Chapter8.Multilayer Switching

Chapter 8. Multilayer Switching

See the following sections to configure and use these features:

• 8-1: Multilayer Switching Discusses the configuration of Layer 3 switching on platforms that support multilayer switching (MLS) and have separate route processor and switching engines.

• 8-2: Cisco Express Forwarding Covers the steps that tune Layer 3 switching on the platforms that support Cisco Express Forwarding (CEF).

• 8-3: NetFlow Data Export Explains how to use NetFlow Data Export (NDE) to send Layer 3 flow statistics for collection and analysis.

• 8-4: MSFC Redundancy with Single Router Mode Explains how to configure dual Multilayer Switching Feature Card (MSFC) modules for failover when only one is active.

• 8-5: MSFC Redundancy with Configuration Synchronization Covers the steps needed to allow dual MSFC modules to both be active, while maintaining a common configuration.

• 8-6: Router Redundancy with HSRP Discusses the configuration steps required for Layer 3 switches to share a common IP address for gateway redundancy.

Table 8-1 shows the Cisco Catalyst switch platforms that are capable of Layer 3 switching. To configure Layer 3 switching, find your switch model and the type of Layer 3 switching that it supports (MLS or CEF). Then go to the appropriate section.

Table 8-1. Catalyst Switch Platforms with Layer 3 Switching Capabilities

Catalyst Model	Module	Supported Layer 3 Switching	See Section
2900XL	N/A	N/A	N/A
2948G-L3	N/A	CEF in hardware	8-2
3500XL	N/A	N/A	N/A
3550	N/A	CEF in hardware	8-2
4000	Sup II	MLS[1]	N/A
4000	Sup III	CEF in hardware	8-2
4908G-L3	N/A	CEF in hardware	8-2
5000	Sup IIg	MLS[1]	N/A
	Sup III + NFFC	MLS[1]	N/A
6000	No MSFC	None	N/A
	MSFC + Policy Feature Card (PFC)	Internal MLS automatically used	8-1
	MSFC2 + PFC2	CEF in hardware automatically used	8-2

^[1] MLS is supported by using an external router or an installed Layer 3 routing (RSM, RSFC, or Layer 3 services) module. Both the switch (SE) and the router (RP) must be independently configured.