[52377] in North American Network Operators' Group
Re: layer 3 switch debate
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (ip dude)
Fri Sep 27 13:46:49 2002
Date: Fri, 27 Sep 2002 10:45:23 -0700 (PDT)
From: ip dude <ipdude@cattle-today.com>
To: "Stephen Sprunk" <ssprunk@cisco.com>, ipdude@cattle-today.com
Cc: <nanog@merit.edu>
Reply-To: ipdude@cattle-today.com
Errors-To: owner-nanog-outgoing@merit.edu
Since you are from Cisco...so it is your opinion that a Catalyst 6509 (i.e. Layer 3 switch) is equivalent to a 7206 or GSR? Of course, this is in regard to 'core' routing device in the middle of a national IP network. This network in question just happens to utilize a lot of GE LH interconnections.
--- "Stephen Sprunk" <ssprunk@cisco.com> wrote:
>
>Thus spake "ip dude" <ipdude@cattle-today.com>
>> IP Community:
>>
>> When designing an all IP network requiring mostly Ethernet interfaces, the
>logical conclusion is to specify layer 3 switches (instead of routers). The cost
>per port and functionality requirements make a layer 3 switch the perfect
>choice. However, the rule of thumb in the IP community is that routers are
>superior to layer 3 switches and should be utilized instead, especially when
>considering core type functionality.
>>
>> Does this rule of thumb still apply considering the modern layer 3 switches
>available? If not, why? What makes a layer 3 switch sub-standard to a pure
>router? Any quantitative analysis you could provide would be greatly
>appreciated.
>
>
>"switch" is a marketing term meaning fast, nothing more. Any device that
>operates at Layer 3 is a router by definition. Therefore, "Layer 3 switch"
>means "fast router".
>
>Now think about your question again.
>
>S
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