IBM L2/3 Preface

Preface

This IBM® Redpaper positions the Nortel Networks Layer 2/3 Fiber and Copper GbE Switch

Modules for IBM Eserver BladeCenter and describes how its integrated switch options

enable the consolidation of full Layer 2-3 LAN switching and routing capabilities. The Nortel

Networks switch modules also provide an upgrade path to full Layer 4-7 services by including

4-7 switch intelligence.

This Redpaper serves as a Best Practices guide for implementing, configuring, and managing

Nortel Networks Layer 2/3 Fiber and Copper GbE Switch Modules for several network

topologies. Our topology examples include Nortel Networks, Cisco Systems, and Extreme

Networks network environments.

This Redpaper can help you to understand the Nortel Networks Layer 2/3 Fiber and Copper

GbE Switch Modules architecture. It demonstrates how to use specific tools to manage and

administer switch module tasks. It also discusses the differences between Nortel Networks

and Cisco Systems terminology.

The audience for this Redpaper is experienced systems and network administrators who

want to integrate the Nortel Networks Layer 2/3 Fiber and Copper GbE Switch Modules

successfully into new and existing networks.

This Redpaper was produced by a team of specialists from around the world working at the

International Technical Support Organization (ITSO), Raleigh Center.

Rufus Credle is a Certified Consulting I/T Specialist and certified Professional Server

Specialist at the ITSO, Raleigh Center. He conducts residencies and develops IBM

Redbooks™ and Redpapers that discuss network operating systems, ERP solutions, voice

technology, high availability and clustering solutions, Web application servers, pervasive

computing, and IBM and OEM e-business applications, all running on IBMEserver

xSeries® and IBM Eserver BladeCenter® technology. Rufus’s various positions during his

IBM career have included assignments in administration and asset management, systems

engineering, sales and marketing, and IT services. He holds a BS degree in business

management from Saint Augustine’s College. Rufus has been employed at IBM for 25 years.

Stephan Fleck is an IBM Accredited Senior IT Specialist at the EMEA ITS/TSS Networking

Support Center. He has 12 years of experience in the networking area. Today, he provides

EMEA-wide pre- and post-sales support. In addition to his technical skill, Stephan's expertise

include project- and critsit-management. During his career, he has been active in product

management, deploying new services for the field support group. Stephan is a Cisco Certified

Internetwork Expert (CCIE #8301), and he holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from the

Technical University Darmstadt, Germany. He has been employed at IBM for 11 years.

Scott Lorditch is a Sales Network Architect for the Blade Switching Server business unit of

Nortel Networks. He develops designs and proposals for customers and potential customers

of the Nortel Networks GbESM products for the IBMEserver BladeCenter, including overall

network architecture assessments. He also has developed several training and lab sessions

for IBM technical and sales personnel and has provided field feedback to the product team.

His background before working for Nortel includes almost 20 years working on networking,

including electronic securities transfer projects for a major bank based in New York City, as