Nortel Networks WEB OS 212777 - Manual (Page 28)

Web OS 10.0 Application Guide
28 n Chapter 1: Basic IP Routing
212777-A, February 2002
IP Routing Benefits
The Alteon Web switch uses a combination of configurable IP switch interfaces and IP routing
options. The switch IP routing capabilities provide the following benefits:
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Connects the server IP subnets to the rest of the backbone network.
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Performs server load balancing (using both Layer 3 and Layer 4 switching in combina-
tion) to server subnets that are separate from backbone subnets.
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Provides another means to invisibly introduce Jumbo frame technology into the server-
switched network by automatically fragmenting UDP Jumbo frames when routing to non-
Jumbo frame VLANs or subnets.
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Provides the ability to route IP traffic between multiple Virtual Local Area Networks
(VLANs) configured on the switch.
Routing Between IP Subnets
The physical layout of most corporate networks has evolved over time. Classic hub/router
topologies have given way to faster switched topologies, particularly now that switches are
increasingly intelligent. Alteon Web switches are intelligent and fast enough to perform rout-
ing functions on a par with wire speed Layer 2 switching.
The combination of faster routing and switching in a single device provides another service—
it allows you to build versatile topologies that account for legacy configurations.