subject: Cisco Switches [print this page] Cisco has been a leader for many years in advanced network management designs, and Cisco switches are a major part of that effort. Network switching capability is critical to the optimal operation of a system, whether its a small LAN or a larger data center. The ability of a network switch to recognize data packets and send them to the appropriate device is crucial to a data management system running smoothly. A network switch must also be able to interpret the speed at which information is processing through the system, especially with the advent of the extremely fast Gigabit Ethernet devices that are now an integral part of many data systems.
Cisco switches have been advanced by the introduction of their line of Catalyst? switches. These sophisticated devices can perform a variety of functions within an integrated network, especially those that operate at varying bandwidths and that require a number of different interfaces to process information. The Hybrid? operating system software used in these Cisco switches is able to distinguish between Layer 2 and Layer 3 functions, automatically defaulting to the correct level.
The latest Cisco switches from the Catalyst? line will allow configuration through a web-based graphical interface, hosted by a HTTP server pre-loaded on the switch. The most recent addition to the Catalyst? line is the Express? switch, which can only be configured using a graphical user interface (GUI). This makes switches that rely on IOS configuration obsolete, yet the best part about Cisco switches are their flexibility and adaptability. A data management system that incorporates a variety of Cisco switches will be able to run a number of different applications for an increased operating capability overall.
Another plus of the Catalyst? switches is the advanced maintenance features. The supervisor cards, which separate the chassis, the processor, and the line cards, can be replaced on the spot, without having to take the system apart for a repair. In many cases, a redundant supervisor engine can be integrated that will take the reins in case of a line card failure, saving down time and maintaining processing with only a small amount of delay (usually under two minutes).
Cisco switches are in use today in many different applications and systems. LANs that are generally part of a small business data management system have worked efficiently using the older fixed configuration switches, providing between 12 and 80 copper ports for connectivity. The later modular switches provide a greater processing capability for the faster and more sophisticated data centers found in the larger WANs of major corporations and the like.
Cisco switches have been a mainstay in many data processing networks for many years. This is mainly due to their customization capability as well as the ease of management. They are some of the best network switches available for measuring traffic flow and monitoring different processing applications in real time. Configuration in many of the Cisco switches can be done in plain text, which allows the user to write and audit configuration commands with ease.
