Data Sheet

3
COM® SWITCH 8800 FAMILY
ETHERNET METRO AREA NETWORK
Ethernet Metro Area Networks (MANs) offer enterprises a compelling
s
olution for linking diverse sites together over metropolitan area dis-
tances into a seamless Ethernet switched network. The simplicity and
affordability of Ethernet, in comparison to legacy technologies used for
metro area networks, have driven significant new Ethernet-based MAN
deployments that will continue to accelerate.
The Switch 8800 supports long range optical lasers on its Gigabit and
10-Gigabit Ethernet Modules for linking Switch 8800s across the metro
area, as well as technologies like “Q-in-Q” encapsulation (VLAN VPN)
and MPLS for creating IP-VPNs, and Virtual Private LAN Service
(VPLS) for creating Layer 2 VPNs. Combined with Ethernet, VPLS
transforms the MAN—with many enterprise sites—into a large Ethernet
switch with any-to-any connectivity.
5
KEY BENEFITS
(CONTINUED)
FEATURES
Highly flexible, resilient architecture for end-to-end enterprise deployment
in the core, data center, distribution layer and network edge.
High-density multilayer switching for Gigabit and 10-Gigabit Ethernet.
Up to 576 Gigabit or 48 10-Gigabit Ethernet ports.
1.44 Tbps system bandwidth; up to 856 Mpps switching capacity.
Advanced traffic prioritization and routing of multicast traffic in hardware
for convergent applications including voice over IP, streaming audio and
video.
Virtually non-stop operation with redundant power supplies, fans and
switch fabrics, as well as hot-swappable switching I/O modules.
Robust network access control and enterprise-wide security via standards-
based IEEE 802.1X, RADIUS authentication and advanced Access Control
Lists, as well as authentication and encryption of management traffic.
Industry-standard Power over Ethernet to power IP phones, wireless access
points and other devices; reduces implementation and maintenance costs.
Unifies management and administration with a common operating system
and centralized control available via 3Com Enterprise Management Suite.
Granular QoS and traffic management for enhanced availability and
performance of critical business applications.
Extensive L2/3/4 switching and routing capability, including advanced
features* like IS-IS, BGP-4, MBGP, MPLS, and VPLS, applicable in very
large enterprises.
Specialized application modules for enhanced security, network analysis
and Layer 2 Ethernet VPN enable the flexibility to integrate major capabil-
ities as the network evolves.
Extensive IPv6 feature suite
◊
with support for full IPv6 addressing and
routing, and transition mechanisms such as dual stack and tunneling.
IPv6 can be supported on all existing I/O modules using “Centralized
Mode”, preserving previous investment in those modules.
* Available in the 3Com Advanced Feature Software v3, at additional cost
◊
Available in the 3Com Advanced Feature Software v5 IPv6, at additional cost