Chapter 10 Ethernet Operation

10.7 Gigabit EtherChannel/IEEE 802.3ad Link Aggregation

Figure 10-4

Autonegotiation

Ethernet links

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15xxx

15xxx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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10.7 Gigabit EtherChannel/IEEE 802.3ad Link Aggregation

The end-to-end Ethernet link integrity feature can be used in combination with Gigabit EtherChannel (GEC) capability on attached devices. The combination provides an Ethernet traffic restoration scheme that has a faster response time than alternate techniques such as spanning tree rerouting, yet is more bandwidth efficient because spare bandwidth does not need to be reserved.

The ASAP card supports all forms of link aggregation technologies including GEC, which is a Cisco proprietary standard, and the IEEE 802.3ad standard. The end-to-end link integrity feature ASAP card allows a circuit to emulate an Ethernet link. This allows all flavors of Layer 2 and Layer 3 rerouting to work correctly with the ASAP card. Figure 10-5illustrates GEC support.

Figure 10-5 ASAP Gigabit EtherChannel (GEC) Support

EtherChannel

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SONET Circuits

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Although the ASAP card does not actively run GEC, it supports the end-to-end GEC functionality of attached Ethernet devices. If two Ethernet devices running GEC connect through the ASAP card to an ONS network, the ONS SONET side network is transparent to the EtherChannel devices. The EtherChannel devices operate as if they are directly connected to each other. Any combination of parallel circuit sizes can be used to support GEC throughput.

GEC provides line-level active redundancy and protection (1:1) for attached Ethernet equipment. It can also bundle parallel data links together to provide more aggregated bandwidth. Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) operates as if the bundled links are one link and permits GEC to utilize these multiple parallel paths. Without GEC, STP permits only a single nonblocked path. GEC can also provide ASAP card-level protection or redundancy because it can support a group of ports on different cards (or different nodes) so that if one port or card has a failure, traffic is rerouted over the other port or card.

Cisco ONS 15600 Reference Manual, R7.2

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Cisco Systems ONS 15600 manual Gigabit EtherChannel/IEEE 802.3ad Link Aggregation, 10-8
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ONS 15600 specifications

Cisco Systems ONS 15600 is a highly versatile optical networking platform designed to meet the demands of modern telecommunications and data services. This multiservice edge platform supports various transmission mediums and offers a wide array of features that enable efficient data transport. Ideal for service providers and large enterprises, the ONS 15600 is engineered to provide scalable and reliable optical transport solutions.

One of the notable features of the ONS 15600 is its capability to support multiple protocols, including SONET/SDH, Ethernet, OTN, and legacy TDM services. This flexibility allows users to tailor their networks according to specific service requirements while ensuring interoperability with existing infrastructure. The platform is designed to facilitate seamless service migration, accommodating both legacy and next-generation services.

The modular architecture of the ONS 15600 enhances its scalability. It allows for easy expansion by incorporating additional line cards or interface modules without requiring significant downtime. This modularity ensures that service providers can evolve their networks over time, responding to increasing bandwidth demands and new service offerings with ease.

Incorporating advanced technologies, the ONS 15600 employs Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM), significantly increasing the capacity of fiber networks by allowing multiple signals to be transmitted simultaneously over a single optical fiber. This capability helps to optimize fiber utilization and reduce operational costs. In addition, the platform supports Optical Transport Network (OTN) for improved error detection and correction, contributing to higher reliability and performance.

Another key characteristic of the ONS 15600 is its robust management capabilities. The platform can be managed through Cisco's Optical Networking Manager (ONM), providing a centralized interface for network configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting. This enhances operational efficiency and minimizes downtime, allowing service providers to focus on delivering quality services to their customers.

The ONS 15600 also prioritizes security, offering various features like encryption and access control to safeguard sensitive data during transmission. With its combination of scalability, flexibility, and security, the Cisco ONS 15600 stands out as a reliable choice for organizations looking to enhance their optical networking capabilities while meeting the evolving demands of the digital landscape. Its commitment to quality and performance makes it a cornerstone of modern optical networks.
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