System information

Chapter 2. Functional comparisons 11
are available on equipment selected to supplement an existing network of
IBM products.
Self-learning IP routing
IBM 8275 Model 416 supports a simplified routing scheme called
self-learning IP routing as its only layer-3 function. This function is also
supported on IBM 8371 in addition to full-function layer-3 routing.
Self-learning IP routing was first developed as a technology by Bay Networks,
and this vendor supports it today on several of its current switch products.
Cisco Systems provides a similar function through the NetFlow Feature Card
option for the Catalyst 5000 series or the Multilayer Switch Feature card for
the Catalyst 6000 series.
Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP)
IBM 8371 supports an IETF-based implementation of default gateway
redundancy, VRRP, RFC 2338. VRRP on IBM 8371 interoperates with VRRP
on the IBM 22xx router series. Cisco Systems deliver a similar function in a
proprietary implementation, Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP). VRRP and
HSRP are not interoperable.
2.1.2 Comparison of IBM and Cisco Ethernet Switches
The Cisco 2924M XL is chosen here because of its ATM uplink. If there is no
need for ATM, other models might do as well.
Table 1. IBM 8271-712 compared to Cisco 2924M XL
IBM
8271-712
Cisco
2924M XL
IEEE802.3 10Base-T Yes Yes
IEEE802.3u 100Base-TX/FX TX Yes
IEEE802.3x FDX 10/100Base-T Yes Yes
IEEE802.3x Flow Control 100Base-T Yes Yes
IEEE802.1d Spanning Tree Yes 1 Ye s
IEEE802.1p Prioritization No Yes
IEEE802.1Q VLAN No 2 Ye s
Auto-sensing 10/100 Yes Yes
Link Aggregation No EtherChannel
3Com resilient links Yes No