bpl5000
asked on
How can I tell if our Cisco 4006 is layer 2 or layer 3?
How can I tell if our Cisco 4006 is layer 2 or layer 3? We are running CatOS. Is there a command or some way to tell if we are running layer 2 or 3?
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Post the output of "sh mod", this will tell us for sure. But, it's likely that your device is only L2.
ASKER
Yes, we do have a routing module and I was 99% sure it was layer 3. Slot 4 has a WS-X4232-L3 card so I should have realized the L3 at the end is for Layer 3.
Then yes, you should have routing capabilities.
If you're running CatOS on a 4000 series platform, it's a layer 2 switch.
ASKER
donjohnston, are you sure? I entered session 4 and it brings me to a prompt that says "router". I checked the config of the router and there is a port-channel for each vlan with the ip helper-address listed and all seems to be working well. Are you sure this is not layer 3?
Fuzzy area here.
CatOS is a layer 2 OS... No exceptions.
What you have is a Layer 3 module installed. But... it is a separate device that just happens to "live" inside the chassis. In order to configure it, you must "connect" to it. You do this using the session <mod #> command. Once you do this, you are manipulating a completely different operating system with a completely separate configuration.
Another way to think about is that it's like a traditional router that just happens to have a really fast connection to the 4006.
Of course, this is just semantics. Since the module is IN the 4006 (layer 2 switch) and it is a layer 3 module then that would make your switch a "multilayer" switch.
I just choose to reserve the "multilayer" designation for switches with a single OS that can do layer 2 and layer 3.
CatOS is a layer 2 OS... No exceptions.
What you have is a Layer 3 module installed. But... it is a separate device that just happens to "live" inside the chassis. In order to configure it, you must "connect" to it. You do this using the session <mod #> command. Once you do this, you are manipulating a completely different operating system with a completely separate configuration.
Another way to think about is that it's like a traditional router that just happens to have a really fast connection to the 4006.
Of course, this is just semantics. Since the module is IN the 4006 (layer 2 switch) and it is a layer 3 module then that would make your switch a "multilayer" switch.
I just choose to reserve the "multilayer" designation for switches with a single OS that can do layer 2 and layer 3.
That's an odd perspective. We have hundreds of 6500s running SUP2s running Hybrid (CatOS and IOS), and I would most definitely call them multilayer/layer 3 switches.
And if you have a FW module installed would call your 6500 a firewall?
And if you install an IDS module installed, is it now an Intrusion Detection System?
And if you install an IPSEC/VPN module, is your 6500 now a VPN concentrator?
If you have all of these installed, is your 6500 a switch/firewall/IDS/VPN?
I'm just saying... ;-)
And if you install an IDS module installed, is it now an Intrusion Detection System?
And if you install an IPSEC/VPN module, is your 6500 now a VPN concentrator?
If you have all of these installed, is your 6500 a switch/firewall/IDS/VPN?
I'm just saying... ;-)
Hahaha. I see your point. I still won't be calling our 6500s L2 switches though.:-P
While I'll agree that CatOS and the switch fabric of the 4K only offer Layer 2 capability, once you install and configure a Layer3 module, the device has Layer 3 capability.
bpl5000, do you need more details to answer your question?
bpl5000, do you need more details to answer your question?