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Catalyst 3750-X and 3560-X Switch Software Configuration Guide
OL-21521-01
Chapter 1 Overview
Network Configuration Examples
• Redundant Gigabit backbone (Figure 1-4)—Using HSRP, you can create backup paths between two
Catalyst 3750-X Gigabit switches to enhance network reliability and load-balancing for different
VLANs and subnets. Using HSRP also provides faster network convergence if any network failure
occurs. You can connect the Catalyst switches, again in a star configuration, to two Catalyst 3750-X
backbone switches. If one of the backbone switches fails, the second backbone switch preserves
connectivity between the switches and network resources.
Figure 1-4 Redundant Gigabit Backbone
• Server aggregation (Figure 1-5) and Linux server cluster (Figure 1-6)—You can use the Catalyst
3560-X switches and Catalyst 3750-X-only switch stacks to interconnect groups of servers,
centralizing physical security and administration of your network. For high-speed IP forwarding at
the distribution layer, connect the switches in the access layer to multilayer switches with routing
capability. The Gigabit interconnections minimize latency in the data flow.
QoS and policing on the switches provide preferential treatment for certain data streams. They
segment traffic streams into different paths for processing. Security features on the switch ensure
rapid handling of packets.
Fault tolerance from the server racks to the core is achieved through dual homing of servers
connected to dual switch stacks or the switches, which have redundant Gigabit EtherChannels and
cross-stack EtherChannels.
Using dual SFP module uplinks from the switches provides redundant uplinks to the network core.
Using SFP modules provides flexibility in media and distance options through fiber-optic
connections.
The various lengths of stack cable available, ranging from 0.5 meter to 3 meters, provide extended
connections to the switch stacks across multiple server racks, for multiple stack aggregation.
1-Gbps HSRP
200855
Stacking-capable
switch
Stacking-capable
switch
Catalyst switches