Frequently Asked Questions Ethernet Routing Switch 5510

Frequently Asked Questions Ethernet Routing Switch 5510 This document answers the most frequently asked questions concerning the Ethernet Routing Switch 5510. Q: What is the Ethernet Routing Switch 5510? What kind of user would benefit from it?

Q: Why is the introduction of the Ethernet Routing Switch 5510 significant?

A: Ethernet Routing Switch 5510 is a stackable 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet Layer 3 routing switch that is designed to provide high-density Gigabit desktop connectivity for mid-size and large enterprise customers’ wiring closets. Ethernet Routing Switch 5510 is available in two models. The Ethernet Routing Switch 5510-48T Switch features 48 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ-45 ports and the Ethernet Routing Switch 5510-24T supports 24 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ-45 ports. Each switch supports two built-in SFP (Small Form factor Pluggable) GBIC ports for uplink and two built-in stacking connectors.

A: The introduction of Ethernet Routing Switch 5510 demonstrates Nortel’s continuing technology innovation for enterprise customers. With these switches, Nortel is delivering affordable Gigabit desktop connectivity while future-proofing customers’ investments in the wiring closet for the long-term.

Ethernet Routing Switch 5510 offers a scalable and resilient solution, providing exceptional security features and support for enhanced convergence while minimizing capital and operational expenses.

Q: Why is Gigabit to the desktop important? A: The way in which businesses use LANs is changing and the performance requirement at the edge of the network is becoming more demanding. As file sizes continue to grow, users need more bandwidth. Quite simply, the convergence of voice, video, data and storage enables users to do more from their desktop. IP Telephony and other collaborative

applications are driving more traffic to the edge of the network. Enterprises need to be able to address today’s increased demands and still prepare for the unknown demands of tomorrow. By re-assessing how they’re using the wiring closet, they can achieve both goals, and be assured that their investments will be protected for a long time to come. Q: Will the Ethernet Routing Switch 5510 stack with other Ethernet Routing Switches? A: Ethernet Routing Switch 5510 will stack with other Ethernet Routing Switches including 5520 and 5530. However, as this is a new stacking architecture, Ethernet Routing Switch 5510 cannot be stacked with the earlier switches such as Ethernet Switch 470. Q: Will Nortel continue to offer the current Ethernet Routing Switches along with these new switches? A: Yes. We will continue to manufacture and market the existing Ethernet Routing Switches as the earlier switches address the 10/100 Mbps desktop switching needs. With the introduction of Ethernet Routing Switch 5510, Nortel customers will have a choice to migrate to the new high-performance 10/100/1000 platform or stay with cost-effective 10/100 resilient stacks including Ethernet Routing Switch 470 and Ethernet Switch 460.

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Q: Do these switches support Ethernet Switch Software?

Q: What are the resiliency features?

A: Yes. Ethernet Switch Software (ESS) is a single software image that allows Ethernet Routing Switches 5510, 5520 and 5530 to stack together. ESS also simplifies network operations by reducing the number of steps required for software upgrades. ESS for Ethernet Routing Switch 5510 is specific to this next generation of stacking switches, with a software image that supports this new architecture. Earlier Ethernet Switches such as 470 and 460 support a different software image of ESS — although all share the same core software.

A: Nortel’s unique Distributed MultiLink Trunking (DMLT) feature allows trunked ports to span multiple units of the stack for fail-safe connectivity to mission-critical servers and the network center.

Q: What is the FAST stack architecture? A: Nortel’s innovative FAST (Flexible Advanced Stacking Technology) stacking design of the Ethernet Routing Switch 5510 allows for simultaneous bi-directional traffic flow on each stacking port. In a full stack, this design yields up to 640 Gbps — the highest stacking bandwidth in the industry today. The FAST stacking design also supports an optimal data flow across the stack using a shortest path algorithm. If a packet needs to traverse across the stack from one switch to the other, this algorithm figures out the shortest path to the destination switch. Q: Do these switches support Layer 3 routing? A: Ethernet Routing Switch 5510 is a Layer 3 routing switch, capable of supporting Layer 3 routing in hardware. Using Ethernet Switch Software Release 5.0 or later, customers can use advanced routing features such as RIPv1, RIPv2 and OSPF.

The Split Multi-Link Trunking (SMLT) feature eliminates single points of failure in the network and allows wiring closet switches, such as the Ethernet Routing Switch 5510, to have multiple active connections to the network core. All links from a DMLT can be active simultaneously, allowing customers to load-balance their network, double the bandwidth and use all the ports they have paid for. Utilizing DMLT, MLT, FAST stacking and SMLT, Nortel has created the next generation of flexible networking solutions. Ethernet Routing Switch 5510 is architected to support SMLT in the future. With connectivity to the Ethernet Routing Switch RPS 15 paired with a –48V DC-to-DC converter module, Ethernet Routing Switch 5510 delivers redundant power supply (RPS) support crucial in missioncritical environments. Q: What are the security features of the Ethernet Routing Switch 5510? A: The Ethernet Routing Switch 5510 offers the highest level of security with features including Secure Shell (SSH), IEEE 802.1x-based security (also known as Extensible Authentication Protocol [EAP]), assignment of proper VLAN and priority, userbased policies, Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMPv3),

IP Manager List, MAC address-based security and Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) authentication. Q: What are the QoS features of the Ethernet Routing Switch 5510? Why is QoS important? A: The QoS features of the Ethernet Routing Switch 5510 allow users to utilize bandwidth more efficiently, optimizing existing network resources and capabilities, as well as provide packet classification and marking at the edge of the network, simplifying the QoS deployment at the aggregation and core of the network. By classifying, prioritizing, policing and marking LAN traffic, networks can offer reliable connectivity and required bandwidth for mission-critical applications to specific groups, users and individual devices. Q: How are these switches managed? A: Nortel offers a comprehensive set of management tools. These tools include web-based management, Java™ Device Manager, CLI (Command Line Interface), QoS Wizard, Enterprise Switch Manager, Enterprise Network Management System and Enterprise Policy Manager.

Q: How should we differentiate the positioning of Ethernet Routing Switch 5510 and Ethernet Routing Switch 1600?

Q: How should we differentiate the positioning of Ethernet Routing Switch 5510 and Ethernet Routing Switch 8300?

A: The Ethernet Routing Switch 5510 provides scalable 10/100/1000 Layer 3 desktop connectivity. The Ethernet Routing Switch 1600 series provides Layer 3 Gigabit aggregation.

A: Both Ethernet Routing Switch 5510 and Ethernet Routing Switch 8300 offer excellent desktop connectivity solutions for the wiring closet. Ethernet Routing Switch 5510 is a stackable solution whereas Ethernet Routing Switch 8300 is a modular solution.

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Nortel is a recognized leader in delivering communications capabilities that enhance the human experience, ignite and power global commerce, and secure and protect the world’s most critical information. Our next-generation technologies, for both service providers and enterprises, span access and core networks, support multimedia and business-critical applications, and help eliminate today’s barriers to efficiency, speed and performance by simplifying networks and connecting people with information. Nortel does business in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit Nortel on the Web at www.nortel.com. For more information, contact your Nortel representative, or call 1-800-4 NORTEL or 1-800-466-7835 from anywhere in North America. Nortel, the Nortel logo and the Globemark are trademarks of Nortel Networks. All other trademarks are the property of their owners. Copyright © 2006 Nortel Networks. All rights reserved. Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Nortel assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document. N N 1 1 8 7 0 2 - 1 0 1 0 0 6