systems 3550 series is well-regarded for its multilayer switching capabilities, comprehensive feature set, and versatility in meeting the diverse needs of modern networking, making it a favored solution for businesses aiming to build efficient and secure network infrastructures.