Version 5 for Ethernet Routing switch 5510,5520,5530

[m1227]

Hi all,

Anyone tried Ethernet Routing switch 5510,5520,5530 software release version 5.0.
It's now support VRRP and OSPF like a Passport 8600.
I can make use of two switches as a core in cheaper way.

Any comments ?

 

[anthonyanderberg]

I haven't seen that 5.x have been officially released yet, but I have some simple static routes in 4.2.x. They worked fine but it took me a little while to stumble through the CLI interface when setting them up.

I have heard that Nortel is planning on charging a 'license fee' to unlock 'advanced' features like SMLT, VRRP, OSPF, and IP Fix exports in the 5.x code. It still might be cheaper than an entry-level 8600 though.

Of course I'd wait for 5.0.1 or 5.0.2 before putting these new features in production...

 

[noseygomu]

good choice!!! but don't expect for 55xx to have a large ip routing table or multicast routing done.

 

[HungryHouse]

Anthony is correct about there being a license fee for the 5500 series switches to unlock the dynamic/advanced routing support:

Ethernet Routing Switch 5500 TBD Enterprise Advanced Software License (OSPF, VRRP, SMLT, ECMP, IPFIX full export) - Licensed per switch/stack

MSRP $3,995
WPP $2,497

There are other nice features in V 5.0 such as RIP, routing policies/resdistribution, VLACP, 802.1x accounting (finally), TACACS+ support, etc.

It stinks that they're charging for this hash, and we have complained to Nortel but alas, to no avail. Sitnking Cisco with their "Enterprise" licenses really set the precedent unfortunately.