December 2008 © 2008 Foundry Networks, Inc. 2 - 1
Chapter 2
Product Overview
This chapter contains an overview of the following Foundry Networks FastIron family of compact switches:
• FastIron Edge Switch® (FES) Layer 2 / Layer 3 Switch
• FastIron Edge Switch X Series® (FESX) Layer 2 / Layer 3 Switch
• FastIron Workgroup Switch X Series® (FWSX) Layer 2 Switch
Product Overview
The FastIron compact switches deliver a full complement of standards-based, feature-rich switching and Layer 3
multiprotocol routing capabilities. The extensive feature set supports network requirements ranging from basic
connectivity to multicast-enabled full streaming audio and video applications for converged services such as Voice
over IP (VoIP).
The FastIron compact switches come in a variety of models, providing an integral range of network connectivity
within the entire enterprise network. These switches provide high 10/100 port density and Gigabit Ethernet
uplinks in a compact form factor. The FastIron X Series compact switches optionally provide up to two 10-Gigabit
Ethernet uplinks.
The FastIron compact switch models are described below.
• Standard - Provides enterprise network connectivity and server farm support at the wiring closet and edge of
the network. When first shipped from the factory, standard models support full Layer 2 and base Layer 3
Switching, except for the FWSX, which is a Layer 2 Switch only.
• Premium (PREM) – Premium devices support full Layer 2 Switching and full Layer 3 multiprotocol routing. All
FES and FESX devices can be upgraded to full Layer 3 multiprotocol routing, at which time they are
considered to be premium devices. Note that all PREM6 models are premium devices that support full Layer
2 switching and full Layer 3 multiprotocol routing when shipped from the factory.
• 12GCF - Provides distribution and backbone connectivity at the Distribution and Core Layers of the enterprise
network. When first shipped from the factory, 12GCF models support full Layer 2 and base Layer 3
Switching.
• POE - Provides enterprise network connectivity and server farm support at the wiring closet and edge of the
network. Also provides electrical power over existing Ethernet cables, supporting the need for integrated
data, voice, and video applications. When first shipped from the factory, POE models support full Layer 2 and
base Layer 3 Switching.
• X Series - Provides enterprise network connectivity, delivering Gigabit over Copper (GoC) to the desktop,
within the enterprise Distribution Layer, and the service provider data center for high-end servers, cluster
computing, and network-attached storage devices. Also provides the option of a one- or two-port 10-Gigabit
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