Cisco L3 switch for new Gig-E Internet- Any suggestions?

[hummer3331973]

Hi-

Our company is planning to upgrade our Fast-E to a new Gig-E Internet connection. I'm currently in a look-out for a Layer 3 switch to replace the current 3750. What do you guys suggest? I won't be running any fancy routing such as BGP so no particular need for higher memory models. I do however think a 10-G ready port is a necessity.

 

[hummer3331973]

I forgot to mention that this is via Ethernet hand-off, so no need for fiber modules.

 

[VinceWhirlwind]

Do a price comparison between:
3750X
HP5800
Juniper EX4200
Procurve 5406

They're all good. Procurve doesn't do "stacking", but it is modular.

 

[hummer3331973]

Thanks Vince. I do have a preference for Cisco, which is why I think 3750 is a good choice.

But if you're on a cross-road and have to decide if using an L3 switch vs. a router (ie 29xx or 39xx), which would you end up choosing?

 

[VinceWhirlwind]

What I do is make a table where I list all the requirements, eg, L2 or L3, PoE, dual-power-supply, no. of switchports, etc..., across the top line, then make a line for each switch model I might consider and compare its specifications to the requirements.

 

[stubnski]

--> I'm currently in a look-out for a Layer 3 switch to replace the current 3750... I won't be running any fancy routing such as BGP so no particular need for higher memory models. I do however think a 10-G ready port is a necessity.

A L3 switch should be fine unless you are planning major routing changes, even then a L3 switch with advanced enterprise IOS should do the job. A 10G capable router is very expensive vs a L3 switch. As a side note, why are you looking at a 3750 for your edge? If you are planning on stacking then a 3750 is the way to go but if it is a standalone device then a 3560X would probably fit your needs.

--> But if you're on a cross-road and have to decide if using an L3 switch vs. a router (ie 29xx or 39xx), which would you end up choosing?

A L3 switch can do most things a router can do with a few exceptions - VoIP/call manager, WAN connections for example. As Vince said, make a list of requirements and see what device fits your needs.

 

[ADB100]

You don't mention anything about IP addressing but typically you won't be exposing your internal IP networks to the Internet directly and typically a router/NAT device will sit in between the Ethernet handoff and your LAN. None of the stackable switches do NAT so you will probably need a router as well. If you want L3 then go for the new Catalyst 3850 switch and a 2900 series router would be my recommendation.

Andy

 

[VinceWhirlwind]

I tend to consider that a layer3 switch gives much better LAN performance, so I tend to try to keep LAN routing (especially in the data centre) on L3 switches and use routers as a lower-speed edge.