[c-nsp] recommendations for lab P/PE routers

[wm lists]

Hi Folks,

Looking for advice on *new* cisco routers for the lab.  Concerned with
current and future MPLS P and PE features (including MPLS VPN,
MPLS-TE, DS-TE, MPLS FRR) in addition to the usual BGP, ISIS, OSPF,
multicast, and IPv6.

Netflow would be nice.

PPS though, is not a concern, we aren't testing speeds and feeds, but
instead protocol scalability and PoC testing.  Also ACLs and uRPF, are
not high on the list.

Interface-wise looking for at least 4 FE or GE, copper is fine.

The 7304-NSE100 looks nice, it is targeted at SPs, but it might be an
overkill?  Certainly we don't need 3.5Mpps.  OTOH, we don't want a box
that is EOL'd in a couple years.

The 3800 looks like it might do it, supports 1 GB mem, but since this
isn't targeted as a PE, can I expect IOS support for MPLS or SP
features?  Don't want to play it is coming real soon now (tm) waiting
game...

others?

thoughts?

cheers,

--
warren