Table of Contents
Scope and Overview 1
Product Overview 2
Management Overview 3
Investment Summary 4
Literature Appendix 5
Introduction
As switched internetworking is taking over as the new wave in campus networks, Cisco Systems has gained a leadership position in implementing switched campus networks using leading-edge products and technology. Cisco's switched internetworking solutions portfolio includes industry-leading LAN switching and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) switching with corresponding virtual LAN (VLAN) solutions appropriate for each technology. These VLAN solutions include VLAN multiplexing technologies such as LAN Emulation (LANE) over ATM networks, Inter-Switch Link (ISL) over Fast Ethernet, and 802.10 over Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI). The leading choices for implementing a VLAN-based campus architecture are ISL over Fast Ethernet and ATM LANE. Scalable bandwidth, quality of service (QoS) guarantees, and traffic management have all been named as factors that point to the need for an ATM infrastructure for the University of Florida. As deployment of ATM networks continues, network designs involving LANE and Private Network-to-Network Interface (PNNI) have become central to most campus implementations of ATM. These standards will continue to play a very important role in evolving ATM networks to accommodate upcoming standards such as Multiprotocol Over ATM (MPOA). Hence an in-depth understanding of how these components work is a requirement to successfully building and operating an ATM network.
Design, Overview and Scope
The network design proposed in this document adheres to the request from the University of Florida NERDC network support group and Cisco's design recommendations. This core network will offer ATM as a transport as well as frame-based services to connect other locations to the core for transport. With the current network standards in place, this design will require the use of ATM LAN Emulation services. LANE is a key enabling technology in migrating legacy networks to ATM, and it has been successfully deployed in production workgroup and campus networks. With LANE, customers can run existing LAN-based applications and broadcast-oriented LAN protocols over ATM. PNNI is very important in scaling the ATM switch network, and the Cisco implementation of PNNI has been used to successfully build production networks consisting of more than 90 ATM switches.
This Design provides a flexible scalable LANE network for University
of Florida. It will discuss in detail, Cisco's products and their
implementation of standards as well as provide guidelines for
using these products in the form of network designs.
Overall Core
Note the use of OC-12 trunks between the Centrex, CSE, and Aero locations (yellow). Also the OC-3 trunks between Aero, Elmore, and Centrex (blue). This sets the ATM connections between the core sites.
These core locations utilize the Cisco Catalyst 5500 unit. This device integrates an ATM switch and Frame switch in the same unit. The ATM technology of the Catalyst 5500 is the same as the award-winning LightStream 1010. This 5Gbps, fully non-blocking ATM switch offers complete standards compliance with some value-added features including Simple Server Redundancy Protocol. SSRP allows for the definition of redundant LANE Services including LES, BUS, and LECS across the ATM network. This means that there is no single point of failure in the ATM network while providing for full standards compliance for interroperability needs.
The core devices also function as edge devices with the frame-based portion of the Catalyst 5500. This 3.6Gbps frame switch is an extension of the critically acclaimed Catalyst 5000. Within the frame structure of the Catalyst 5500 reside the requested connections of 6 Ethernet 10BaseF, 6 100BaseF, the ATM LANE edge device, and an RSP router module. However, in order to gain the quantity of 10Mbps and 100Mbps ports, 12-port line cards are the lowest density Cisco offers for these connections. Therefore, a certain amount of expandability is already guaranteed.
The RSP module is the same as found in the popular Cisco 7513 core router. This device is capable of routing 330,000 pps of IP, IPX, and Appletalk with other protocols to follow. It will run a version of Cisco IOS, the pervasive command interface found throughout Cisco's product line. To include these additional protocols such as Vines and others, only software upgrades are required. This module, placed in each device offers inter-VLAN routing as close as possible to the endstation, thus keeping the ATM Segmentation and Reassembly to a minimum.
Along the routing continuum, MPOA is a future technology which Cisco will deploy on the LightStream 1010 and thus the ATM portion of the Catalyst 5500. However, the standard is not scheduled to be ratified prior to the third or fourth quarter of calendar 1997. It is a well known issue that to support MPOA will require hardware changes to all ATM switches. Cisco took this and other hardware futures into the design of the LightStream Switch Processor, a 100Mhz RISC, by building a feature card slot. This feature card will accommodate the necessary changes required without a forklift upgrade of the switch processor. Thus customer investments are protected and futures can be deployed without wholesale swap of an expensive component. Therefore, MPOA can be rolled-out in the UF core network without major changes or cost.
The feature card design of the LightStream switch processor id also employed on the Catalyst frame Supervisor Engine. This Motorola 68040 processor switches at over 1 million pps. It too has the feature card slot for future hardware upgrades. Thus customer investment protection is realized on both the frame and ATM portions of the Catalyst 5500. Making it perhaps the most versatile, robust and scalable solutions available for networking today.
Breakouts
Each of the locations are displayed below in breakout form with the ATM core devices, connections, and the OC-3 primary links to the edge devices. Each OC-3 primary data path is shown in green and each backup data path is shown in pink. This redundant design offers more than just link backup, it also employs the SSRP solution for LANE Services.
Also note the use of RSP layer-3 modules in each edge device to keep ATM SAR functions to a minimum. Without this functionality, routing between Ethernet subnets on the same edge device would require transversing the ATM network to be routed in another location. This is inefficient and while not impossible, it is not desirable.
Note the use of the multi-award winning Catalyst 5000 as each
edge device. Identically configured as the Catalyst 5500's frame-side
(CSE excluded), each line card supported in the Catalyst 5000
is also supported in the 5500. Again, providing excellent investment
protection for University of Florida.
CSE differs from other core and edge locations by utilizing 3
FDDI modules. These will be used for legacy systems connections.
Due to this FDDI requirement, an additional OC-3 edge device has
been added. This will help insure that a single OC-3 LANE link
would not be oversubscribed for core access. The primary and secondary
data paths are connected to the same locations for similarity
in data path.
The redundant ATM data paths are maintained for failover by an
instance of Spanning Tree for each LANE module. Thus, failover
is accomplished without human intervention and within a 3-4 second
window. Naturally an event is logged to a management station when
such an even would occur. Thus network stability and redundancy
can be maintained by the network management team.
Also note from the combined core and breakout drawings that each
Catalyst 5500 is equipped with a redundant Supervisor switch engine.
Thus, in the event of a frame engine switch failure, the secondary
engine will become active without human intervention. Like the
scenario of the primary ATM data path failure, an event would
be logged to the management station to alert the network management
team.
Performance
Building on the award-winning architectures of the Catalyst 5000 and LightStream 1010, the Catalyst 5500 is a system that delivers the density and switching capacity for both ATM and LAN switching applications required in the intranet.
Network Computing says, ATM networks are big and scalable backbone Switches must show similar qualities. Even though our backbone Switch Well-connected nominees have outstanding ATM Switching solutions, Cisco Systems LightStream 1010 campus and metropolitan area network ATM Switch managed to blow the doors off the competition. With support for up to 32 OC-3 or eight OC-12 ATM ports and a 5-Gbps nonblocking Switch fabric, there's plenty of horsepower under the hood to keep the LightStream 1010 going in your high-demand Network.
The performance of the Catalyst 5000 family is best described
by engineers at Data Communications after they performed testing
on the Catalyst 5000: "The performance of Cisco's Catalyst
5000 was astounding---it took top honors in every test. Searching
for some weakness somewhere, we deliberately subjected the unit
to a 200-percent overload on all ports for three minutes. It didn't
drop a frame. For best performance on the backbone, this is the
box to buy."
Data Communications also comments: "Cisco's Catalyst 5000/LightStream 1010 performed almost flawlessly, handling all LANE functions perfectly and forwarding frames across the backbone without missing a beat. The gear did particularly well with BUS broadcasts, broadcasting frames at wire speed to eight emulated LANs." Network Computing says: "The Cisco Systems Catalyst 5000 leads the pack with bleeding-edge
performance."
The Catalyst 5000 more recently was awarded the 1997 Datamation Product of the year award---voted for by IS managers around the world. The new Catalyst 5500 and 5002 switches are building on this award-winning architecture.
Awards
The products used in the University of Florida core network design
are all Cisco developed, flagship products. Future roadmaps for
these products reach out at least 24 months. They also have a
proven history which dates almost two years. Thus, this solution
has a history of success and a solid future. Accolades for these
devices include the following:
These are just some of the impressive thoughts, by industry testers,
on the Cisco products used in the University of Florida core network
solution.
Network Management
Effective management of this solution should be considered a requirement
by the NERDC support team. Cisco Works for Switched Internetworks,
or CWSI, in concert with Cisco Works, and ATM Director will offer
the complete suite to accomplish this task. CWSI bundles Cisco
View, Traffic Director, and VLAN Director to efficiently manage
the switched internetwork and devices. Add Cisco Works and ATM
Director and the complete design is addressed. Like traditional
Cisco Works, CWSI and ATM Director run as snap-ins for multiple
network management platforms including SUN-OS, NetView, OpenView,
and NT.
Summary
The solution presented here not only addresses the requirements
put forth by the NERDC network support team, but also goes beyond
in port density, Layer-3 routing ability, and ATM Services. Most
notable is the use of 330,000 pps RSP Layer-3 modules in each
device and SSRP redundancy for ATM LANE Services. The design and
products used not only supply University of Florida with a resilient
solution, customer investment is also protected by interroperability
of line modules within all devices. Thus, network future needs
and transitions can be easily addressed from a platform designed
with evolving needs and standards in mind.
Catalyst 5000 Family Switching System
The Catalyst™ 5000 family is a modular switching system that provides high-density, switched interfaces for wiring closet and data-center and backbone implementation. The Catalyst 5000 family system provides virtual LAN (VLAN) networking, multilayer switching, and multimedia support with Cisco Internetwork Operating System (Cisco IOS™) software functionality. The modular design contains a flexible and scalable architecture, providing any combination of 10-Mbps Ethernet, 100-Mbps Fast Ethernet, 4/16-Mbps Token Ring, and 25-Mbps Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) connections to the desktop. Backbone connections to Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Copper Distributed Data Interface (CDDI)/Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), and ATM are also supported.
Three chassis options are available with the Catalyst 5000 family system: a 2-slot, 5-slot, or 13-slot chassis with redundant load-sharing power supplies as well as support for any of the interface modules described previously. The Catalyst 5000 and 5500 provide 5 and 13 slots, respectively. Additionally, the Catalyst 5500 supports a second supervisor for system redundancy.
The supervisor module enables Layer 2 or Layer 3 switching at rates in excess of one million pps while providing a powerful engine for network management. This module provides two interfaces that support 100BaseTX/T4/FX as well as Gigabit Ethernet (future) to connect to workstations, servers, other switches, and routers. The Catalyst 5000 family system can accommodate up to 528 Ethernet interfaces, 176 Token Ring interfaces, and 266 Fast Ethernet interfaces, as well as an array of ATM and Gigabit Ethernet (future) interfaces.
This variety of interface modules offers the flexibility to accommodate todayís dynamic network topologies and the scalability to meet bandwidth, speed, and application advancements today and in the future.
The Catalyst 5000 family provides a completely manageable system that delivers high-performance switching for any campus and enterprise application. It accommodates all local-area network (LAN) technologies and delivers a single-system solution for all current desktop needs.
The Catalyst 5000 family accommodates simultaneous switching:
The Catalyst 5000 family offers users the following benefits:
The following applications are available to users of the Catalyst 5000 family.
The Catalyst 5000 family is flexible enough to function as a wiring closet switch and as a collapsed switch in the data center. As a wiring closet switch, the Catalyst 5000 family can replace traditional hubs by offering dedicated bandwidth to the desktops at a reasonable, incremental cost compared with competitorsí shared Ethernet connections. Customers will appreciate the value of 10 to 100 times the performance for only 2 to 3 times the price of the 10BaseT hub and adapter.
In addition, the Catalyst 5000 family provides a cost-effective tool in data center operations by providing high-speed connections such as ATM, Fast Ethernet, and Gigabit Ethernet (future).
To enhance client/server performance across an enterprise network, servers can connect directly to 100-Mbps Fast Ethernet interfaces that aggregate traffic from numerous switched 10-Mbps Ethernet clients. Optional autonegotiation on Fast Ethernet interfaces eases migration from Ethernet to Fast Ethernet switched internetworks by providing a process whereby connected devices can automatically negotiate and configure for the maximum common level of operating speed (10 or 100 Mbps) and duplex mode (half or full duplex).
Several Catalyst 5000 family switches can be linked on the same FDDI network, either directly or through a concentrator. The Ethernet stations attached to the Catalyst 5000 family have access to any network resource attached to the FDDI ring. Also, the Catalyst 5000 or 5500 can provide future FDDI switching capabilities at wire rate to collapse multiple FDDI rings into a single solution chassis.
The Catalyst 5000 family can be integrated with FDDI-based servers using the Catalyst 1400 FDDI concentrator with a connection to an ATM-based campus backbone.
Key to connectivity into a heterogeneous topology (FDDI, Fast Ethernet, Ethernet, and ATM) is the ability of the Catalyst 5000 family to support multiple FDDI links in one chassis. The FDDI module links the Catalyst 5000 family and FDDI-based servers connected to Ciscoís CDDI/FDDI concentrators. Note that with the IEEE 802.10 protocol supported in both the Catalyst 5000 family and the Catalyst 1200, network managers can support VLANs across a network fabric using the FDDI link in both of these devices. The Catalyst 5000 family serves another role as a gateway between Ethernet (802.3), Fast Ethernet (ISL), FDDI (802.10), and ATM LAN Emulation (LANE). The Catalyst 5000 ATM LANE module links the Catalyst 5000 family to the LightStream® 1010 switch.
Several Catalyst 5000 family switches can be linked
together into an ATM LANE network. Each Catalyst achieves connectivity
via a LANE client, allowing VLANs to transverse the ATM network.
The Cisco router provides the ATM LANE servers as well as inter-VLAN
communication via routing. ATM LANE servers can also be provided
by a Catalyst 5000 family ATM LANE module. Redundancy in the ATM
network can be achieved by using the Catalyst 5000 family dual
physical sublayer (PHY) ATM module.
Catalyst 5500 ATM Modules
The Catalyst 5500 delivers High-Density, High Performance ATM and LAN Switching.
Incorporating support for the latest Asynchronous
Transfer Mode (ATM) Forum specifications and building upon the
Cisco Internetwork Operating System (Cisco IOSTM) software, the
CatalystTM 5500 switch offers a complete, sophisticated ATM feature
set with the performance, scalability, and robustness required
for production ATM deployment.
High-Performance Desktop and Campus ATM Switching
The Catalyst 5500 switch features hot-swappable carrier modules (CAMs), each of which can support up to two hot-swappable port adapter modules (PAMs). The 5-Gbps shared memory, fully nonblocking ATM switching fabric of the Catalyst 5500 can support up to 32 155-Mbps ports or 8 622-Mbps ports.
Unlike other ATM switch architectures, however, the shared-memory fabric of the Catalyst 5500 switch allows all the advanced traffic management and other mechanisms of the switch to be implemented not on the interface modules, but on a field-replaceable feature card on the switch module. This feature lowers the cost of the interface modules and facilitates the upgrading of the switch in case standards change or features become enhanced.
Building on the "plug-and-play" mechanisms
of Cisco IOS software that allows Catalyst 5500 switches to come
up automatically, all configuration information for PAMs can be
saved across hot swaps and switch reboots. Interface types are
automatically discovered by the switch, precluding the need for
manual configuration. The Catalyst 5500 switch supports any combination
of PAMs, allowing customers to configure their switches with only
the number and type of interfaces required. The switch also has
full support for ATM Forum-compliant User-Network Interface (UNI)
and Network-to-Network Interface (NNI) signaling for multivendor
interoperability and has support for such ATM internetworking
protocols as LAN Emulation (LANE).
ATM Switch Processor Module
The ATM switch processor (ASP) module provides all the cell relay, signaling, and management processing functionality. The ASP supports the 5-Gbps, fully nonblocking, shared memory ATM switching fabric, with 65,536 cells of buffering.
The required, field-replaceable feature card, a daughter card of the ASP module, supports all advanced ATM switch functions, including intelligent packet discard, dual leaky bucket traffic policing, and available bit rate (ABR) congestion control mechanisms. New versions of the feature card can be installed in the field as ATM standards evolve and the functionality is enhanced.
The ASP module's high-performance, embedded 100-MHz MultiChannel Interface Processor (MIP) R4600 RISC processor, with its integral ATM access to the switch fabric, also delivers the high call setup rates and low call setup latencies required for the operation of signaling- intensive ATM internetworking protocols. Based on the design of the Route Switch Processor (RSP) module of the high-end Cisco 7500 series of multiprotocol routers, the ASP module offers many memory upgrade options for scalability, with internal, single in-line memory module (SIMM) banks for DRAM and Flash memory. Additional Flash files can be supported on its dual-height PC card slot.
The ASP module also supports an Ethernet port and dual serial ports for management access, with dual serial ports allowing for the connection of both a local terminal and a modem for remote access.
The ASP module also supports such standard Cisco
IOS software functions as BOOTP, Telnet, and Trivial File Transfer
Protocol (TFTP) and access control functions such as Terminal
Access Controller Access Control System (TACACS) for robust administrative
control. By building on the Cisco IOS software, the ASP module
offers users the familiar command-line interface (CLI) of Cisco
routers, with sophisticated online help and scripting capabilities,
reducing training and deployment time.
Catalyst 5500 LANE
Cisco Systems' industry-standard Catalyst 5500 ATM
LANE dual-physical sublayer (PHY) module integrates high-speed,
switched LANs across an ATM campus network, providing legacy LANs
with access to ATM-based services in the backbone. The module
supports two (one primary, one secondary) 155-Mbps OC-3c interfaces
with a wide range of media options---single-mode fiber, multimode
fiber, and UTP Category 5.
A maximum of seven ATM dual-PHY LANE modules can
be supported simultaneously in one Catalyst 5500 platform to provide
redundant, fault-tolerant connections. The LANE module sets new
standards for high performance, low-cost integration of switched
Ethernet and Fast Ethernet over an ATM infrastructure.
Fault-Tolerant ATM Connectivity
The ATM dual-PHY LANE module delivers fault tolerance
for critical network applications using several unique features:
"Dual Homed" ATM
Dual-PHY ATM allows network administrators to deploy
redundant connections from one uplink port. Similar to Fiber Distributed
Data Interface (FDDI) dual homing, the Catalyst 5500 dual-PHY
LANE module provides link redundancy by duplicating the data link
with a primary and secondary interface. If connectivity is lost
on the primary interface because of either link failure or loss
of Interim Local Management Interface (ILMI) communication, data
connectivity automatically switches over to the redundant, secondary
interface.
LANE Server Redundancy
Each Catalyst 5500 ATM dual-PHY LANE module delivers
redundant LANE services using Cisco's LANE Simple Server Redundancy
Protocol (SSRP). LANE SSRP provides redundancy for all the server
components in LANE---the LANE Configuration Server (LECS), the
LANE Server (LES), and the broadcast and unknown server (BUS).
Cisco's SSRP allows the enterprise-wide deployment of ATM by removing
LANE servers as a single point of failure.
Wire-Speed Ethernet-to-ATM Connectivity
Multimedia and client/server applications require
high throughput and low latency. Testing by Harvard University's
National Data Testing Laboratory (NDTL) has demonstrated that
the Catalyst dual-PHY ATM LANE module provides low-latency, wire-speed
performance to ATM OC-3c networks.
Scalable, Distributed LANE Servers
Unique among ATM edge devices, the Catalyst 5500
enhances ATM LANE network performance by delivering support for
the entire range of LANE V.1.0 servers. By using this feature,
network administrators can easily distribute LANE services across
each Catalyst ATM dual-PHY LANE module. For example, this feature
allows scalable distribution of bandwidth-intensive LANE BUS services
for multimedia applications. Operating as a standalone LANE V.1.0
BUS, each Catalyst ATM dual-PHY LANE module can forward 120,000
pps.
VLAN/ATM Integration
By using the industry-leading Cisco IOSTM software,
the Catalyst 5500 ATM dual-PHY LANE module extends virtual LAN
(VLAN) capabilities throughout the network, spanning switched
LANs and ATM-based services such as ATM servers by mapping VLANS
to ATM LAN emulated LANs (ELANs). The LightStream® 1010 Asynchronous
Transfer Mode (ATM) switch extends beyond the workgroup/campus
and enterprise backbone environments into new application areas
with the Cisco Internetwork Operating System (Cisco IOSTM) software
for ATM Release 11.2.2 and new port adapter modules (PAMs) for
the LightStream 1010 platform. Now the LightStream 1010 ATM switch
boldly marches into the metropolitan-area network (MAN) and wide-area
network (WAN) markets. By extending the bandwidth, interfaces
and reach of LightStream 1010 switches and software capabilities
of Private Network-to-Network Interface (PNNI), it becomes the
perfect complement to Cisco StrataCom® carrier-class ATM switches
in the global Internet. This Product Announcement describes the
new interface adapters and the supporting Cisco IOS software for
ATM Release 11.2.2, which will be integrated into a Cisco IOS
major release later in 1997.
Features in Cisco IOS Software for ATM Release 11.2.2
The new port adapters are supported in Cisco IOS software for ATM Release 11.2.2 with the
following new features:
Port Adapters and Power Supply
DC power supply---Optional load-sharing, redundant
power supply, which has its own power receptacle, adds resilience
to LightStream 1010 switches.
LightStream 1010 ATM Switch
PAM interfaces for the LightStream 1010 ATM switch
are discussed in this section. Each new PAM requires the Cisco
IOS Software for ATM Release 11.2.2 to function.
T1/E1 (ATM) Trunk
The T1/E1(ATM) trunk PAM adds broadband and narrowband
trunking capability for the LightStream 1010 switch. In Europe,
the E1 trunk PAM supports G.703, G.704, G.804, G.751, and G.832
connections. Deployed in combination with the T1/E1 circuit emulation
PAM, the T1/E1 (ATM) trunk PAM enables the LightStream 1010 platform
for voice and data trunking applications.
T1/E1 Circuit Emulation
One major benefit of ATM is that it supports both
data and constant bit rate (CBR) services. CBR is useful in many
applications, such as interconnecting Private Branch Exchanges
(PBXs), time division multiplexers (TDMs), and videoconferencing
equipment. The two primary target markets for CBR services are
Enterprise networks and Private/Public MANs.
The T1/E1 CE PAM is designed for attaching PBXs to
LightStream 1010 switches to combine data and voice traffic on
a single ATM trunk. Many campus, enterprise, and MAN networks
send data traffic over private ("dark") fiber. With
the T1/E1 CE port adapter, customers can add voice transport by
interconnecting PBXs over the same dark fiber to avoid local telephone
charges. Typical distances between sites in a metropolitan network
range from a city block to about 50 miles.
A T1/E1 CE PAM offers both "unstructured"
and "structured" services. The E1 CE is available with
either 120-ohm (RJ-48) or 75-ohm (BNC) interfaces.
T1/E1 Unstructured (Clear Channel) CE Services
Unstructured circuit emulation services (CES) in an LightStream 1010 switched network emulates point-to-point permanent virtual circuits (PVCs) over T1/E1 trunks. This service maps the entire bandwidth of a T1/E1 trunk across an ATM network to interconnect PBXs, TDMs, and videoconferencing equipment. CBR data in an unstructured PVC is neither decoded nor altered. A CES module provides the following unstructured CE services to LightStream 1010 users:
During unstructured CES services, user CBR data received
from an edge device at one side of the network is segmented into
ATM cells and transmitted through the ATM network. After traversing
the network, the ATM cells are reassembled into a CBR bit stream.
Then CBR data is passed to the edge device at the destination.
T1/E1 Structured (n x 64) CES Services
The T1/E1 structured (n x 64) CES services enable
CES modules to function much the same as classic digital access
and cross-connect system (DACS) switches.
With a CES module, the following structured CE services
are available to LightStream 1010 switched networks:
Mixed OC-3
This port adapter offers a mix of three multimode
ports and one Single Mode Fiber port, Intermediate Reach Plus
(IR+), providing two advantages over existing OC-3 port adapters.
For small network users, this interface will connect both edge
devices such as LAN switches and other, more distant ATM switches
with a single port adapter. The single-mode port in this new port
adapter has twice the reach of intermediate reach fiber, reaching
up to 30 kilometers (18 miles).
OC-3 Long Reach and OC-12 Long Reach
Long-reach capability for the LightStream 1010 switch
platform is now available with these two new port adapter modules.
The PAMs reach up to 40-kilometer (25-mile) distances, making
the LightStream 1010 a viable switch for metropolitan and wide
area applications for the first time. Long-reach fiber port adapters
come in two types:
The four-port OC-3 (155-Mbps) single-mode long-reach
fiber PAM is ideal for connecting MAN/WAN network or dark fiber
sites. It may be especially useful in offshore drilling sites
for the oil industry. A fully configured LightStream 1010 switch
can support (32) OC-3 links.
The single-port OC-12 (622-Mbps) single-mode long-reach
fiber PAM is well suited to very high-performance intercampus,
metropolitan or wide-area links, especially for Internet service
providers. A fully configured LightStream 1010 switch can support
eight OC-12 links.
25.6-Mbps ATM
For cost-effective ATM connections to special-purpose
desktops, the 25.6 Mbps ATM PAM has twelve 25.6-Mbps ATM UNI ports.
This PAM is fully compatible with ATM Forum physical sublayer
(PHY) specifications for unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) or shielded
twisted-pair (STP). Now workgroups can take advantage of sophisticated
QoS technologies to bring videoconferencing, video surveillance
or video broadcasting services to individual users.
25 Mbit/s ATM Adapter Compatibility
The LightStream 1010 25 Mbit/s Port Adapter Module
has been tested and is compatible with 25 Mbit ATM adapters from
Adaptec, Efficient Networks, IBM, Interphase, and Madge. In addition,
it is compatible with video conferencing systems running over
ATM from V-Tel.
DS3/E3 ATM
When the LightStream 1010 ATM switch was launched,
the initial DS3 offering could not extract network clocking from
the network. Now with enhanced software and more powerful port
adapters, the LightStream 1010 platform is well suited for NSP/ISP
markets where network clocking is a must. The four-port DS3 PAM
can synchronize with a selected master clock port to distribute
a single clock across a network. This capability adds to existing
self-timing features based on the LightStream 1010 ATM Switch
Processor Clock and loop timing received from data streams.
DC Power Supply
To address unique requirements for customer premise
and service provider networks, the LightStream 1010 switch now
adds optional dual DC power supplies. DC power supplies are load
sharing to extend individual power supply life. Each supply has
its own power receptacle, eliminating risks associated with power
cord failure.
Features in Cisco IOS Software for ATM Release 11.2.2
Cisco IOS software for the LightStream 1010 switch
is among the first in the industry to offer ATM Forum- compliant
PNNI 1.0, originally released in August 1996. With this announcement,
the Cisco IOS Software for ATM Release 11.2.2 adds signaling features
of hierarchical PNNI and UNI 4.0 Signaling.
Features in Cisco IOS for ATM Release 11.2.2 include:
UNI 4.0 Signaling
The new software release supports signaling enhancements
in the LightStream 1010 ATM switch, as specified by ATM Forum
Signaling 4.0 specification.
ITU-T Baseline Changes from UNI 3.1
International Telecommunications Union Telecommunications
Standardization Sector (ITU-T) baseline changes include modifications
in ITU-T Q.2931/Q.2971 specifications.
Individual QoS Parameters and ATM Traffic Classes
QoS parameter signaling allows individual QoS end-to-end
signaling.
ABR Signaling
This feature extends the benefits of ABR to SVCs
from its previous support of only PVCs.
Anycast
UNI 4.0 signaling defines anycasting as a new ATM
service based on group addressing. It is a point-to-point call
to any member of a group address. A group address identifier may
be shared by multiple end systems that belong to a group, and
it identifies particular services across an ATM network.
Traffic Characteristic Negotiation
Traffic Characteristic Negotiation provides peak
cell rate/minimum cell rate (PCR/MCR) negotiation, where MCR can
be negotiable to zero. Cisco IOS Software for ATM Release 11.2.2
supports the MCR information element (IE). ATM traffic descriptor
IE carries desired cell-rate, and MCR IE carries lower limits.
Explicit Frame Discard Signaling
On LightStream 1010 switches, frame discard is accomplished
via early packet discard (EPD) and tail packet discard (TPD).
Frame discard is now explicitly signaled via the ATM traffic descriptor
IE, whereas frame discard could only be applied if the ATM adaptation
layer 5 (AAL5) IE was present in signaling.
LECS, LES/BUS in Software
Now the LAN Emulation (LANE) servers are implemented
on the ATM Switch Processor (ASP) of the Catalyst 5500 or LightStream
1010 switches. LANE servers, LECS, and LES/BUS are available on
the following platform: Cisco 7500/7000/4000 series routers, Catalyst
5000 and 3000 series switches, and now on the LightStream 1010
switch processor itself.
LANE functionality on the LightStream 1010 platform
includes:
With LEC for network management and LECS, LES/BUS
applications providing server support with reasonable performance,
the LightStream 1010 switch integrates full LANE functionality.
ATM RMON Agent
This RMON agent adds high-level SNMP traffic monitoring
capability to the LightStream 1010 system. Based on RMON-standard
MIBs, the ATM RMON MIB extends traditional RMON datasets such
as flow statistics, host, and traffic matrix to ATM networks.
The ATM Forum has just finished the specification for ATM RMON.
This ATM RMON MIB can be enabled on a per-interface basis.
Accounting MIB
This MIB allows network administrators to collect
accounting data on ATM bandwidth/resource usage per connection
within the ATM network. Data collection is available for SVCs
and switched virtual paths (SVPs). Soft permanent virtual circuits
(SPVCs) area initially supported, with future support for PVCs
and permanent virtual paths (PVPs).
Because of the potentially large quantity of data
collected, it is not feasible to retrieve it via SNMP. The LightStream
1010 generates a file of collected accounting information for
retrieval with a file transfer protocol such as Trivial File Transfer
Protocol (TFTP). This feature is extremely useful for service
providers, and a standard for this architecture is under development
in the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).
ILMI Version 4.0 Support
ILMI Version 4.0 also supports "change of attachment
point detection procedures" to account for situations undetectable
with signaling. ILMI address registration procedures support scope
for individual and group addresses. ILMI Version 4.0 can run across
IISP links to detect connectivity loss and change of attachment
point. This feature is useful for CiscoWorksTM For Switched Internetwork's
automatic ATM topology discovery mechanisms on IISP links, whereas
previously, system designs assumed no ILMI over IISP.
Summary of features in ILMI version 4.0 support:
Soft-VC Continuous Route Optimization
This feature is designed to improve overall ATM network
efficiency by redistributing established soft-PVC/PVP connections
when better routes become available after failed links are healed.
Configurable VCs for Signaling/ILMI/PNNI
With this feature, administrators can create non
default, or "well-known," VCs for signaling, ILMI and
PNNI well-known VCs on the LightStream 1010 platform. Prior to
this software release, the default virtual channel identifiers
(VCIs) automatically created well-known VCs for each interface,
and could not be changed. This feature is especially useful in
places that require a custom amount of signaling VCs.
Time-of-Day Access Lists
Now customers can build previously available access
list filters based on the time of day.
E.164 <---> ATM NSAP Address Translation
Many public networks use International Telecommunication
Union (ITU) E.164 addresses---current telephone numbers---while
private ATM networks use network service access point (NSAP) addresses.
Now it's possible to attach LightStream 1010 switches to any public
network switches (or any other network) that uses E.164 addressing.
For example, the National Center for Science Information in Gakojyu,
Japan, is implementing E.164 addressing in its public network
and has issued specifications to Japanese universities for address
conversion from NSAP to E.164 for connectivity to the Gakojyu
network.
Summary
The LightStream 1010 ATM switch, which was the first to offer ATM Forum standards-based PNNI, now has multi-level signaling ready for when other vendors finally have standards-based PNNI available. The complementary ATM Circuit Emulation Module for Cisco 7500/7200 routers allows seamless voice and data transport between LightStream 1010 switches and Cisco 7500/7200 routers at network edges or remote sites; available with DS3 or OC-3 interfaces. Now with Cisco IOS Software for ATM Release 11.2.2, the industry-leading LightStream 1010 ATM Switch, and the Catalyst 5500, enters new application areas, including metropolitan and wide area Networks, complementing the Cisco StrataCom carrier ATM switch product line.
Each chassis option of the Catalyst 5000 family features fault-tolerant power with a dual power supply option and a full complement of hot-swappable switching modules (components can be removed, added, or changed without system downtime). The chassis supports AC or -48V DC power supplies. The Supervisor Engine supports dual Fast Ethernet connections using unshielded twisted-pair (UTP), single-mode, and multimode fiber with support for Gigabit Ethernet in the future.
The Catalyst 5000 family system has numerous features that contribute to its superior capabilities:
| Port Density Breakout | |||||
| Switching Module | |||||
| Switched Ethernet: IEEE 10BaseT | |||||
| Shared Ethernet: IEEE 10BaseT | |||||
| Switched Ethernet: IEEE 10BaseFL | |||||
| Switched Fast Ethernet: IEEE 100BaseTX | |||||
| Shared Fast Ethernet: IEEE 100BaseTX | |||||
| Switched Fast Ethernet: IEEE 100BaseFX | |||||
| Switched 10/100 Ethernet: IEEE 10/100BaseTX | |||||
| ATM LAN Emulation: Dual-PHY ATM | |||||
| Switched ATM: OC-3 155-Mbps MMF | |||||
| Switched ATM: OC-3 155-Mbps SMF | |||||
| Switched ATM: OC-3 155-Mbps UTP Cat 5 | |||||
| Switched ATM: OC-12 622-Mbps SMF | |||||
| Switched ATM: DS3 | |||||
| Switched ATM: E3 | |||||
| Switched ATM: 25 Mbps | |||||
| Fast EtherChannel Groups | |||||
| CDDI/FDDI | |||||
Switch Management Software
CiscoWorks for Switched Internetworks (CWSI) is an integrated suite of switched management applications. This package offers a comprehensive set of switched management tools for configuring Catalyst switches; for detecting, analyzing, and managing traffic activity; and for segmenting and building broadcast firewalls between logically dispersed users throughout the campus. These critical management functions improve network performance, provide a quick method to monitor and detect problems, and offer campus views in which to configure and maintain workgroup communication across the network. Included within this package is information on the following:
_ VlanDirectorë, Ciscoís drag and drop VLAN management application
_ CiscoViewë, Ciscoís graphical device management application
_ TrafficDirectorë, Ciscoís RMON-based traffic management application
CWSI is available on many of the UNIX platforms and Windows NT. The UNIX offerings include the following:
_ SunOS version 4.1.3 or greater
_ Sun Solaris version 2.4
_ HP UNIX version 8.X (available Q3, CY96)
_ IBM AIX (available Q3, CY96)
_ Windows NT (available Q3, CY96)
VlanDirector is an intuitive ìdrag-and-dropî application that enables managers to design and manage VLANs across physically linked LAN switches and configure their networks based on related user groups rather than geographic location.
VlanDirector hides the complexities of network management with applications that support both physical and logical views of the network. VlanDirector uses easy-to-understand visual metaphors. The VlanDirector application provides an intuitive, graphical interface for adding new users, moving users between wiring closets, and changing a userís VLAN association.
The logical views are organized along functional boundaries (such as VLANs or subnets), and the physical views show devices and the connectivity between them. Users can navigate between logical and physical views, collecting protocol-independent data from individual devices.
CiscoView is a GUI-based device management software application that provides dynamic status, statistics, and comprehensive configuration information for Ciscoís switched internetworking products such as switches, routers, concentrators, and adapters.
Users can more easily understand the tremendous volume of management data available for internetworking devices using CiscoView. The software organizes information into graphical device representations and presents them in a clear, consistent format. In addition, this network management tool provides monitoring and basic troubleshooting functions.
Ciscoís TrafficDirector software is a traffic management application that leverages embedded intelligence, such as RMON, on Cisco switches. It delivers traffic and performance management information that enables users to isolate selected parts of their networks to troubleshoot protocol-related problems and to anticipate growth.
TrafficDirector helps capture and graph RMON data.
A graphical command interface allows network managers to set capture
conditions with Catalyst switch software. TrafficDirector offers
the most advanced traffic analysis and troubleshooting capabilities
for switched networks. Using the embedded RMON software of Catalyst,
network administrators more effectively manage their switched
network traffic and more easily troubleshoot and fine-tune switched
network performance.
VlanDirector hides the complexities of network management with easy-to-understand visual metaphors and an intuitive graphical interface. VlanDirector graphically represents and displays the configured VLAN paths between switches, so network managers can trace VLANs across the networks for monitoring and diagnostic purposes. The graphic interface reduces the amount of training and setup required to configure VLAN linkages. It also eliminates much of the guesswork normally associated with VLAN configuration and management, reducing the chances of misconfiguration. The online hypertext documentation and help system provides simple instructions for learning and operating the application, reducing the time to find and retrieve information about specific functions.
User authentication and write protection security protects the network against illegal entry and protects against configuration changes without requiring user authorization.
Comprehensive switch support for the Catalyst product provides system-level VLAN integration for departmental and enterprise-wide switches.
Network managers can quickly drill down to individual ports based upon their VLAN membership, maintaining the integrity of the VLAN configuration and providing a quick way to troubleshoot for configuration errors. Automatic discovery of Cisco switches and routers within a campus ensures accurate representation of the physical connectivity of the network for design and configuration verification.
Active switch and links screen icons allow network managers to easily obtain VLAN configuration information on a specific device, or to link interface by double clicking on the representative screen icon. Simplified VLAN naming and assignment window, with expand, collapse, and name search facilities, provides an easy way to add, delete, and modify VLAN names within the campus. Expanded name search functions provide an easy way to locate VLANs in networks with numerous, configured VLANs. Expanded names also minimizes the time required to add and delete logical workgroups. This provides a convenient method for administrators to organize and find VLAN information.
Optional preferences include selecting VLAN paths between switches, manual configuration, or automatic configuration modes. In manual mode, network managers can customize the VLAN link configurations based upon the security and bandwidth usage policies within the organization. Auto mode chooses the best path based upon bandwidth, number of hops, and already-assigned VLANs. In auto mode, network managers can quickly configure VLANs across the campus.
Drag and drop port configuration functions minimize training and allow managers with less technical training to perform VLAN configuration operations. The rules-based configuration model for creating VLANs across a series of interconnected switches and routers within a campus greatly reduces the underlying complexities involved in configuring VLANs across the backbone.
CiscoView is a graphical device management application for all Cisco products, including Catalyst switches, Cisco routers, and LightStream ATM devices. CiscoView offers both real-time monitoring and configuration functions on a per-device basis. This application provides real-time status of ports, interfaces, chassis, and traffic parameters using simple highlighting functions. CiscoView offers a graphical pop-up configuration menu for changing configuration settings. This reduces the overall skill level required to manage individual devices and eliminates the need to learn the device commands typically required when making configuration changes.
CiscoView offers network managers the following functions:
_ Displays a complete, easy-to-use view of Cisco products from an electronic and remote centralized network management location
_ Supports multiple switches, routers, hubs, or adapters simultaneously when invoked several times in the same session
_ Monitors real-time status of switches:
æ Frame buffer status
æ Statistics counters (errors, packets received/transmitted)
æ System status (temperature, fans, power supply, uptime, version of hardware and software)
_ Displays real time graphs of statistics
Network managers can configure switches using CiscoViewís realistic interface, which displays the status of individual ports, cards, and chassis, and enables detection of configuration management situations at a glance. Network managers save time by configuring the device through software, easily drilling down to gather additional information about modules or ports on any device or at any level using CiscoViewís point and click functionality.
Some of the configuration commands include:
_ Enable/disable ports and modules
_ Configure port characteristic (full/half duplex, 10/100, or port name)
_ Enable/disable ICMP redirect messages
_ Enable/disable Spanning Tree
CiscoView offers network managers the following benefits:
_ Provides a seamless and powerful system to manage all Cisco devices on the following platforms:
æ Sun Microsystems SunNet Manager
æ HP OpenView
æ IBM NewView for AIX
_ Allows users to diagnose system problems quickly by reporting essential inquiry information, including exception reporting
_ Helps managers make decisions about topology by showing a continuously updated picture of the health of routers, hubs, switches, or adapters
_ Enables system managers to integrate CiscoView with several of the leading SNMP-based network management platforms to provide a seamless, powerful network view
_ Saves time by downloading new software from the console
The following table lists switches supported by CiscoView.
| Catalyst 1200 | 3.1 |
| Catalyst 1600 | 3.1 |
| Catalyst 1700 | 3.1 |
| Catalyst 2100 | 3.1 |
| Catalyst 2800 | 3.1 |
| Catalyst 2901 | 3.1 |
| Catalyst 2902 | 3.1 |
| Catalyst 3000 | 3.1 |
| Catalyst 5000 | 3.1 |
| LightStream 100 | 3.1 |
| LightStream 1010 | 3.1 |
| CPW 1200 | 3.1 |
| CPW 1400 | 3.1 |
| CPW 10/100 | 3.1 |
| CiscoPro CPW500 | 3.1 |
| CiscoPro CPW1600 | 3.1 |
| CiscoPro CPW2115 | 3.1 |
| WS 1000 | 3.1 |
| WS 1100 | 3.1 |
| WS 1400 | 3.1 |
The TrafficDirector RMON console provides an easy to use GUI for monitoring RMON statistics and protocol analysis information. TrafficDirector also simplifies data collection, analysis, and reporting by extending RMON-type analysis to the network and application layers. TrafficDirector delivers flexible analysis of any network traffic at any layer of the OSI stack.
TrafficDirector is available on a variety of platforms including SunNet Manager, HP OpenView, IBM NetView 6000, and Windows. TrafficDirector can run as a stand-alone application, or as a complementary application to Ciscoís network management applications, such as CiscoWorks, or third-party network management applications, such as SunNet Manager or HP OpenView.
TrafficDirector network management functions include:
_ GUI RMON monitor (browser)
_ Simplified, user-definable RMON configuration and control tools
_ Sophisticated RMON filter editor (Domain Manager)
_ Protocol monitor and analyzer
_ Traffic monitor
_ Alarm manager (Watchdog) and automated data capture
_ RMON grapher
_ Report generator
_ Event logger and database
These tools allow the network administrator to monitor traffic, set thresholds, and capture data on any set of network traffic for any segment. These applications collect information about all nine RMON groups to isolate and determine the cause of problems on the network.
TrafficDirector presents RMON data in a format that is easy to view and understand. The network administrator can create customized ìviewsî of the RMON traffic information coming from specific segments attached to the network analyzer. With customized views, network administrators can troubleshoot their network applications more effectively by selecting specific elements from the RMON MIB.
The console can easily manage the many bits of information on a LAN segment. RMON filter and configuration functions enable the administrator to select specific information provided by the RMON MIB for further analysis, such as data-link statistics, traffic history, host traffic, and host matrix information.
If the RMON agent also supports packet capture for protocol analysis, the console can display the various protocol layers contained in the packet. Protocol filter tools support popular protocols such as TCP/IP, XNS, Novell IPX, or AppleTalk, and allow the administrator to view higher-level services as well (e.g. NFS, SNMP, Apple ARP, and DEC LAT). Consoles with comprehensive filters help network administrators save configuration and troubleshooting time.
The well-designed TrafficDirector RMON console allows the network administrator to define alarm conditions from any of the elements available in the RMON MIB. This level of flexibility helps the administrator address any potential network troubleshooting problem.
To reduce network management traffic caused by polling from a central site, distributed monitoring allows remote distributed polling of device status and acts as an SNMP proxy for evaluation of alarm conditions.
For example, an event-logging feature, working in conjunction with the RMON alarm, helps track the frequency and timing of network events while providing information that helps the network administrator track down the cause-and-effect relationships of network-related problems.
To help network administrators track and troubleshoot protocol-related network problems, both the RMON probe and the console automatically capture network packet data for off-line analysis. The network manager can troubleshoot more effectively by using predefined filters to tailor the RMON probe functionality.
TrafficDirector data-capture functions provide a distributed capability for fast troubleshooting with seven-layer, color-coded protocol decodes for all major protocol stacks. TrafficDirector captures frames on any remote LAN segment, ring, or switch link.
A full-featured TrafficDirector installation offers preconfigured graphing, reporting, and accounting features that help network administrators track the growth and use of the network and predict short- and long-term problems. Similarly, administrators can show network resource use by functional department.
TrafficDirector groups agents to allow administrators to obtain a broader view of enterprise network activity. Administrators are not limited by segment-by-segment views.
Network administrators can use TrafficDirector to improve efficiency in many areas of their work:
_ Maintaining reliable, trouble-free networks by leveraging configuration and monitoring functions with semi-automated network traffic recording, configurable alarms, and accounting functions
_ Ensuring the long-term value of the console through custom filters as new systems and protocols are introduced to the network
_ Detecting and collect troubleshooting data automatically using Roving RMON to recognize and rectify network problems before they affect users
_ Using the graphing functions to analyze trends in network growth or server usage by measuring and representing network traffic or server utilization over extended time periods
AtmDirector
Managing ATM Networks
Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) adds new dimensions to managing switched internetworks. For example, since ATM is connection-oriented---unlike FDDI, Token Ring, and Ethernet---the administrator may need to set up virtual connections, monitor several link statistics, or trace complex point-to-multipoint connections when tracking down information about an ATM network and its users. Thus, the old tools and applications used to manage shared LANs will not suffice when managing an ATM network.
Using underlying ATM network management protocols such as the Interim Local Management Interface (ILMI), as well as standard and Cisco-private ATM MIBs, Cisco Systems' AtmDirectorTM management application simplifies the installation and administration of ATM in switched internetworks.
AtmDirector is a graphical, system-level ATM management application for configuring, monitoring and troubleshooting a network of Cisco LightStream® ATM switches and ATM-attached Cisco routers and CatalystTM LAN switches. The AtmDirector application automatically discovers and illustrates the topology of the ATM network, displays real-time link information, facilitates ATM network interrogation and troubleshooting by allowing selection of any virtual connection on an ATM link and tracing its entire path, and provides an intuitive interface for creating Permanent Virtual Connections (PVCs) across the ATM network. AtmDirector may be integrated with popular Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) management platforms or used as a fully functional, independent ATM network management application.
These advanced ATM management functions provide real-time status, statistics and configuration information, allowing the administrator to more easily understand and use the complex management data available for ATM networks.
Connection Management across ATM Networks
One of the primary benefits of the AtmDirector application is realized when monitoring, tracing, or configuring virtual connections across an ATM network. First, AtmDirector uses an autodiscovery algorithm to find Cisco ATM devices and automatically maps the physical topology of the ATM network. From this topology map, clicking on a link provides that link's parameters or a tabular list of all active virtual connections, which can be sorted by link utilization or connection identifier values.
To facilitate ATM network interrogation and troubleshooting, any virtual connection from this list can be selected, and the AtmDirector software traces its entire path. AtmDirector displays the resulting trace, including an indication of the traffic flow direction over that connection, on a topology map superimposed on the physical ATM links.
The AtmDirector application also takes the complexity out of creating virtual connections by allowing the administrator to simply select the two ATM switch ports that will terminate a desired connection and the appropriate signaling protocols will be invoked to set up the Soft PVC or PVP (Permanent Virtual Path). The AtmDirector software accomplishes this task automatically, requiring minimal intervention by the administrator. To check for good virtual connection and link connectivity, the administrator can invoke Cisco's unique ATM ping capabilities from either the AtmDirector or the CiscoViewTM application.
Link and Connection Monitoring
AtmDirector offers a series of graphical views for monitoring configured links and virtual connections within a network of Cisco ATM devices. These views are easily created using simple pulldown commands and are very useful for understanding the traffic characteristics within links or the virtual connections selected. These views can include graphs based on many different parameters, such as the number of cells per connection or per link or the number of cells per service class on a link.
CiscoView Integration
AtmDirector is fully integrated with CiscoView, a graphical device management application that provides dynamic status, statistics, and comprehensive configuration information for Cisco Systems' LightStream 1010 as well as Catalyst LAN switches and Cisco routers. The CiscoView application for the LightStream 1010 provides powerful monitoring and configuration utility. Network managers can quickly obtain status information on any ATM port or module and the full LightStream 1010 switch; data displays graphically with easy-to-understand representations.
Features and Benefits
Application integration with SunNet Manager and HP OpenView leverages existing investment in network management applications and hardware.