Cisco switch difference

hi all,

does anyone know what the main differences are between:

1) WS-C3550-24-SMI (Cisco catalyst 3550 24 port 10/100 + 2 port GB (1000))

and

2) WS-C3524-XL-EN (Cisco Catalyst 3524-XL-EN (24 Port) Enterprise Switch)

Thanks in advance,

EriSan

The 3550 is a layer 3 switch. It has the capability of routing as well as switching, though it requires an EMI image to utilize routing protocols such as OSPF or EIGRP.
In addition, it has 2 GB ports.

The 3524 is just a layer 2 switch. no routing capabilities.

Both are older switches and have been replaced, but support is still available for the 3550 (we have 7 of them in our network). Not sure about the 3524, but I believe support for that will cease sooner, if it hasn't already, as it was the higher end version of the 2924.

In the meantime a searched a bit further and according to the Vlan tutorial on this site ( www.firewall.cx/vlans-routing.php ) the 3550 is InterVLAN capable, quote:

[code:1]
Image Type & Version InterVLAN Routing Capability

---

Enhanced Multilayer Image (EMI)
- All Versions YES

Standard Multilayer Image (SMI)
- prior to 12.1(11)EA1 NO

Standard Multilayer Image (SMI)
- 12.1(11)EA1 and later YES
[/code:1]

Another resource told me that the EN in WS-C3524-XL-EN refers to ENterprise version and that it has standard InterVLAN routing.


Can someone sched some light here? I about to buy a Layer 3 capable switch and don't wanna make a mistake.

Thanks in advance.

EriSan

Like I said before... the 3524 is only layer 2. No routing capabilities.

if you need layer 3, go with the 3550 or try to find a 3560 or 3750.

The 3524 is also End of Life. They are still useful if you already own one, or need one for a personal lab, but I wouldn't buy for a corporate network unless you want to replace in the next year.