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Catalyst 3750-X and 3560-X Switch Software Configuration Guide
OL-21521-01
Chapter 1 Overview
Network Configuration Examples
• High-performance wiring closet (Figure 1-2)—For high-speed access to network resources, you can
use Catalyst 3750-X switches and switch stacks in the access layer to provide Gigabit Ethernet
access to the desktop. To prevent congestion, use QoS DSCP marking priorities on these switches.
For high-speed IP forwarding at the distribution layer, connect the switches in the access layer to a
Gigabit multilayer switch in the backbone, such as a Catalyst 4500 Gigabit switch or Catalyst 6500
Gigabit switch.
• Cost-effective Gigabit-to-the-desktop (GTD) access for high-performance workgroups
(Figure 1-3)—For high-speed access to network resources, you can use the Catalyst 3560-X
switches in the access layer to provide Gigabit Ethernet to the desktop. To prevent congestion, use
QoS DSCP marking priorities on these switches. For high-speed IP forwarding at the distribution
layer, connect the switches in the access layer to a Gigabit switch with routing capability or to a
router.
The first illustration is of an isolated high-performance workgroup, where the Catalyst 3560-X
switches are connected to Catalyst 3750-X switches in the distribution layer. The second illustration
is of a high-performance workgroup in the branch office, where the Catalyst 3560-X switches are
connected to a router in the distribution layer.
Each switch in this configuration provides users with a dedicated 1-Gb/s connection to network
resources. Using SFP modules also provides flexibility in media and distance options through
fiber-optic connections.
Figure 1-2 High-Performance Wiring Closet
Si
200852
Catalyst
4500 or 6500
multilayer switch
Layer 3 StackWise Plus
switch stack