Enterprise Edge Components India's Best Cisco Training institute in Delhi Gurgaon

Network Bulls
www.networkbulls.com
Best Institute for CCNA CCNP CCSP CCIP CCIE Training in India
M-44, Old Dlf, Sector-14 Gurgaon, Haryana, India
Call: +91-9654672192

When selecting Enterprise Edge hardware and software, you must keep in mind several considerations. Here are some factors to examine during the selection process:

• Hardware selection involves the data link functions and features offered by the device. Considerations include the following:

  - Port density

  - Types of ports supported

  - Modularity (add-on hardware)

  - Backplane and packet throughput

  - Redundancy (CPU and/or power)

  - Expandability for future use



• Software selection focuses on the network performance and the feature sets included in the software. Here are some factors to consider:

  - Forwarding decisions

  - Technology feature support

  - Bandwidth optimization

  - Security vulnerabilities

  - Software issues

Hardware Selection

When evaluating hardware, use the Cisco documentation online to research hardware and determine the equipment's capabilities. Remember to consider the port densities and types of ports the device offers. In addition, other factors to investigate include modularity, packet throughput, redundancy capabilities, and the device's expandability. Finally, keep in mind what power options the hardware supports.

Software Selection

The architecture of Cisco IOS software is designed to meet the requirements of different markets (enterprise, SP, and commercial) and divisions of the network, such as the access, core, distribution, and edge. The Cisco IOS software family consists of IOS T (access), IOS S (Enterprise core, SP edge), and IOS XR (SP Core).

Cisco IOS T supports advanced technology business solutions aimed at access, wireless, data center, security, and Unified Communications (UC). Cisco IOS S focuses on high-end enterprise cores, service provider edge networks, VPNs (MPLS, Layer 2/Layer 3), video, and multicast. Cisco IOS XR is suited for large-scale networks within the service provider core that offer high availability and in-service software upgrades.

The IOS Software families share a common base of technologies. Most of the T family features are also available in the IOS S and IOS XR families.

Figure 6-5 illustrates each of the Cisco IOS software families and where they reside in relationship to each other within the different markets.

Figure 6-5. Cisco IOS Software Families

[View full size image]

Cisco IOS Packaging

Cisco IOS packaging involves consolidating and organizing the IOS software using consistent and standardized naming across all router platforms. The four base service categories are as follows:

• IP Base— Entry-level IOS supporting IP data
• IP Voice— Supports converged voice and data
• Advanced Security— Security features and VPN
• Enterprise Base— Enterprise Layer 3 protocols and IBM support

In addition, three additional premium packages offer new IOS software features that focus on more complex networking environments:

• SP Services— Adds features such as MPLS, ATM, SSH, and NetFlow to the lower IP Voice package
• Advanced IP Services— Adds support for IPv6 and the features of both the Advanced Security and SP services packages
• Enterprise Services— Adds full IBM support and the features of both the Enterprise Base and SP services packages

The features of the lower-tier packages are inherited in the higher-tier packages flowing upward.

At the top is the premium package, Advanced Enterprise Services. It combines all features and supports all routing protocols with voice, security, and VPN technologies.

Figure 6-6 shows the Cisco IOS packaging and how IOS features are inherited.

Figure 6-6. Cisco IOS Packaging

[View full size image]

Inheritance of IOS features from one IOS to the next higher level IOS is an important aspect of Cisco IOS packaging. Therefore, as soon as a feature is introduced to an IOS package, it is maintained during upgrades to higher-level IOS packages.

Table 6-3 illustrates the major features and inheritance available with IOS packages.

Table 6-3. IOS Package Comparison

Feature Set	IP Data	VoIP, VoFR	ATM, MPLS	AppleTalk, IPX, IBM	Firewall, IDS, VPN
IP Base	x
IP Voice	x	x
Advanced Security	x				x
SP Services	x	x	x
Enterprise Base	x			x
Advanced IP Services	x	x	x		x
Enterprise Services	x	x	x	x
Advanced Enterprise Services	x	x	x	x	x

Comparing Hardware and Software

Table 6-4 compares the Cisco router and switch hardware platforms and their associated software families, releases, and functional descriptions.

Table 6-4. Cisco Router/Switch Platform and Software Comparison

Router/Switch Hardware	Software	Description
800, 1800, 2800, 3800, 7200	Cisco IOS T Releases 12.3, 12.4, 12.3T, and 12.4T	Access routing platforms supporting fast and scalable delivery of data for enterprise applications.
7x00, 10000	Cisco IOS S Release 12.2SB	Delivers midrange routing services for the Enterprise and SP edge networks.
7600	Cisco IOS S Release 12.2SR	Delivers high-end LAN switching for Enterprise access, distribution, core, and data center. Also supports Metro Ethernet for the SP edge.
12000, CRS-1	Cisco IOS XR	High availability, providing large scalability and flexibility for the SP core and edge.
2970, 3560, 3750	Cisco IOS S Release 12.2SE	Provides low-end to midrange LAN switching for Enterprise access and distribution deployments.
4500, 4900	Cisco IOS S Release 12.2SG	Provides midrange LAN switching for Enterprise access and distribution in the campus. Also supports Metro Ethernet.
6500	Cisco IOS S Release 12.2SX	Delivers high-end LAN switching for Enterprise access, distribution, core, and data center. Also supports Metro Ethernet for the SP edge.