Answers to Chapter 18 Review Questions

Answers to Chapter 18 Review Questions

1:

In what sort of situation would a Catalyst 6000/6500 using XDI/CatOS software and no MSFC daughter-card be useful?

A:

In cases where very high Layer 2 bandwidth is required. For example, it is a good fit for Gigabit Ethernet backbone switching and server farm applications.

2:

What Layer 3 switching configuration is used by the MSM?

A:

Router-on-a-stick.

3:

The MSM connects to the Catalyst 6000 backplane via what type of interfaces?

A:

Four Gigabit Ethernet interfaces.

4:

How can ten VLANs be configured on the MSM?

A:

Although the four Gigabit Ethernet interfaces can be used as individual interfaces, they are generally more useful when grouped into a single Gigabit EtherChannel bundle (referred to as a Port-channel interface in the IOS configuration). By creating subinterfaces on the Port-channel interface, a large number of VLANs can be configured (although, as discussed in Chapters 14 and 15, using a huge number of VLANs is generally a bad idea from a design and maintenance standpoint).

5:

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the MSFC Hybrid Mode?

A:

The advantages of the MSFC Hybrid Mode include the following:

  • High-speed Layer 3 switching

  • Capability to support features such as IGMP Snooping and QoS/COS

  • Retains the tight integration between Layer 2 and Layer 3 featured by the RSM (specifically, Layer 2 ports are automatically assigned to the correct Layer 3 VLAN)

  • Uses a single slot

The one noteworthy disadvantage of the MSFC Hybrid Mode is the requirement for two user interfaces (IOS on the RP for Layer 3 and XDI/CatOS on the SP for Layer 2)

6:

Under the Native IOS Mode, how are switchports configured with Layer 3 information like IP addresses?

A:

Layer 3 information is configured on an SVI VLAN interface, not on the switchport directly.

7:

Is a Catalyst 6000 running Native IOS Mode software more of a routing switch or a switching router?

A:

The flexibility of the Native IOS Mode interface allows the Catalyst 6000 to function as either type of device. Because it is based on switching hardware, it has a wide variety of Layer 2 features and functions. However, because both CPUs are running full IOS images, it inherits the attributes shared by virtually all Cisco routers. By configuring most of the ports as switchports, the box takes on a very routing switch-like feel. However, if you leave the interfaces at their default (where every interface is a routed port), the box looks like a switching router. At some point, the difference doesn't matter and the discussion drops off into a meaningless debate of semantics. Don't let the flexibility of the MSFC Native IOS Mode leave you in a situation of brain lock. Instead, simply take advantage of its benefits.



Cisco(r) LAN Switching
Cisco Catalyst LAN Switching
ISBN: B00007FYCI
EAN: N/A
Year: 2005
Pages: 223

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