Nortel Networks 7400 - Manual (Page 12)

Alteon Web Switch Module (WSM) 3
Customer Profile
The Alteon WSM is an ideal solution for Enterprises,
Hosting Providers, Content Providers, e-Businesses
and Service Providers that require a high
performance switching solution for high-traffic IT
Data Centres, network and hosting infrastructures.
In addition, any existing 8600 customer can easily
turn their current high-density Layer 3 switches into
a highly intelligent, content aware device with full
carrier class resilience.
Key Points
By providing true integration with the Passport
8600 the benefits of both platforms are realised.
Wire speed Layer 2 and 3 performance in
conjunction with the routing engine inherent in the
8600 providing RIP, RIP II, OSPF, BGP and PIM
support can be fully utilised.
In addition an array of line cards allow connectivity
to multiple technologies including Ethernet 10/100,
Gigabit Ethernet, and ATM POS. This truly allows for
content intelligence regardless of connectivity type.
Layer 3 and 4 resilience (VRRP) alongside the fully
redundant Passport 8600 provides unrivalled carrier
class resilience.
• Provides Local and Global Server Load Balancing
and health checks, to optimise existing server
infrastructure and minimise costs.
• Enables Firewall and VPN Load Balancing which
can run simultaneously with server load
balancing for economical security deployment
without bottlenecks.
• Delivers Content Intelligent Switching and true
session-level persistence to maximise profitability
while minimising infrastructure impact.
• Supports unique features to enable new, highly
profitable services like Streaming Media, Wireless
Internet and Intrusion Detection System Load
Balancing.
Alteon Web Switch
Module (WSM)
Overview
The Alteon Web Switch Module (WSM) leverages the carrier-grade reliability and high port density of the
Passport 8600 Routing switch and enables the processing of entire Web sessions on any port within the
system using Layer 4 through 7. New features within the code include enhanced health checking of servers,
an increase in access filters and the ability to perform switching based on a combination of multiple Layer 7
attributes among others.
The Alteon WSM has 4 external Gigabit Ethernet or 10/100 TX ports and interfaces directly to the Passport
8600 BFM (Backplane Fabric Module). Multiple modules can be installed into a single 8600 chassis.
Each Alteon WSM features 10 purpose-built WebICs, 20 RISC processors and 80MB of memory providing
phenomenal throughput of Layer 4–7 sessions.