Nortel Networks Layer 3 Switching

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 352 pages
• Published by: McGraw-Hill Companies October 26, 2000
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0072124261
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0072124262
• Book Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.5 x 0.8 inches
• Weighs: 1.5 pounds

Product Review
Nortel Networks Layer 3 Switching explains how switching at the routing layer of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model works. This book approaches the technology through others, such as traditional switching and traditional routing, that might be more familiar to the network administrators at whom this book is targeted. Furthermore, it explains how the architect of an internetworking solution can derive top performance from cut-through switching. Mostly, the writing is very clear and straightforward, and assumes relatively little knowledge (only general familiarity with networking and internetworking concepts) on the part of readers.

Although it doesn't go into much detail on precisely how to configure routing switches or any other piece of equipment, the book focuses on Nortel Networks' Passport (formerly Accelar, formerly from Bay Networks) line of products. Readers get a rundown on the capabilities of each Passport device, from the 1050 through the 8600. The emphasis is on what each product can do ("The 8600 routing switch section is designed for use in campus and building backbones."), instead of on the specifics of its configuration. Tables describe throughput of products, number of ports, and ranges of add-in modules. Other sections explain what goes on inside a Nortel routing switch, and use a few conceptual diagrams to get the facts across. --David Wall

Topics covered:

• Reasons for implementing Layer 3 switches (also called routing switches and cut-through switches) and devices that exist for that purpose
• Data communication protocols
• Routing algorithms
• Quality of Service (QoS)
• Alternatives to Internet Protocol (IP)
• The Nortel Networks Passport line of products

Book Description
Eagerly anticipated by network professionals everywhere, Layer 3 switching is a new, highly functional way of combining movement of voice, data, and video over a single, easy-to-operate switching system. This book is the definitive guide to Layer 3 switching, written by the leading author in the area of voice and data communications, Bud Bates.

Reader Reviews
If you can get past all the Marketing-speak in this book about how the Passport is 1) the greatest invention since sliced bread, and 2) light years ahead of anything that any other manufacturer has even thought of (let alone released), I suppose it's OK as a very introductory guide to what layer-3 switching brings to the table relative to layer-2 switching and layer-3 routing. But that's about all I can imagine it being good for. As someone already familiar with layer-3 switching but new to Nortel's routing/switching product line, it was for the most part useless to me. Nortel's website is a better source of information on this topic -- the information is more detailed and current (the book is almost 3 years old). So, to summarize, I don't think that anyone reasonably familiar with networking technologies will get much out of this book. And for those who aren't, there are much better books available on networking that don't sound like they were written by a Marketing department.