Cisco WS-C2960S-24PD-L Software Guide - Page 35

Chapter 1 Overview Network Configuration Examples Collapsed Backbone and Switch Cluster Configuration Figure 1-3 shows a configuration for a network of approximately 500 employees. This network uses a collapsed backbone and switch clusters. A collapsed backbone has high-bandwidth uplinks from all segments and subnetworks to a single device, such as a Gigabit switch, which serves as a single point for monitoring and controlling the network. You can use a Catalyst 3550-12G switch, as shown, or a Catalyst 3508G XL switch to create a Gigabit backbone. A Catalyst 3550-12G backbone switch provides the benefits of inter-VLAN routing and allows the router to focus on WAN access. The workgroups are created by clustering all the Catalyst switches. Using CMS and Cisco switch clustering technology, you can group the switches into multiple clusters, as shown, or into a single cluster. You can manage a cluster through the IP address of its active and standby command switches, regardless of the geographic location of the cluster members. This network uses VLANs to segment the network logically into well-defined broadcast groups and for security management. Data and multimedia traffic are configured on the same VLAN. Voice traffic from the Cisco IP Phones are configured on separate VVIDs. For any switch port connected to Cisco IP Phones, 802.1p/Q QoS gives forwarding priority to voice traffic over data traffic. Grouping servers in a centralized location provides benefits such as security and easier maintenance. The Gigabit connections to a server farm provide the workgroups full access to the network resources (such as a call-processing server running Cisco CallManager software, a DHCP server, or an IP/TV multicast server). Cisco IP Phones are connected-using standard straight-through, twisted-pair cable with RJ-45 connectors-to the 10/100 inline-power ports on the Catalyst 3524-PWR XL switches and to the 10/100 ports on the Catalyst 2900 XL and Catalyst 3500 XL switches. These multiservice switch ports automatically detect if an IP phone is connected. Cisco CallManager controls call processing, routing, and IP phone features and configuration. Users with workstations running Cisco SoftPhone software can place, receive, and control calls from their PCs. Using Cisco IP Phones, Cisco CallManager software, and Cisco SoftPhone software integrates telephony and IP networks, where the IP network supports both voice and data. Each 10/100 inline-power port on the Catalyst 3524-PWR XL switches provides -48 VDC power to the Cisco IP Phone. The IP phone can receive redundant power when it also is connected to an AC power source. IP phones not connected to the Catalyst 3524-PWR XL switches receive power from an AC power source. 78-6511-08 Catalyst 2900 Series XL and Catalyst 3500 Series XL Software Configuration Guide 1-13