O VERVIEW

Cisco Catalyst 3500 Series XL

The Cisco Systems Catalyst® 3500 series XL is a scalable line The Cisco Systems Catalyst 3500 series XL is a scalable line of stackable 10/100
and Gigabit Ethernet switches that delivers premium performance,
of stackable 10/100 and Gigabit Ethernet switches that manageability, and flexibility with unparalleled investment protection
deliver premium performance, manageability, and flexibility,
with unparalleled investment protection. This line of
low-cost, high-performance switching solutions provides
next-generation stackable switching. It allows management of
all Cisco switched ports from a single IP address and provides
interconnected switches with an independent high-speed
stack bus that preserves valuable desktop ports.
With the introduction of the Catalyst 3500 series XL
and Cisco Switched Clustering technology, Cisco takes
stacking to a new level. With Switch Clustering supported on
all Catalyst 3500 XL, 2900 XL and Catalyst 1900 switches,
users can manage over 380 ports from a single IP address,
and connect all switches with a broad range of Ethernet, Fast
Ethernet, and Gigabit Ethernet media regardless of physical The Catalyst 3500 series XL family includes three switch
location. models and the Cisco GigaStack™ Gigabit Interface
Catalyst 3500 series XL high-performance switches Converter (GBIC):
feature Cisco IOS® software and Cisco Visual Switch • Catalyst 3512 XL—A single rack unit (RU) stackable
Manager (CVSM) software, an easy-to-use Web-based 10/100 and Gigabit Ethernet switch with 12
management interface. All Catalyst 3500 series XL switches 10BaseT/100BaseTX ports and two GBIC-based
are available in either Standard or Enterprise Editions. Gigabit Ethernet ports. The two Gigabit ports
Enterprise Edition switches offer advanced software accommodate a range of industry-standard GBICs,
features, including complete 802.1Q and ISL VLAN support, including the Cisco GigaStack GBIC, 1000BaseSX, and
TACACS+ security, and fault tolerance through Uplink Fast. 1000BaseLX/LH GBICs. The Catalyst 3512 XL is a
high-performance, nonblocking switch, ideal for
aggregating a small group of Catalyst 2900 series XL or
Catalyst 1900 switches in a clustered configuration. In a
standalone or stacked configuration, the Catalyst 3512 XL
offers low port density at a low entry price.

Copyright © 1999 Cisco Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Page 1 of 13
• Catalyst 3524 XL—A single RU stackable 10/100 and Figure 1 GigaStack GBIC Connection Options

Gigabit Ethernet switch with 24 10BaseT/100BaseTX ports Daisy Chain at

and two GBIC-based Gigabit Ethernet ports. The Catalyst 1-Gbps Forwarding Rate
3524 XL is ideal for delivering dedicated 10 or 100 Mbps
to individual users and servers in a stack or cluster
configuration. Built-in dual GBIC-based Gigabit Ethernet
ports provide users with a flexible and scalable solution for
Gigabit Ethernet uplinks or GigaStack GBIC stacking. GigaStack GBIC
• Catalyst 3508G XL—A single RU stackable Gigabit OR
Ethernet switch with eight GBIC-based Gigbit Ethernet
ports. The Catalyst 3508G XL is ideal for aggregating a Point to Point at
2-Gbps Forwarding Rate
group of 10/100 and Gigabit Ethernet switches and
Gigabit Ethernet servers through Cisco GigaStack GBICs
or standard 1000BaseX GBICs.
• GigaStack GBIC—A versatile, low-cost, Gigabit Ethernet
stacking GBIC that offers high-speed interconnectivity GigaStack GBIC
between Catalyst 3500 series XL and gigabit-enabled
Catalyst 2900 series XL switches. The GigaStack GBIC is Cisco Switch Clustering
ideal for performance- and cost-conscious customers who Breakthrough Cisco Switch Clustering technology enables up
require an independent stack bus to interconnect multiple to 16 interconnected Catalyst 3500 XL, 2900 XL, and
Catalyst 3500 XL and gigabit-enabled Catalyst 2900 XL Catalyst 1900 switches, regardless of geographic proximity,
switches. to form a managed single IP address network. These switches
can be clustered using a broad range of standards-based
The Cisco Scalable Stacking Architecture connectivity options, to deliver varying levels of performance
Cisco Systems, the leader in internetworking solutions, to meet customer requirements. Clustering connectivity
provides the industry’s most flexible, scalable, and options for the Catalyst 3500 series XL include Ethernet,
manageable stacking architecture for Catalyst 3500 series Fast Ethernet, Fast EtherChannel®, low-cost Cisco GigaStack
XL and gigabit-enabled Catalyst 2900 series XL switches. GBIC, Gigabit Ethernet, and Gigabit EtherChannel. Because
Flexible Stacking the technology is not limited by proprietary stacking modules
The Catalyst 3500 series XL and gigabit-enabled Catalyst and stacking cables, Cisco Switch Clustering expands the
2900 series XL switches can be stacked using the low-cost traditional stacking domain beyond a single wiring closet
Cisco GigaStack GBIC. The two-port GigaStack GBIC and lets users “mix and match” interconnections to meet
offers a range of highly flexible stacking and performance specific management, performance, and cost requirements as
options. It delivers 1-Gbps connectivity in a daisy-chained shown in Figure 1.
configuration or up to 2-Gbps full-duplex connectivity in a In a Cisco Switch Cluster, one Catalyst 3500 series XL
dedicated switch-to-switch configuration. or 2900 XL switch is specified as the “command” switch and
all other switches in the cluster are designated as “member”
switches. The command switch serves as the single IP address
management point and disburses all management action
dictated by the network administrator. Command switches
can cluster up to additional 15 interconnected member
switches regardless of their interconnection media. Cisco
Switch Clustering command software is preinstalled on all
Catalyst 3500 series XL switches and is available as an
upgrade for Catalyst 2900 series XL switches with the
Catalyst 2900 XL Command Software upgrade kit.

Copyright © 1999 Cisco Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Page 2 of 13
Web-Based Switch Management: Enterprise Edition Software
Cisco Visual Switch Manager Enterprise Edition software includes all of the features of the
The Catalyst 3500 series XL features the Cisco Web-based Standard Edition and adds enhanced end-to-end VLAN
management tool, Cisco Visual Switch Manager (CVSM), support to your Catalyst 3500 series XL switch. Virtual LAN
which allows network administrators to view and manage a trunks can be created from any port using either 802.1Q
switch from anywhere on the network through a standard trunking or the Cisco Inter-Switch Link (ISL) VLAN
browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape architecture. VLANs using standards-based 802.1Q and ISL
Navigator. CVSM is launched from the switch itself and trunking provide broadcast control and enhanced security,
delivers simple network- and device-level management, and simplify adds, moves, and changes. TACACS+
including port configuration, VLAN setup, network views, authentication enables centralized access control of the switch
and port monitoring. CVSM is an integral part of the Cisco and restricts unauthorized users from altering the
scalable stacking architecture, allowing users to easily configuration. Uplink Fast technology ensures quick failover
configure and manage stacks and switch clusters and recovery, enhancing overall network stability and reliability.
administer software upgrades across multiple switches. An Enterprise Edition switch is the best choice for use in a
network with the requirement of higher level of security,
Standard Edition Software superior fail safe redundancy, and end-to-end VLANs
Cisco Catalyst 3500 series XL Standard Edition switches spanning multiple routers, switches, and access servers.
include several exceptional features to increase network
performance, manageability, and security. The command Applications
switch feature delivers single-IP managed Cisco Switch The three major product applications of the Catalyst 3500
Clustering technology to up to 16 interconnected Catalyst series XL are defined as follows:
3500 XL, 2900 XL, or Catalyst 1900 switches. Fast • Desktop—The switch is used for desktop connectivity
EtherChannel and Gigabit EtherChannel technology offer providing dedicated 10 or 100 Mbps to workstations and
from 400-Mbps to 4-Gbps high-performance bandwidth servers and deployed as a standalone unit with a unique IP
among Catalyst switches, routers, and servers. The Cisco address. This application typically requires a higher
Group Management Protocol (CGMP) enhances density switch to achieve a lower per port cost. Gigabit
performance of multimedia applications and reduces Ethernet ports will be used for uplink connections to the
network traffic by allowing a switch to selectively and corporate backbone.
dynamically forward IP multicast traffic to targeted end • Stacking/Clustering—Several Catalyst 3500 XL, 2900 XL,
stations. Up to 250 port-based VLANs per switch allow data and Catalyst 1900 switches deployed in a switch clustering
packets to be forwarded only to stations within a specific or GigaStack GBIC configuration and managed with a
VLAN, creating a virtual firewall between groups of ports on single IP address. The switches are used mostly for desktop
the network. Network Time Protocol (NTP) provides a connectivity with limited aggregation. Gigabit Ethernet
unified clock across the network, ensuring accurate time ports will be used for uplinks to corporate backbone or
stamps for troubleshooting all network events. MAC-based connections to a Gigabit aggregation switch.
port level security prevents unauthorized stations from • Aggregation—The 10/100 and Gigabit Ethernet Catalyst
accessing the switch. Multilayer security on the switch 3500 series XL switches are used to aggregate several
console prevents unauthorized users from accessing or 10BaseT and 100BaseTX switches and hubs, and servers
altering switch configuration. All Standard Edition switches into a common backbone. This application typically
can be upgraded with the purchase of an optional Catalyst requires a lower-density, high-performance 10/100 switch
3500 XL Enterprise Edition upgrade kit. with 12 to 24 ports. Some customers may require dedicated
Gigabit Ethernet switches (Catalyst 3508G XL) to
aggregate several 10/100 switches with Gigabit Ethernet
uplinks.

Copyright © 1999 Cisco Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Page 3 of 13
Desktop

10/100 Desktop Connectivity

Catalyst 3500 series XL switches can be deployed as
high-performance 10/100 and Gigabit Ethernet desktop
solutions as shown in Figure 2. The Catalyst 3512 XL offers
a low entry price 10/100 solution, while the Catalyst 3524 XL
offers the lowest price-per-port. Both switches offer 2 Gigabit
Ethernet uplinks in a fixed, single RU configuration.

Figure 2 Catalyst 3512 XL or Catalyst 3524 XL for Desktop Connectivity

Catalyst 8500, 6000,

5500, and 4000 Series
Enterprise Switches
Catalyst 3512 XL
Gigabit Ethernet or
Gigabit EtherChannel

10/100 Workstations

Catalyst 8500, 6000,

5500, and 4000 Series
Enterprise Switches
Catalyst 3524 XL
Gigabit Ethernet or
Gigabit EtherChannel

10/100 Workstations

Copyright © 1999 Cisco Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Page 4 of 13
Stacking and Clustering shown in Figure 3. The GigaStack GBIC delivers a 1-Gbps

Stacking
independent stack bus through standard Gigabit Ethernet
The Cisco GigaStack GBIC technology offers customers a connections, allowing up to nine switches to be stacked and
range of performance levels, scaling from a 1-Gbps managed through a single IP address. Support for a
forwarding rate in a daisy-chain configuration up to a redundant loopback connection is achieved through
2-Gbps forwarding rate in a point-to-point connection. secondary GigaStack GBICs in the top and bottom switches,
as shown in Figure 4.
GigaStack Stacking: Independent Stack Bus
With the GigaStack GBIC installed, all Catalyst 3500
series XL and gigabit-enabled Catalyst 2900 series XL
switches can be deployed in a stacking configuration, as

Figure 3 Creating an Independent Stack Bus Using the GigaStack GBIC, Catalyst 3500 Series XL, and Gigabit-Enabled Catalyst 2900 Series XL Switches

Catalyst 8500, 6000,

5500, and 4000 Series
Enterprise Switches or
Catalyst 3508G XL

Catalyst 3500 series XL

Catalyst 3500 series XL

Catalyst 3500 series XL

Catalyst 3500 series XL

Catalyst
3500 XLs
or
Catalyst 3500 series XL

Catalyst 3500 series XL Gigabit-

enabled
Catalyst 3500 series XL
Catalyst
Catalyst 3500 series XL
2900 XLs

Figure 4 Creating a Redundant Loopback Connection Using GigaStack GBICs

Catalyst 8500, 6000,

5500, and 4000 Series
Enterprise Switches or
Catalyst 3508G XL

Catalyst 3500 series XL

Catalyst 3500 series XL

Catalyst 3500 series XL

Catalyst 3500 series XL

Catalyst
Catalyst 3500 series XL
3500 XLs
or
Catalyst 3500 series XL
Gigabit-
enabled
Catalyst
Catalyst 3500 series XL

Catalyst 3500 series XL

2900 XLs

Copyright © 1999 Cisco Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Page 5 of 13
GigaStack Stacking: Point-to-Point Connections
The Cisco GigaStack GBIC also offers users a
high-performance option in a point-to-point configuration, as
shown in Figure 5. Using the eight-port Catalyst 3508G XL
Gigabit Ethernet switch, up to eight switches can be stacked
to deliver 2-Gbps full-duplex bandwidth between the Catalyst
3508G XL and each connected switch. The Catalyst 3508G
XL provides a 5-Gbps forwarding rate for the entire stack of
Catalyst 3512 XL, 3524 XL, and gigabit-enabled Catalyst
2900 series XL switches.

Figure 5 Point-to-point Stacking Using GigaStack GBICs, Catalyst 3500 Series XL, and Gigabit-Enabled Catalyst 2900 Series XL Switches

Catalyst 3508G XL

Catalyst 3508 Series XL

Gigabit Ethernet or
Gigabit EtherChannel Uplinks

Catalyst 3524 Series XL

Catalyst 3500 XL
or Gigabit-Enabled
Catalyst 2900 XL Switches
Catalyst
ly 3524 Series
i XL

4 Series XL
Catalyst 3524

C Catalyst 3524 Series XL

Catalyst 3524 Series XL

Copyright © 1999 Cisco Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Page 6 of 13
Cisco Switch Clustering
Cisco Catalyst 3500 XL, 2900 XL, and Catalyst 1900
switches can be deployed in an interconnected,
switch-clustering configuration managed from a single IP
address, as shown in Figure 6. One switch is designated as
the command switch for single point of management for the
cluster. The remaining switches are designated as member
switches. Customers can use Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Fast
EtherChannel, low-cost Cisco GigaStack GBIC, Gigabit
Ethernet, or Gigabit EtherChannel connections in this
clustering configuration. Cisco Switch Clustering gives
customers tremendous flexibility because all switches in the
cluster may be located in different physical locations and
connected with standards-based media.

Figure 6 Cisco Switch Clustering Using Catalyst 3500 XL, 2900 XL, and Catalyst 1900 Switches

Catalyst 8500, 6000,

5500, and 4000 Series
Enterprise Switches
Gigabit Ethernet or
Gigabit EtherChannel Technology
Command Catalyst 3508G XL

Members

Closet A Closet B Closet C

Catalyst 2900 XL, Catalyst 3500 XL Combination
Catalyst 1900 Daisy-Chain with
Daisy-Chain with FEC GigaStack GBICs

Copyright © 1999 Cisco Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Page 7 of 13
Aggregation

Enterprise Workgroup Aggregation

The Catalyst 3500 XL switches can be deployed in wiring
closets to aggregate workgroup networking devices such as
Ethernet and 10/100 switches; 10BaseT and 10/100 hubs;
and workgroup servers, as shown in Figure 7. The Catalyst
3524 XL and 3512 XL are well suited for customers who
need a 10/100 aggregation switch with Gigabit Ethernet
uplinks to backbone or servers. The eight Gigabit Ethernet
ports on the Catalyst 3508G XL make the switch ideal for
aggregating a group of 10/100 switches with Gigabit
Ethernet uplinks and Gigabit Ethernet servers in a
high-performance wiring closet aggregation configuration.

Figure 7 Enterprise Workgroup Aggregation

Gigabit Ethernet or Catalyst 8500, 6000,

Gigabit EtherChannel 5500, and 4000 Series
Technology Enterprise Switches

Catalyst 3508G XL Gigabit Ethernet

Gigabit
Ethernet Servers

Gigabit-Enabled
Catalyst 2900 XL
Catalyst 3500 XL
Series 10/100 Switch
10/100 Switch

Copyright © 1999 Cisco Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Page 8 of 13
SMB Workgroup Aggregation
The Catalyst 3512 XL can be used in a small to
medium-sized business (SMB) as a network backbone. It can
aggregate various Ethernet and Fast Ethernet network
resources in the organization, and provides 1000BaseX
connections to Gigabit Ethernet servers.

Figure 8 SMB Workgroup Aggregation

Catalyst 3512 XL
Gigabit Ethernet

Gigabit Ethernet Servers

10BaseT Hub
Catalyst 2900 XL
Series 10/100 Switch

FastHub Catalyst 1900

Series Series Ethernet Switch
10/100 Hubs

Copyright © 1999 Cisco Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Page 9 of 13
Table 1 Features and Benefits Summary: Catalyst 3500 Series XL

Feature Description Benefit

10BaseT/100BaseTX support 12 or 24 autosensing 10BaseT/100BaseTX ports Delivers wire-speed performance with up to 200 Mbps of bandwidth
(Catalyst 3512 XL and 3524 XL) per port for individual users, server farms, or workgroups to support
bandwidth-intensive applications

Gigabit Ethernet Support Two built-in, GBIC-based Gigabit Ethernet ports (Catalyst 3512 Delivers up to 4-Gbps aggregated bandwidth to Gigabit Ethernet
XL and 3524 XL) backbone, to Gigabit Ethernet-connected server farms or between
switches

GBIC-Based Gigabit Ethernet Eight fixed Gigabit Ethernet ports (Catalyst 3508G XL) Delivers up to 5-Gbps aggregated forwarding bandwidth to
Aggregation connected switches in a point-to-point configuration

Virtual LANs on All Ports Up to 250 port-based VLANs per Catalyst 3500 series XL Improve performance and scalability by assigning users to VLANs
support associated with appropriate network resources, traffic patterns, and
bandwidth

Support for standards-based IEEE 802.1Q and Cisco ISL VLAN Enables deployment of up to 250 enterprise-wide, end-to-end VLANs
trunking protocols (Enterprise Editions only) per 3500 series XL switch, spanning multiple routers, switches, and
access routers

Reduces administrative costs and simplifies network moves, adds,

and changes

Enables better management and control of broadcast and multicast

traffic

Improves network security by establishing separate VLAN groups

for high-security users and relocating workgroup servers into
secured centralized areas

Outstanding Performance 10-Gbps switching fabric and up to 7.5 million Delivers wire-speed performance to each 10BaseT/100BaseTX port
packets-per-second forwarding rate

4-MB shared-memory architecture Ensures the highest-possible throughput by eliminating head-of-line

blocking; minimizes packet loss and reduces congestion from
multicast and broadcast traffic

8-MB DRAM and 4-MB Flash memory onboard Enables delivery of a continuous stream of software upgrades and
enhancements, maximizing customers’ return on investment

Full-duplex operation on switched 10/100 ports Delivers up to 200 Mbps of bandwidth to end stations and servers,
and between switches

CGMP Fast Leave Allows quick stoppage of multicasts to end stations that want to
drop a data stream, reducing superfluous traffic on the network

Flexible and Scalable Switch Hardware-based independent stacking bus delivered through Delivers up to 1-Gbps forwarding bandwidth when daisy-chaining up
Clustering Technology the GigaStack GBIC supports multiple stacking options to nine Catalyst 3500 series XL and gigabit-enabled Catalyst 2900
series switches or 2-Gbps forwarding bandwidth in a point-to-point
configuration

High-performance aggregation using the Catalyst 3508G XL Delivers up to 5-Gbps aggregated forwarding rate to a stack of
switches in a point-to-point configuration

Cisco Switch Clustering technology Delivers flexibility, scalability, and ease of management with a broad
range of connectivity options to up to 16 interconnected Catalyst
3500 XL, 2900 XL, and Catalyst 1900 switches managed from a single
IP address

Ease of Use and Ease of Deployment Cluster software upgrade Allows a network administrator to quickly and easily upgrade
system software for up to 16 interconnected Catalyst 3500 XL,
2900 XL, and Catalyst 1900 switches through a single CLI
command or an easy-to-use CVSM interface

IEEE 802.3z-compliant 1000BaseSX and 1000BaseLX/LH Provides standards-based technology and unprecedented flexibility
physical interface support through a field-replaceable GigaBit in switch deployment
Interface Converter (GBIC)

Cisco Visual Switch Manager interface Easy-to-use, Web-based interface allows switch management from
anywhere in the Intranet with a Web browser

Autosensing on each 10/100 port Detects attached device speed and automatically configures the
port for 10- or 100-Mbps operation, easing switch deployment in
mixed 10BaseT and 100BaseTX environments

Autonegotiating on each 10/100 port Automatically selects half- or full-duplex transmission mode to
optimize bandwidth

Default configuration stored in Flash memory Ensures that a switch can be connected to a network and can pass
traffic with minimal user intervention

19-inch, rack-mountable Catalyst 3508G XL, 3512 XL, and 3524 Compliant with standard 19-inch, rack-mount scheme for easy
XL are each available in one rack-unit-high (1.73 in.) installation; allows high-density port allocation while conserving
enclosure valuable rack space in the wiring closet

Copyright © 1999 Cisco Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Page 10 of 13
Table 1 Features and Benefits Summary: Catalyst 3500 Series XL (Continued)

Feature Description Benefit

Integrated Cisco IOS Cisco Group Management Protocol (CGMP) Enables a switch to selectively and dynamically forward routed IP
Switching Solution multicast traffic to targeted multimedia end stations, reducing
overall network traffic

Bandwidth aggregation through Fast EtherChannel Delivers up to 8 Gbps of bandwidth between switches, routers, and
technology or Gigabit EtherChannel individual servers

Enhances fault tolerance

Per-port broadcast storm control Prevents faulty end stations from degrading overall systems
performance with broadcast storms

Command-line interface (CLI)-based management console Simplifies administration by using the same management interface
as Cisco routers

Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP) Enables a CiscoWorks network management station to

automatically discover the switch in a network topology without
user intervention

IEEE 802.1p ready Provides two priority queues on 10/100 ports and 8 priority queues
on Gigabit Ethernet ports allowing users to prioritize data packets

Superior Manageability Cisco Visual Switch Manager (CVSM) Built-in HTTP server enables Web-based management interface
through a standard browser such as Netscape Navigator or
Microsoft Explorer

Provides cluster and network topology views of a group of Catalyst

3500 XL, 2900 XL, and Catalyst 1900 switches

Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and Telnet Delivers comprehensive in-band management
interface support

Telnet support for up to five simultaneous sessions Allows multiple management CLI-based sessions over the network

Support for CiscoWorks 2000 network management software Provides a common management interface for Cisco routers,
switches, and hubs

Four groups of embedded RMON (History, Statistics, Alarm, Provides enhanced manageability, network monitoring, and traffic
and Events) analysis

Network statistics gathered on a per-port basis or by using an Facilitates troubleshooting and capacity planning by characterizing
RMON probe each port’s utilization, errors, and other key statistics

Support for all nine RMON groups through use of a switch Permits traffic monitoring of a single port, a group of ports, or the
port analyzer port entire switch from a single network analyzer or RMON probe

Autoconfiguration Eases deployment of switches in the network by automatically

configuring multiple switches across a network via a boot server

Domain Name Services (DNS) Provides IP address resolution with user-defined device names

Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) Reduces the cost of administering software upgrades by
downloading from a centralized location

Network Time Protocol (NTP) Provides an accurate and consistent timestamp to all switches
within the intranet

Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) discovers the MAC Allows the network manager, from a central console, to identify a
address that corresponds to the IP address for any given host host IP address and its corresponding MAC address
on the network

Multifunction LEDs per port for port status, Provide a comprehensive and convenient visual management
half-duplex/full-duplex, and 10BaseT/100BaseT indication as system
well as switch-level status LEDs for system, RPS, and
bandwidth utilization

Security and Redundancy MAC-based port level security Secures a port to an individual MAC address group of up to 132 MAC
addresses; addresses can be learned or manually entered; can
prevent unauthorized stations from accessing the switch

Password-protected in-band and out-of-band management Provides protection against unauthorized configuration changes
and secures against unwanted intruders

Provides administrators the choice of level of security, notification,

and resulting actions

User-selectable address learning mode Simplifies configuration and enhances security

Multilevel security on console access Prevents unauthorized users from altering the switch configuration

TACACS+ authentication (Enterprise Edition only) Enables centralized control of the switch and restricts unauthorized
users from altering the configuration (Enterprise Edition switches
only)

Copyright © 1999 Cisco Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Page 11 of 13
Table 1 Features and Benefits Summary: Catalyst 3500 Series XL (Continued)

Feature Description Benefit

Security and Redundancy Redundant stacking connections Support for a redundant loopback connection through secondary
(continued) GigaStack GBICs in top and bottom switches in a stack

IEEE 802.1D Spanning-Tree Protocol Supports redundant backbone connections and loop-free networks,
simplifies network configuration, and improves fault tolerance

Cisco Uplink Fast technology (Enterprise Edition only) Ensures quick failover recovery, enhancing overall network stability
and reliability

MTBF exceeds 150,000 hours Designed to provide the highest reliability for maximum network
uptime

Cisco 600-watt redundant AC power system option Provides a backup power source for up to four separate units for
improved fault tolerance and network uptime

Warranty Lifetime limited warranty Backed by Cisco’s service and support and the technology
leadership that extends the reach of networks worldwide

Table 2 Availability and Orderability

Limited General
Model Description Availability Availability
Base Units

WS-C3512 XL-A Catalyst 3512 XL-A: 12-port 10/100 switch with two fixed GBIC-based 1000BaseX uplinks (Standard Edition) May 27, 1999 Late June 1999

WS-C3512 XL-EN Catalyst 3512 XL-EN: 12-port 10/100 switch with two fixed GBIC-based 1000BaseX uplinks (Enterprise Edition) May 27, 1999 Late June 1999

WS-C3524 XL-A Catalyst 3524 XL-A: 24-port 10/100 switch with two fixed GBIC-based 1000BaseX uplinks (Standard Edition) May 27, 1999 Late June 1999

WS-C3524 XL-EN Catalyst 3524 XL-EN: 24-port 10/100 switch with two fixed GBIC-based 1000BaseX uplinks (Enterprise Edition) May 27, 1999 Late June 1999

WS-C3508G-XL-A Catalyst 3508 XL-A: eight-port GBIC-based 1000BaseX Gigabit switch (Standard Edition) May 27, 1999 Late June 1999

WS-C3508G-XL-EN Catalyst 3508 XL-EN: eight-port GBIC-based 1000BaseX Gigabit switch (Enterprise Edition) May 27, 1999 Late June 1999

GBICs

WS-X3500-XL GigaStack GBIC: Gigabit Ethernet Stacking GBIC for Catalyst 3500 XL and gigabit-enabled June 11, 1999 Early August 1999
Catalyst 2900 XL switches

WS-G5484= SX GBIC: 1000BaseSX short wavelength GBIC (multimode fiber only) Now Now

WS-G5486= LX/LH GBIC: 1000BaseLX/LH, long wavelength/long haul GBIC (single or multimode fiber) Now Now

CAB-GS-1M 1 meter cable for GigaStack GBIC June 11, 1999 Early August 1999

Software Upgrade Kits

WS-C3500-SA6-EN Catalyst 3500 XL Enterprise Edition Software Upgrade, single system license May 27, 1999 Late June 1999

WS-C3500-SA6-10-EN Catalyst 3500 XL Enterprise Edition Software Upgrade, ten system license May 27, 1999 Late June 1999

WS-C2900-SA6-CM Catalyst 2900 XL Command Software Upgrade May 27, 1999 Late June 1999

Copyright © 1999 Cisco Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Page 12 of 13
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Cisco Systems has more than 200 offices in the following countries. Addresses, phone numbers, and fax numbers are listed on the
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Copyright © 1999 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in USA. GigaStack is a trademark; and Catalyst, Cisco, Cisco IOS, Cisco Systems, the Cisco Systems logo, and EtherChannel are registered
trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. in the U.S. and certain other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners. (9901R) 6/99 B&W