Supervisor Engine III

[admin_2]

I am trying to buy a set based command switch, like the 5500 series. Does the Supervisor Engine III module act like a router, can I do multi-layer switching ? Do I need additional cards along with the Supervisor Engine III to achieve MLS.

Thanks.

[Georg Pauwen]

Hello,

the Supervisor III by itself does not provide Layer 3 functionality, you need an RSFC (Route Switch Feature Card).The Supervisor III does provide MLS, though.

Check out these links (be aware though that the 5000 and 5500 Series are End-of-Life/End-of-Sale):

Cisco Catalyst 5000 Series/Catalyst Supervisor III:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/products/hw/switches/ps679/products_data_sheet09186a0080092625.html

Cisco Catalyst 5000 Family Route Switch Feature Card:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/products/hw/switches/ps679/products_data_sheet09186a0080092613.html

Regards,

Georg

[thisisshanky]

5000 series switches are end of life products. So you should be looking for either 4000/4500 series or the 6500 series switches depending upon the port density and features you need. You can use the Sup III with 4000 series switches to run Layer 3 routing. A set of features supported are listed here. Yes sup III can do layer 3/4 switching.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/switches/ps663/products_data_sheet09186a00800924f2.html

[Georg Pauwen]

Hello,

on the 4000/4500 Series, Layer 2 and Layer 3/4 switching is integrated on a single hardware engine on the Cisco Catalyst Supervisor Engine III, eliminating the need for a separate RSFC. But since you indicated that you need a set-based device, these won´t do you any good since these are all IOS-based. They are a lot more expensive as well; I have seen 5000/5500 switches for accepatable prices (I guess it depends on what you want to spend) on Ebay.

Is there a specific reason why you want a set-based switch (e.g. for studying the set based commands)?

Regards,

Georg

[#5]

I am a student and need a set based switch for my CCNP and maybe I can use it later for CCIE . I already purchased a 2900 switch and need something not too expensive like the 4000 series.

[Georg Pauwen]

Hello,

ok understood. You can get any of the following, all are set-based switches:

Catalyst 2926, 2926G, 1948G,4000, 5000, and 6000

The plan is to move everything to IOS sooner or later, but as far as I know, there is no fixed date set by Cisco for that.

Regards,

Georg