Core to edge: 8200zl, 5400zl, 3500,  
and 6200yl
Overview
A widely used method for segmenting the areas in which switches are installed calls for three different 
classifications: access, distribution, and core. Access switches provide aggregation of end nodes for connection 
to a distribution or core switch and are usually found in wiring closets. Distribution switches aggregate the links 
from access switches and possibly server farms. Distribution switches anchor the network in a building, or, for 
small networks, across a campus. Core switches provide the focal point of the local network, aggregating the 
distribution switches, providing connectivity for central site data centers, and providing connectivity in many 
cases to the external network.
The performance, features, and reliability of the HP ProCurve Switch 8200zl, 5400zl, 3500, and 6200yl 
series make them suitable for applications throughout a network topology—from mission-critical enterprise-class 
access layer deployments to moderately sized core use models. The 3500 and 6200yl switch series provide 
fixed-port configuration simplicity while the 5400zl and 8200zl switch series offer the flexibility, in-chassis 
redundancy, and scalability in modular form factors. The HP ProCurve Switch 3500 series is focused at 
providing Intelligent Edge features for advanced access layer implementations. The HP ProCurve Switch 6200yl 
series of advanced Layer 3 stackables is designed to be deployed as an aggregator of traffic from the edge 
to the core of the network. The HP ProCurve Switch 5400zl series provides the same Intelligent Edge features 
as the 3500 series, with baseline high availability in a modular form factor. The HP ProCurve Switch 8200zl 
series offers advanced resiliency and redundancy and brings to the portfolio a highly available switch platform 
for mission-critical access layer through mid-sized core deployments. Both the HP ProCurve Switch 5400zl and 
8200zl series offer service modules to enable a wide range of networking applications and services.
The foundation for all of these switches is a purpose-built, programmable ProVision ASIC that allows the most 
demanding networking features, such as QoS and security, to be implemented in a scalable yet granular 
fashion. A high-capacity switch fabric, based on the most recent ProVision ASIC architecture, is integrated with 
the switch backplane. The HP ProCurve Switch 8200zl, 5400zl, 3500, and 6200yl series have been designed 
as a product family using the ProVision ASICs and software, providing consistency and scalability across the 
family.
The ProVision ASICs are aimed at accomplishing several objectives:
•Provideagreatengineeringbalancebetweenfeaturecapabilities,performance,andprice
•Bringsophisticatedcontrolfeaturestotheedgeofthenetwork
•HaveprogrammablefeaturesthatallowfuturerequirementstobeaccommodatedintheASICs
Key features of the HP ProCurve Switch 8200zl, 5400zl, 3500, and 6200yl series include:
•Performance—High-capacity switch fabric (from 153.6 Gbps to 691.2 Gbps backplane speed), bandwidth 
shaping and control, quality of service, L2 and L3 jumbo frames
•Security—ACLs (per-port or identity-driven); virus throttle; switch CPU protection; detection of malicious 
attacks; DHCP protection; BPDU port protection; Dynamic ARP protection; Dynamic IP lockdown; STP root 
guard; IP and MAC lockdown/lockout; 802.1X, Web, and MAC user authentication; USB secure autorun; and 
management access control (SSH, SSL, TACACS+, secure FTP)
•Operational flexibility—High-port density in 4U and 7U form factors, Versatile Intelligent Ports (10/100, 
10/100/1000, PoE-enabled), power supply choices for optimum PoE, and optional service modules (5400zl 
and 8200zl series)
•Resiliency—Redundant power supplies, hot-swappable/hot-insertable modules, MSTP, switch meshing, VRRP, 
OSPF-ECMP, and redundant management and fabric modules (8200zl series)
• Layer 2—GVRP, VLAN, Q-in-Q
• IP Routing—RIPv1, RIPv2, OSPF, PIM-SM, PIM-DM, static route
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