Abstract

Heterogeneous, multivendor networks are the rule rather than the exception. IT managers who deploy a variety of Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, 10GbE, and now 40GbE switching devices, in their networks need guaranteed interoperability of these switches to maintain a functional network. Since many networks operate with Cisco equipment, interoperability into Cisco networks is a key requirement for switches at the network edge.

Tolly engineers evaluated the IBM EN4093 10Gb Scalable Switch, EN2092 1Gb Ethernet Scalable Switch, RackSwitch G8052 and RackSwitch G8264 for interoperability with a Cisco Nexus 5548UP, 5596UP, Nexus 7000 and Cisco Catalyst 6509-E switch across Layer 2 features typically used in data center networks: auto-negotiation, 802.1p/Q VLAN tag propagation, 10GbE and 40GbE LAN PHY support, 802.3ad LACP support (Cisco EtherChannel), Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP, PVRST and Cisco PVRST+), Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol 802.1s support, virtual link aggregation (vLAG) (Cisco vPC)and Jumbo Frames. Also evaluated were Layer 3 features: Link Layer Discovery Protocol, RIPv2, BGPv4, OSPF v2 and v3.