At Layer 3, special configurations of Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) allow all switches in the VRRP group to concurrently process traffic by using multiple instances of VRRP. Such configurations enable maximum switch performance while also ensuring seamless failover in the unlikely event of a failure. VRRP Hot Standby is also supported to enable effective use of NIC Teaming in Layer 3 network topologies much as Trunk Failover facilitates HA designs with NIC Teaming at Layer 2.

3.2 Value proposition

This section discusses the value of using the Nortel Networks Layer 2/3 Copper and Fiber GbE Switch Modules for IBM Eserver BladeCenter for your IBM Eserver BladeCenter.

Product strength

The product provides strengths such as:

￿Provides full interoperability into existing Nortel and Cisco data centers with the BladeCenter integrated GbE switch module.

￿Integrates Nortel networking capabilities to reduce data center complexity and increases networking manageability and availability.

￿Leverages the leadership capabilities BladeCenter Alliance Partners to provide the most technological choices.

Leadership features and function

The leadership features and function include:

￿IBM Eserver BladeCenter delivers with the Nortel GbESM, full Layer 2 switching and Layer 3 switching (routing) functionality as well as Layer 4 filtering and related services.

￿The switch module runs Alteon Operating System and appears as any other product from Nortel's Alteon product line to the data center’s network management tools. In addition, Nortel is pursuing a unified command line syntax across its data products, known as the NNCLI (Nortel Networks CLI), which will be available on the L2-3 switch late in 2005.

Competitive advantage

The product delivers a competitive advantage by delivering:

￿Full integration of Ethernet switching, reducing infrastructure complexity

￿Six external copper or fiber option

￿Upgrade path to full Layer 4-7 services

￿Price leadership

18Nortel Networks L2/3 Ethernet Switch Module for IBM Eserver BladeCenter

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IBM L2/3 manual Value proposition, Product strength, Leadership features and function, Competitive advantage