Switch backplane speeds

[cmolony]

We are looking at building a couple of Linux clusters to store and process some large volume data sets (2 x 6 TB in 0.2-0.5GB granules). I am interested in finding out more about how the Cisco switch backplane will handle these connected clusters if each machine is attached via gigabit ethernet.

Unfortunately I have not been able to dig up much info in regards to switch backplane speeds, but was wondering if anyone can give me some general guidelines or point me to some doco which compares the backplane switching speeds of the low-end 3550-12T or G and the Cisco 6000 models.

Thanks very much

[jawad1979]

You can check the Data sheet for each series, sometimes you will need to search for the "switch fabric", plz note that switches are usually described by the fabric/backplane and the maximum throughput measured in Mpps (Mega packet per second).

[johnthanmoor]

Try this link, it has a high level overview of the differing technologies. Looks like the type of info you need.

http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/765/tools/quickreference/index.shtml

Thx J.

[cmolony]

Thanks for the useful replies, I can never find anything on this site ;-) !!!