Abstract

Enterprise-class networks are facing increasing demands for higher port- density and throughput driven by rich media applications like voice and video over IP.. Traditionally, network access layer switches delivered the port- density, fault-tolerance and scalability using either a chassis or a stack of fixed-port switches. Stackable switches, when properly architected, can offer network managers a solution that can be scaled as the needs of the network grow over time. In this report, the HP 3800 series switches were compared against Cisco’s Catalyst 3750-X and Juniper’s EX4200 series switches.

The performance of the HP meshed stacking technology used by the HP 3800 Switch Series was compared against the Cisco Catalyst 3750-X with StackWise Plus technology, and Juniper’s EX4200 switches using the Virtual Chassis stacking technology. Test results show the HP switches deliver significantly higher throughput at lower latency in both a standalone and in a four-switch stack configuration. According to HP, its new switches were designed with a large per-port buffer to deal with bursty traffic, allowing them to handle larger microbursts than the Juniper and Cisco switches.