Justification to go with Cat 6509 instead of 4507

news2010a · ‎11-15-2007

Folks, from my core/distribution switch I need to serve about (12) cabinets housing (2) 10/100 3750 switches each. On my server room, I will have up to (10) 3750 10/100/1000Mbps connected to servers.

Total of 500 network jacks and 300 access points across a facility. About 400 IP phones. My question is, should I plan to put a couple of Cat 6509 switches as my core/distribution or I should be OK with a 4507?

If I want to support 10Gbps I should be in a better shape with a 6509, right? Moreover, if I want to deploy WAAS or another wide area acceleration appliance in the future, do you agree that I will take advantage if my internal switches connected to servers handle 10Gbps? My main WAN circuit is going to be a fractional T3, C3845 router.

As far as redundancy goes, do you recommend (2) core switches, or just one switch should do since I have redundant power supply, etc?

This environment requires high availability.

Thanks for your amazing help.

Collin Clark · ‎11-15-2007

If it were my network I would push for 6500s. I think they are more flexible and provide a better core than a 4500. I assume you're collapsing your core/distribution so it starts to make your decision even easier. There are plenty of features on the 6500 that the 4500's can't do or cost a ton extra (Netflow, 10GB, powered port density, etc). Also the 6500s just came out with the VSS 1440 supervisors. That's a great reason to go with the 6500s. For redundancy you should use two boxes, again check out the VSS 1440 (makes two boxes look like one like the 3750's).

http://cisco.com/en/US/partner/products/ps9336/index.html

HTH and please rate.

azoulflak · ‎11-15-2007

I think 2 6509s is better.

6500 series support more features than 4500 series including Firewall module(FWSM) for access control

Joseph W. Doherty · ‎11-15-2007

Besides the feature differences between the 4500 and 6500, also keep in mind the 6500 can provide much more performance. 4500 chassis only has 8 GB per slot. Especially important if you think you might need to support 10 gig.

If you chose to go with dual boxes, I too like the new VSS option. However, you do have the option of dual sups with a single chassis. Does expose you to line card failures or software problems.

PS:

For you servers, for future consideration, stack some with a 3750-E to provide 10 gig uplink.