[c-nsp] Alternatives to 3750 w/ Stackwise?

[Alan Buxey]

Hi,

> The only downsides I've recognized are:
> 
> * There is really no "minimal interruption" maintenance option for
> software upgrades.  You can't do a failover / update / fail-back style
> rolling upgrade.  Differing IOS versions across the stack will result in
> a reload and another master election.

aye. the fact theres no 'rolling upgrade' or such is quite frustrating

> * They take FOREVER to boot (in the order of five minutes...) during
> which time the WHOLE STACK is unresponsive.

5 minutes? what have you dont to speed it up!!? seriously I'm sure its more like
6.5 mins

> * If you're really pushing the redundancy factor, they have a current
> limitation of 48 port-channels per stack.

..which sort of makes sense for a 48port model where each interface on each switch
goes back to same remote system/server.  but I get the issue you allude to if you have
eg 4 members and want members 1/3 having dual-stacks to servers/switches and members 2/4
having dual-stacks to servers/switches

I find the etherchannel support to be prettypowerful though...much more wholesome
on the 3750 or 2975 than the 2960s - which has poor stacking (much lower speed, only
4 members in a stack) and far less port-channel capability.. 6 channels per stack IIRC

> * They're still pricey (3750Xs are better)

the good/best switches to use usually are though.... beware the cheapy models

alan