Chapter 6

Build a Switch Network Lab

We used two switches for this lab and split the room in half with one switch per half of the room.  Everyone on the right half of the room hooked their computers into their switch, while everyone on the left half of the room hooked their computers into the switch that was assigned to them.

Once all the computers were hooked up to the switches we connected the switches with a crossover cable.  The crossover cable allowed the switches to communicate with each other so in turn all the computers could then talk to each other.

Once all the physical setup was done we then were given an IP Address and a Subnet for it and we had to use that information to break everything down and assign each person a static IP Address.

Once all of the static IP Addresses were assigned we brought up a command prompt and started pinging people both on our side of the room as well as on the other side.  While some of the pings were instant and hand no trouble going through, others were failing at first because not everyone had their IP Addresses and Subnet Masks configured correctly as well as some people left their firewalls on so it was blocking all the ports and not allowing any pings to go through.

Cisco Switches Project

Cisco Catalyst 3750-X Series

The Cisco Catalyst 3750-X series is a good access level switch that can enhance productivity through enabling many applications.  These applications include IP telephony, wireless and video.  This can allow for a borderless network experience.  This switch is also stackable and highly scalable allowing for growth in your network where and when needed.  They range in price from $3,100 up to $6,298 depending on the model from the series you want and the distributor that you buy them from.

Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series

This distribution level switch series has several new innovations that have been implemented to them.  They include things such as borderless integrated service modules, the Cisco IOS Software Release 12 2(33)SXI4, a borderless services Node and with the right model the ability to have 2 terabyte switching.  They have an increased uptime because they support modular Cisco IOS software which allows for better planned and easier covered unplanned downtimes.  They are also pretty secure because they use an Adaptive Security Service Module that allows them to take full advantage of the current security structure your network is using and this allows them to increase VPN session counts and provides for more efficient power use on a single blade.  They range in price from $2750.20 to over $20,000 depending on the model, modules, frame size and depending on the distributor.

Cisco Nexus 7000 Series

This core level switch is set in a modular design that will allow you to build your network the way you want it.  Because of this modular design it allows for you to deliver up to 10 Gigabit Ethernet and unified fabric setup.  This will allow for some of the fastest and most reliable speeds available for data transfer in a network.  It’s single end to end platform allows for an end to end solution to core, aggregation  and high density end of row and top of rack server connectivity in one single platform.  The overall design allows for excellent scalability and transport flexibility.  This series of switches average in price around $15,665.82 but could be more or less depending on the options you choose, model in the series and distributor purchased from.