User's Manual

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Catalyst 3750-X and 3560-X Switch Software Configuration Guide

OL-21521-01

Chapter 1 Overview

Network Configuration Examples

• Redundant Gigabit backbone (Figure 1-4)—Using HSRP, you can create backup paths between two

Catalyst 3750-X Gigabit switches to enhance netwo

rk reliability and load-balancing for different

VLANs and subnets. Using HSRP also provides faster network convergence if any network failure

occurs. You can connect the Catalyst switches, again in a star configuration, to two Catalyst 3750-X

backbone switches. If one of the backbone switches fails, the second backbone switch preserves

connectivity between the switches and network resources.

Figure 1-4 Redundant Gigabit Backbone

• Server aggregation (Figure 1-5) and Linux server cluster (Figure 1-6)—You can use the Catalyst

3560-X switches and Catalyst 3750-X-only switch stack

s to interconnect groups of servers,

centralizing physical security and administration of your network. For high-speed IP forwarding at

the distribution layer, connect the switches in the access layer to multilayer switches with routing

capability. The Gigabit interconnections minimize latency in the data flow.

QoS and policing on the switches pro

vide preferential treatment for certain data streams. They

segment traffic streams into different paths for processing. Security features on the switch ensure

rapid handling of packets.

Fault tolerance from the server racks to the core is achieved through dual homing of servers

nnected to dual switch stacks or the switches, which have redundant Gigabit EtherChannels and

cross-stack EtherChannels.

Using dual SFP module uplinks from the switches provides r

edundant uplinks to the network core.

Using SFP modules provides flexibility in media and distance options through fiber-optic

connections.

The various lengths of stack cable available, rangin

g from 0.5 meter to 3 meters, provide extended

connections to the switch stacks across multiple server racks, for multiple stack aggregation.

1-Gbps HSRP

200855

Stacking-capable

switch

Stacking-capable

switch

Catalyst switches