Abstract

Force10 Networks, Inc. commissioned The Tolly Group to evaluate its TeraScale E-Series E1200 Resilient Switch/Router, a chassis-based system with 14 line-card slots, plus built-in redundancy and resiliency features.

Engineers measured the zero-loss Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) and 10-Gigabit Ethernet (10-GbE) throughput of the E-Series E1200 to determine the capability of the device to scale zero-loss throughput across a large number of users. Engineers measured the zero-loss throughput using various-sized packets on an E1200 with both snake and full-mesh configurations. Throughput tests were conducted while the E1200 was handling over one million access control lists (ACLs). Engineers also demonstrated zero packet loss hitless failover of key system components such as the Route Processor Modules (RPM) and Switch Fabric Modules (SFM). Tests were conducted in August 2004.

Tests demonstrate that the E-Series E1200 is capable of offering zero-loss line-rate throughput under a variety of Gigabit Ethernet and 10-GbE configurations.