Difference between a 'Multilayer Switch" and a "Route Switch Processo&

[aballant]

Hi,

What is the difference between a Multilayer Switch, e.g. 3550, and Route Switch Processor e.g. 5000,5500, 6000, 6500,


cheers,
Andrew

 

[rburke]

The Route Switch Module for the larger modular switches make those switches Multilayer switches (ie, being able to do more than just Layer 2 functions, including routing and packet filtering). For the 3550 and 3750 series switches they alredady have the hardware builtin since there are no places to add a routing module.

Burke

 

[tschouten]

Rbirke is right, though somewhat confusing at first reading his post. The 3550 switches are smaller (non-modular) versions of the multi-layer switches. The 3550 and 3750 series were designed to replace or phase out the 4000,5000,5500 series of switches. Cisco has newer models with better performance features. They are trying to create model lines that allow for affordable modularity and high-performance in compact devices.

 

[BuckWeet]

3550 isn't meant to phase out the 4xxx, and 5xxx sereis.. The newer 4500's do that. 3550's phase out the older 3500 XLs. 2950's replace 2900XLs


BuckWeet

 

[Whoheard]

Did that answer your question, or do you want to know what a Multilayer Switch does versus a Router?

Just checking.

I know what I know and that's all I know.

 

[aballant]

Hi,

Yep it does, so I believe the difference is the RSP's (5000,5500,6000,6500) are large modular routers and the MLS (3550) is a single entity which can perform the same L3 functions,

Many thx,

cheers,
Andrew

 

[BuckWeet]

RSM's are basically router on a stick, MLS have it all built into the ASICs of the switches...


BuckWeet

 

[mgam]

what is router on a stick?