Layer 3 Switching Overview

The Catalyst enterprise LAN switches facilitate the migration from traditional shared-hub LANs to large-scale, fully integrated internetworks. These switches provide switched connections to individual workstations, servers, LAN segments, backbones, or other switches using a variety of media.

With specific hardware and software, the Catalyst enterprise LAN switches also can participate in interVLAN routing, Multilayer Switching (MLS), and other Layer 3 switching services.

This chapter consists of these sections:

Cisco Routing Platforms

You can use these Cisco routing platforms to support interVLAN routing and other Layer 3 switching services in conjunction with the Catalyst enterprise LAN switches:

Catalyst 5000 family Route Switch Module (RSM)
Catalyst 5000 family Route Switch Feature Card (RSFC)
Cisco 7500 series routers
Cisco 7200 series routers
Cisco 4700 series routers
Cisco 4500 series routers
Cisco 3600 series routers
Catalyst 8500 family campus switch routers (CSR) and multiservice switch routers (MSR)

Catalyst 5000 Family Routing Modules

The Catalyst 5000 family switches support two integrated routing platforms, the Route Switch Module (RSM) and the Route Switch Feature Card (RSFC). Table 1-1 describes the RSM and RSFC.

Table 1-1: Catalyst 5000 Family Routing Platforms

Product Number Chassis Description

WS-X5302

Catalyst 5000 family RSM:

Cisco 7500 series RSP-based router module

Supports optional Versatile Interface Processor 2 (VIP2) and port adapters

Runs Cisco IOS software

Supports multiprotocol routing and Multilayer Switching (MLS)

WS-F5541=

Catalyst 5000 family RSFC:

Cisco 7200 series RSP-based router feature card for Supervisor Engine II G and III G

Runs Cisco IOS software

Supports multiprotocol routing and Multilayer Switching (MLS)

Product Number	Chassis Description
WS-X5302	Catalyst 5000 family RSM: Cisco 7500 series RSP-based router module Supports optional Versatile Interface Processor 2 (VIP2) and port adapters Runs Cisco IOS software Supports multiprotocol routing and Multilayer Switching (MLS)
WS-F5541=	Catalyst 5000 family RSFC: Cisco 7200 series RSP-based router feature card for Supervisor Engine II G and III G Runs Cisco IOS software Supports multiprotocol routing and Multilayer Switching (MLS)

The Catalyst 5500 switch also supports the Catalyst 8500 campus switch router (CSR) Switch Route Processor (SRP) and switching modules (the SRP must be installed in slot 13; modules must be installed in slots 9 through 12). With the optional Catalyst 5000 family Layer 3 Fabric Integration Module (WS-X5305), you can integrate the Catalyst 5500 and Catalyst 8500 CSR switch fabrics to perform high-speed Layer 3 switching and interVLAN routing in a single chassis.

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