The network switch is among the most
common network device implemented with company infrastructure and as such the
selection of any new switches or upgrading is a major factor of all network
design projects. The Cisco network switch components include Switch Chassis,
Supervisor Engine, Switching Modules, IOS/CatOS software and Power Supplies.
Current debts buy new switches or upgrade equipment is decided after considering
the network assessment and design features specified. Wireless designs, for
example, may have network switches interfacing with access points. That will
affect the switch like increased utilization, assigned switch ports, access
control lists, Trunking, Spanning Tree Protocol and increased wattage are from
Control of Ethernet (PoE).
The Switch Chassis features include - chassis
dimensions, quantity of slots, processor slot assignments, switching fabric,
engines types supported, power supplies, rack units needed.
Cisco switches
are implemented having an Engine (Switch Processor) for processing packets on a
network segment. Routing is accomplished having an on-board Multi Layer Switch
Feature Card (MSFC) or Route Processor running IOS code. The switch Engine
running IOS code around the MSFC and the switch processor is native mode, while
those running CatOS on the processor have been in hybrid mode. Some engines
won't support native and hybrid mode. The engine without having MSFC supports
what is known as CatOS mode. Find the engine that matches your design
specifications. The MSFC module is integrated with the Engine or upgradeable.
You have to implement a PFC module with any MSFC. Some Engines haven't any MSFC
module - the routing is integrated with all the hardware and therefore support
native mode only.

Cisco network switches might be deployed with IOS, IOS and CatOS
or exclusive CatOS software. Design features determine what mode and IOS or
CatOS version is selected. The software running along the way Processor must be
IOS as the Engine Switch Processor will run IOS (native mode) or CatOS (hybrid
mode). Some Cisco equipment like the 4507R deploy the Supervisor Engine IV
without MSFC onboard. The Route Processor is integrated using the engine. Your
design, the Engine IV doesn't support CatOS.
Native IOS - deployed with the
network edge where most routing occurs and some switching is necessary
Hybrid - deployed in the network core where there is both routing as well as
speed switching
CatOS - deployed with the network access layer and then
there is switching with out routing
Switch Selection Process? The subsequent
describes the 5 components of any network switch buying process:
1. Consider
the network assessment and style features specified
2. Select switches that
include each of the design features
3. Select switches with proper
scalability
4. Balance cost and equipment features while meeting budget
guidelines
5. Select IOS and/or CatOS software version
The Network
Assessment and style specifications is highly recommended before selecting any
network switches. The network assessment examines the style, configuration and
equipment that is certainly implemented in the office where the selected devices
will probably be deployed. The look specifications determines performance,
availability and scalability features needed. Selecting the IOS and/or CatOS
version occur after selecting the feature set. Companies will specify an
allowance and that is a key consideration with any equipment selection. It is
not affordable to choose a Cisco 6509 switch on an office with 50 employees. It
is crucial that you select equipment that fulfill the design specifications,
gets the scalability features needed while meeting budget guidelines.
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