Cisco Gigabit Ethernet Switch Module for HP p-Class BladeSystem Software Configuration Guide

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Chapter 1 Overview

Design Concepts for Using the Switch

You can use the switches to create the following:

• Cost-effective Gigabit-to-the-blade server for high-performance workgroups (Figure 1-1)—For

high-speed access to network resources, you can use the blade switches in the access layer to provide

Gigabit Ethernet to the blade servers. To prevent congestion, use QoS DSCP marking priorities on

these switches. For high-speed IP forwarding at the distribution layer, connect the switches in the

access layer to a Gigabit multilayer switch with routing capability, such as a Catalyst 3750 switch,

or to a router.

The first illustration is of an isolated high-performance workgroup, where the blade switches are

connected to Catalyst 3750 switches in the distribution layer.

Each blade switch in this configuration provides users with a dedicated 1-Gb/s connection to

network resources. Using SFP modules also provides flexibility in media and distance options

through fiber-optic connections.

Figure 1-1 High-Performance Workgroup (Gigabit-to-the-Blade Server)

An evolving demand for IP telephony • Use QoS to prioritize applications such as IP telephony during congestion and to

help control both delay and jitter within the network.

• Use switches that support at least two queues per port to prioritize voice and data

traffic as either high- or low-priority, based on IEEE 802.1p/Q. The switch

supports at least four queues per port.

• Use voice VLAN IDs (VVIDs) to provide separate VLANs for voice traffic.

A growing demand for using existing

infrastructure to transport data and

voice from a home or office to the

Internet or an intranet at higher

speeds

Use the Catalyst Long-Reach Ethernet (LRE) switches to provide up to 15 Mb of IP

connectivity over existing infrastructure, such as existing telephone lines.

Note LRE is the technology used in the Catalyst 2900 LRE XL and Catalyst 2950

LRE switches. See the documentation sets specific to these switches for LRE

information.

Table 1-2 Providing Network Services (continued)

Network Demands Suggested Design Methods