51972019 (isco Enterpse Ethemet Switch Buyer's Guide Cisco Enterprise Ethernet Switch Buyer's Guide By Drew Robb | Mar 17, 201% | Print this Page hito:/wnw.enterprisenetworkingplanet.comidatacenteriCisco-Enterprise-Ethernet-Switeh-Buyers-Cuide-3828451 him Cisco has such a large customer base to talk to that it would be foo'sh not to pay attention wen it chooses to tak about ts original fldof innovation networking. Joel Conover, Senior Manager for Borderless Networks at Cisco, sees two key trends emerging: the rise of video and the consumerizaton oft, "Video is fast becoming the dominant traffic type on the network because people understand he power of Video in communicating with customers, partners, and employees using technologies lke telepresence (high definition, mull-serean video conferencing with directional audio), Webex conferencing and video-on-demand,” he said, “Advances in network architecture are allowing these rich media interactions, On the consumerization of IT side, he belioves that employees and CXO's are demanding the ably to use the devices of ther choice -- smartphones. ‘and tablet computers ~ rather than companyrissued devices, These knowledge workers need to be able to connect to the networkin whatever way they choose while doing so securely, relably, and seamlessly, ‘Thus Cisco is responding to these trends in is enterprise switch portfato, The company spils the enterprise switch market ino tee main categories, nat counting offerings for small businesses, the data center and service providers Campus LAN Core For the LAN core, Conover recommends the Catalyst 8500 family of modular LAN switches. These offer enough performance and flexibly for the ‘campus core and distribution networks while supporting integrated network services and reslincy features. In the 12 years since the introduction ofthe Catalyst 6500 platforms, C'sco has shipped over 700,000 cnassis, and continues to upgrade this produc line. Conover noted that key markets for this switch are large enterorises, particularly those inthe financial, education, and heatthcae feds. He calls attention tothe Catalyst 6500 E-Series switch wth its starting price of $5,000. He characterize it as the industry's most widely deployed core modular platform, with ample density fr gigabit and ten gigabit aggregation in the campus core. Its fully leaded with hardware-accelerated Borderless Network Services lke Cisco Medianet, Cisco EnoroyWise, and Cisco TrustSec, and powered by Cisco 10S Software. “The Catalyst 8500 delivers bastn-cass resiliency with VSS featuring sub-200-nillsecond supervisor failover ulizing the Enhanced Fast Switchover Upgrade (EFSU) functionality and enriched application visibility with Cisco IOSNetFlow,” said Conover. "The Catalyst 8500 can provide investment protection with backward and forward compatibility.” Campus LAN Access Switches “The Catalyst 2K, 3K, and 4K families ((htl www cisco com/en/USloroductsipsS7 18/Products Sub Category Home him) are better suited as access switches thal alow the network to adapt and support new application deployments, They are designed for ease of operations and include enterprise class secur For LAN access, Conover tuts the Cisco Catalyst 3750, stating at $3,900 per switch. Itis good for rch media applications such as video dus to {features that ensure network readiness with integrated traffic simulation and QoS assessment capabilities It can als identity and bring video streams tonto the network based on prirty and avalable bandwicth. Further, network managers can monitor and troubleshoot the network by tracing the route ‘that video flows, ientiving any nodes that may be responsible for ter or delay in the path. Users can stat with 1GE and upgrade to 10GE later. “The Catalyst 3750-X switches secure communications and can help ensure compliance (te regulations such as HIPPA or SOX) by preventing marsin« thesmidale attacks (s0 communications cannot be intercepted), preventing denialofservice, and applying role-based, location-aware access contol” said Conover. "tis avallable in three diferent price-performance points while allowing one to upgrade inthe future." Compact Switches In the compact switch category, Conover suggests the Cisco Catalyst 2960-C and 3560-C. These compact switches extend services whenever and ‘wherever you want with simplified LAN support, far from the wiring closet. Starting at $785, Cisco C-Series Switches are good for unified communications, wireless access, IP video and other applications in wiring, space», and ower-consiraines environments, With Power over Ethernet (PoE) pass-through capably, the C-Series Switches eliminate the need for power outlets {and 80 greatly reduce cabling complexities and overall infrastructure requirements “Cisco Catalyst Compact Switches help enable deployments of naw applications easly, securely, and reliably” said Conover. “They ae fanless and stylish, making them ideal or collocation with end users. And thei small frm factor makes them easy ta deploy in spaces with limited wiring ang cabling infrastructure, ‘Tips in Switch Selection and Deployment www orterpsonetworkingplanet.comiprintataconter/Cisco-Entorpise-Ethomnet-Switch-Buyers-Guide-3928451.htm 4251972019 (isco Enterpse Ethemet Switch Buyer's Guide Digging deeper into switch selection, Conover offered futher advice. If you're looking for a standards-based switch with an enterprise baseline feature set at a compettve price, choose the Catalyst 2980-S. I, however, you are more interested in a switch to really address the new tens in enterprise around video, IT consumerization/mobily, secur, or where availabilty is important (such as uninterrupted voicevideo(data communications with customers, partners, and employees) then opt for ether the Catalyst 3750-X or 4500E, Go forthe Catalyst 3750-X f you havea fixed switching preference and the Catalyst 4500E fori you prefer modularity" sald Conover. “The Catalyst 2960-S can be used in standalone or stackable configuration (up to 4 switches with optional stacking module). Note, though, that they are best suited to branch office or madest sized wiring closets of upto 192 access ports. Similarly, the Catalyst 3750-X switches are stackable (upto rine switches) and are good for branch offces or enterprise wiring closets. In addition, The Catalyst 3560-X isa 24- or 48-portstandsalone version of the 3750-X and geared to small branch offices. When deploying Catalyst 2960-8, 3560-X, or 3750-X switches, Conover adviges users to take advantage of Cisco Smart Install capabilities. This technology configures the Cisco 10S Software image and switch configuration without user intervention. lt utlizes dynamic IP address allocation and a preconfigured director switch to facitate installation. Al switches mentioned feature Auto Smart Ports o provide automatic configuration as devices Connect o the switch pot, allowing auto detection of the device onto the network “Smart Port macros take advantage of Cisco's best practices for implementing QoS and network security” said Conover. ‘Another best practice for implementation Is to enable EnergyWise for enterprise-wide energy management. This is a way to communicate messages ‘that measure and control energy between network devices and endpoints. The network discovers Cisco EneroyWise manageable devices, monitors their power consumption and takes action based on business rule to reduce power consumption When it comes tothe core of the network, though, rellabilty and performance are king. Hundreds or thousands of workstations can flow into and through the network core. Therefor, its ritcal that it deliver no-compromise performance and reliably. Catalyst 8500 switches are put together with that in mind. In the distribution and care, Cisco recommends folowing a validated design approach, which ensures you get the most from the high availabilty and relablty features. The company’s website has more information about Cisco best practices forthe camnus. "Most mid to large companies upgrade every 3 to 5 years” sald Conover, ‘When they do, they typically consider today’s needs versus anticipated needs, scalabily, features and budget guidelines * ww orterpsonetworkingplanet.comiprinvatacontriCisco-Entorpise-Ethomet-Switch-Buyers-Guide-3928451.Ntm 22