TEC H N O L O GY S P O T L I G H T
Cisco Systems offers the industry’s most complete range of
switching solutions, supporting a wide variety of deployment
requirements in networks of every size. Yet Cisco Catalyst
switches are much more than a collection of point products to
meet isolated IT needs; they are part of an integrated approach
to the broader goals of protecting, optimizing, and growing
networks for years to come.
The architectural foundation of the
Intelligent Information Network.
Cisco Catalyst switches provide an architectural foundation for the intelligent
services that enable new applications and uses for the network. Key elements include:
Hardware Integration
At the core of Cisco’s hardware integration is
application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)
innovation. Cisco has developed more than one
hundred ASICs for the Cisco Catalyst switching
family since 1995, with each generation
including more capabilities. For example,
Cisco was the first vendor to integrate Layer 3
switching into hardware, and has gone on to
integrate security access control lists (ACLs),
quality of service (QoS) classification, and
queuing across the entire Cisco Catalyst line.
Cisco is also the only switching vendor to offer
hardware-based services modules, which
integrate key functions such as firewalling,
content networking, and network analysis
directly into Catalyst 6500 switches.
High-Density Gigabit and
10 Gigabit Ethernet
The Catalyst portfolio leads the industry in
Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) port
density. Desktop Gigabit Ethernet, also called
10/100/1000, provides investment protection
for future connectivity needs while also making
use of the “free” LAN-on-motherboard solutions
shipping on most new desktop and laptop
computers. Additionally, the ability to process
networked applications faster means that each
PC’s performance improves, increasing
productivity. Similarly, 10GbE is being rapidly
adopted in many enterprise networks,
particularly in the network core, distribution,
and in data center networks. Together, Gigabit
Ethernet and 10GbE help to ensure rapid access
into the network and between network devices.
Predictable Performance
Cisco offers among the highest performance
modular and stackable switches in the
industry, but throughput alone is not enough.
Organizations need to be assured of predictable
performance, regardless of variables like
congestion, traffic type, or the use of software-
or hardware-enabled services. That’s why
all Cisco Catalyst switches are designed to
maintain predictable performance through a
unique combination of mechanisms, including
Cisco Express Forwarding (CEF), Ternary
Content Addressable Memory (TCAM), buffering,
and congestion management. This ensures that
network managers can enable complex features
without fear of losing speed in their networks.
Power over Ethernet
Cisco pioneered the delivery of Power over
Ethernet (PoE), simplifying the deployment of
devices such as IP phones and wireless access
points by eliminating the need for additional
power cabling. Cisco drove the 802.3af power
standard through IEEE and today offers
extensions to the IEEE standard through the use
of intelligent power management. In keeping
with Cisco’s evolutionary approach, the Cisco
Catalyst line includes switches that support
both pre-standard inline power as well as IEEE
802.3af-compliant devices, enabling our
customers to deploy new technology while
continuing to make the most of past investments.
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