Nortel Networks Layer 3 Switching [Paperback]

Regis J. Bates (Conductor), Zeecil Kimmel (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0072124261 | ISBN-13: 978-0072124262 | Publication Date: October 26, 2000

-- In-depth explanation of Layer 3 switching -- This book dissects the various pieces of the Layer 3 architecture and the pros and cons of using Layer 3 switching
-- The information network engineers need -- Covers the three most important questions for those considering Layer 3 Switching:
-- What is it?
-- What's it going to do for me?
-- How much is it going to cost?
-- Includes hands on examples on how Layer 3 switching has been deployed
-- Covers both types of Layer 3 switching -- Two types of Layer 3 switches: packet by packet and cut-through.
-- Nortel specific coverage -- Discusses Nortel's IP Accelerator, Quality of Service, and their single box solution to Switching.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com 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 module 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

Review

Regis "Bud" Bates is back (best known for his "Voice and Data Communications Handbook") with "Nortel Networks Layer 3 Switching." Using examples on the deployment of Layer 3 (both types: packet by packet and cut-through), Bates tackles Layer 3 architecture along with the issues of use surrounding the networking protocol.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Companies (October 26, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0072124261
• ISBN-13: 978-0072124262
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,659,738 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Buy for Networking Novices or Professionals, November 7, 2000

By 

Joseph Morano (Suffern, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nortel Networks Layer 3 Switching (Paperback)

Whether you are a novice in the Internetworking industry or a seasoned professional this book is a must have!! Layer 3 switching is a new and exciting technology adopted by many Fortune (XXX) companies. The co-author Zeecil Kimmel has worked on projects and troubleshot some of the most complex networks using this technology for some of the largest customers Nortel Networks currently supports. Her ability to explain this complicated technology in an easy to understand fashion is exemplory. Her examples and scenarios are "real life" scenarios and examples that she has either personally resolved herself or has had provided invaluable input in resolving.

Most technical manuals or publications are boring and hard to read, but this one is "down to earth" and does not waste your time with unecessary theories or opinions. It a must have book for those who are involved in troubleshooting or designing internetworks using Nortel Networks Layer 3 switches.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nortel Networks Layer 3 Switching, February 13, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Nortel Networks Layer 3 Switching (Paperback)

This book is a nice index of the different Nortel Routers and their features are. The book is also a great reference as an overview of Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching in relation to the specific Nortel hardware (i.e. Passport, Accelar). The book is indispensible if you own and manage a Nortel switching solution.

2.0 out of 5 stars An overall disappointment., July 20, 2003

By 

Terry Smith (Virginia, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nortel Networks Layer 3 Switching (Paperback)

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.