Cisco Cisco Catalyst Blade Switch 3030 for Dell Libro blanco
Design Guide
Access Layer
The primary role of the access layer is to provide the server farms with port density. In addition, it
must be a flexible, efficient, and predictable environment supporting client-to-server and server-to-
server traffic. A Layer 2 domain meets these requirements by providing the following:
must be a flexible, efficient, and predictable environment supporting client-to-server and server-to-
server traffic. A Layer 2 domain meets these requirements by providing the following:
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Adjacency between servers and service devices
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A deterministic, fast converging, loop-free topology
Layer 2 adjacency, in the server farms, allows for the deployment of servers or clusters that require
the exchange of information done at Layer 2 only. It also readily supports access to network
services in the aggregation layer such as load balancers and firewalls. This enables an efficient use
of shared, centralized network services by the server farms. In contrast, if services are deployed at
each access switch, the benefit of those services is limited to the servers directly attached to the
switch. It is easier to insert new servers into the access layer when the aggregation layer is
responsible for data center services, and the Layer 2 environment provides the flexibility to scale
the number of ports. This is another benefit provided in a Layer 2 access layer.
the exchange of information done at Layer 2 only. It also readily supports access to network
services in the aggregation layer such as load balancers and firewalls. This enables an efficient use
of shared, centralized network services by the server farms. In contrast, if services are deployed at
each access switch, the benefit of those services is limited to the servers directly attached to the
switch. It is easier to insert new servers into the access layer when the aggregation layer is
responsible for data center services, and the Layer 2 environment provides the flexibility to scale
the number of ports. This is another benefit provided in a Layer 2 access layer.
The access layer must provide a deterministic environment to help ensure a stable Layer 2 domain.
A predictable access layer allows the spanning tree to converge and recover quickly during failover
and fallback scenarios.
A predictable access layer allows the spanning tree to converge and recover quickly during failover
and fallback scenarios.
The Catalyst Blade Switch 3130 provides additional L3 routing capabilities for those customers who
require L3 on the edge. The included IPBase software license includes RIP, Static Routing, and
EIGRP Stub. The EIGRP Stub features allow the CBS3130 to act as an edge router in an EIGRP
network. In addition, key security features such as Dynamic Arp Inspection (DAI) and IP Source
Guard are provided in the IPBase software.
require L3 on the edge. The included IPBase software license includes RIP, Static Routing, and
EIGRP Stub. The EIGRP Stub features allow the CBS3130 to act as an edge router in an EIGRP
network. In addition, key security features such as Dynamic Arp Inspection (DAI) and IP Source
Guard are provided in the IPBase software.
Optional licenses for IP Services and Advanced IP Services are available. IP Services license
adds additional routing protocols such as OSPF, BGP, and multicast routing. The Advanced IP
Services license includes IPv6 routing and associated protocols. IPv6 Management is included as
a standard in all licenses.
adds additional routing protocols such as OSPF, BGP, and multicast routing. The Advanced IP
Services license includes IPv6 routing and associated protocols. IPv6 Management is included as
a standard in all licenses.
Design Goals
This section describes the design goals when deploying blade servers and the functionality
supported by the Cisco Catalyst Blade Switch 3130 in data centers. It includes the following topics:
supported by the Cisco Catalyst Blade Switch 3130 in data centers. It includes the following topics:
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High Availability
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Scalability
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Management
High Availability
High availability in the data center is a goal that must be achieved systematically. A highly available
environment is attainable by addressing each layer of the data center and each of the devices that
comprise that particular data center layer. Network and software features help achieve high
availability, as well as physical redundancy of links and devices.
environment is attainable by addressing each layer of the data center and each of the devices that
comprise that particular data center layer. Network and software features help achieve high
availability, as well as physical redundancy of links and devices.
The aggregation and access layers use redundant devices and links to help ensure there is no
single point of failure. The Layer 2 and/or Layer 3 features supported by these switches also create
a highly available infrastructure. Spanning Tree Protocol support on both the aggregation and
access switches creates a deterministic topology that converges quickly. Logical redundancy or
single point of failure. The Layer 2 and/or Layer 3 features supported by these switches also create
a highly available infrastructure. Spanning Tree Protocol support on both the aggregation and
access switches creates a deterministic topology that converges quickly. Logical redundancy or
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