Comparison guide between the Nexus 7000 and Catalyst 6500

Since Cisco introduced the cutting-edge Nexus 7000 line in 2008, network engineers have constantly debated over the Nexus versus the Catalyst. Those who oversee Catalyst 6500-powered networks are happy with (and accustomed to) the widely used, lower-cost Catalyst switches. Nexus advocates favor the newer line’s speed and virtualization capabilities.While each side has good reason to advocate for their preferred line, the question still remains: Should you use the Nexus or the Catalyst?The answer is simple yet vague: It depends. Both the Nexus and Catalyst lines provide a rich set of capabilities, so it all comes down to deciding which interfaces and features your business requires. Cisco may attempt to push the market toward the more expensive Nexus 7000 Series, but your decisions should be based on what your network needs—not what Cisco wants.The Nexus 7000 and Catalyst 6500, while both highly reliable core switching platforms, have a number of differences in physical construction.Forwarding Architecture 

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System Construction

The most important is the forwarding architecture. The Catalyst 6500 can support both centralized forwarding (where the supervisor makes the forwarding decision) or distributed forwarding (where the line card makes the forwarding decision). The Nexus 7000, on the other hand, only uses distributed forwarding.Switch FabricThe Catalyst 6500 integrates its switch fabric onto the supervisor itself, while the Nexus 7000 has the switch fabric located in a separate part of the chassis, independent of other cards. The effect of this is to make the Nexus 7000 supervisor a pure control plane module (i.e., it runs the OS and manages the system), with no forwarding capability on it at all. On the other hand, the Catalyst 6500 supervisor acts in many ways like a line card as well as the supervisor.When looking at the two platforms, the most striking difference is in the available interfaces for the platforms.100GbE 

Interfaces

While both the Nexus 7000 and the Catalyst 6500 have 40GbE interfaces available, currently only the Nexus has a 100GbE line card available.10GbEMost deployments still focus on gigabit and 10GbE. Both platforms have the same gigabit capability, with 48-port 10/100/1000 and various SFP cards available. But for 10GbE, the Nexus 7000 has a number of high-density 10GbE options available that the Catalyst 6500 does not, such as 24-, 32-, and 48-port SFP+ as well as a 48-port 10GBase-T line cards. The Catalyst 6500 only has 4-, 8-, or 16-port 10GbE line cards available.Line CardsThe Nexus 7000 has a fair number of compatibility issues with line cards compared to the Catalyst 6500. Because the various Nexus 7000 line card families present different feature sets, more care needs to go into a Nexus 7000 system to avoid incompatible line cards in the same system. Line card incompatibility can cause a reduction of capabilities or even line cards being shut down by the system.Both the Nexus 7000 and Catalyst 6500 share a common set of high-end L3 switching features, such as full routing protocol support, MPLS/VRF capabilities, and QoS capabilities. However, each platform has unique capabilities that often influence which platform to use. Here are several common platform-specific features: 

Features

VSS (Virtual Switching System)

VSS mode, a Catalyst 6500 feature, allows a pair of Catalyst 6500s to be joined together into one logical switch with a unified control plane. This allows for multi-chassis link aggregation and subsequently high availability, without Spanning Tree concerns. Compared to the vPC feature of the Nexus, the unified control plane aspect of VSS mode allows for the full system capabilities to be used on a multi-chassis EtherChannel, so L3 EtherChannels, MPLS awareness, full QoS capabilities, and other features are usable across both of the systems.

vPC (Virtual Port-Channel)

vPC is one of the most commonly used Nexus features, and like VSS mode, it is used to provide multi-chassis link aggregation. However, vPC mode does operate differently, and as such, it has a different set of uses. The key difference is that vPC does not rely on a unified control plane, so both switches still operate independently. Because of this, layer 3 (L3) multi-chassis EtherChannels are not supported, and for L3 high availability, HSRP, or another router redundancy protocol will still need to be used.Service ModulesThe Catalyst 6500 has the capability to accept a number of service module line cards that can significantly extend the capabilities of the system. Some examples of service modules are the ASA-SM card, which provides high-throughput firewall capabilities, and the NAM cards, which provide a direct view of traffic traveling through the switch for reporting and analysis.Virtual Device Contexts (VDC)This Nexus 7000 feature allows the user to partition the switch into multiple independent logical switches (up to four for a SUP1- or SUP2-based system, and up to eight for a SUP2E-based system). The VDC feature actually implements a separate control plane for each context, ensuring that each context is kept independent at a very low level. This allows for not just overlapping IP ranges, but also overlapping VLAN ranges. Other organizations use VDCs for device consolidation while maintaining departmental separation (i.e., the storage team only has access to the storage VDC, the security team only has access to the DMZ VDC, and so on). Because of this, there is no possible way to have VDCs communicate with each other, aside from physically connecting a port in one VDC to a port in another VDC.

WAN and Services Interfaces

Through the use of the 7600-SIP-200 or 7600-SIP-400, the Catalyst 6500 can support a wide range of WAN interfaces, from T1 to OC48, allowing even greater flexibility in how the switch can be used. For applications that demand fine-grained QoS or additional Ethernet services, some of the 7600 Ethernet Services cards are also supported.Fabric ExtendersThe Nexus 7000 supports the use of the Nexus 2200 Series fabric extenders to additionally expand the system and provide a large-scale virtual chassis in the data center. Up to 32 of the fabric extenders can be supported by the Nexus, which can greatly simplify management of a data center network.Software and LicensingThe Catalyst 6500 is an IOS-based platform, providing the same command set and user interface as any other Catalyst series switch. Because the Catalyst 6500 has been in constant usage for over a decade, the software for the platform is a proven component of the switch. All Catalyst 6500 switches rely on Cisco’s traditional right-to-use licensing methodology.The Nexus 7000, however, runs NX-OS, a fairly new hybrid operating system originally derived from the MDS 9000 line of Fibre Channel/SAN switches, and as such, has only been in use for a limited time in an Ethernet environment and is more likely to be affected by software bugs. NX-OS licenses feature on an à-la-carte basis, each activated via a chassis and feature specific license key. This license key model, like any other form of DRM, is a potential point of failure that can cause the switch to stop forwarding.

Tracking Key II GPS Logger

 Low Cost Car Tracker Shows You Everywhere The Car Went

• Enhanced battery life with simple setup
• Records GPS location data every second
• Put on a vehicle, let it drive, and use a computer to see everywhere it was
• PC and Mac Compatible
• Online web-based Flashback Software using Google Maps
• Detailed vehicle tracking with precision accuracy of 2.5 meters of device 
• No monthly service charges
• Cloud based storage (extra fee)

• Enhanced battery life with simple setup
• Records GPS location data every second
• Put on a vehicle, let it drive, and use a computer to see everywhere it was
• PC and Mac Compatible
• Online web-based Flashback Software using Google Maps
• Detailed vehicle tracking with precision accuracy of 2.5 meters of device 
• No monthly service charges
• Cloud based storage (extra fee)

See Everywhere A Vehicle Went

The Tracking Key II is our latest affordable GPS tracker with no monthly service fees. Recently upgraded, the Tracking Key II GPS Logger Tracker features an enhanced battery life and is now PC and Mac compatible. Storing data is easy using the included software or in the cloud using the newest Flashback Software. With this item, you can record the locations of a vehicle or asset and then use a computer to determine the locations it’s traveled to.

Tracking Key II GPS Logger is extremely affordable and doesn’t require a monthly service plan. Our real-time trackers require a data plan for use; this is because they allow you to login from an internet connection and see the exact location, in addition to updating with the new location every 10 seconds.

The Tracking Key II on the other hand is actually a GPS logger, which means you will need to retrieve the device first to find out where it’s been. You will use the included software to see the exact path the tracker traveled.

Compact Design & Enhanced Battery Life

Since most users want their GPS logger as small as possible, the Tracking Key II is designed to be compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand. It has a very small footprint and is entirely black to be discreet. It also has a powerful magnet for placement in the undercarriage of a vehicle.

Travel Activity Logged Every Second with Precise GPS Location

Tracking Key II logs detailed travel activity of the device every 1 second. The Tracking Key II will give you precise GPS location of the device within 2.5 meters, making it one of the most accurate GPS devices in the industry. Now with the newest Flashback Software, you can easily access the software on any web browser (or you may install the included software onto your computer).

There’s a compartment on the bottom of the unit that holds 2xAAA batteries so you can expect to get over 2 weeks of actual drive-time. The Tracking Key II is motion activated and only draws power when it’s in motion. So if you drive for about 2 hours a day, the tracker is going to last 14 days before the batteries need to be changed (alkaline batteries). If lithium batteries are utilized, you can extend that amount of time to 2.5 weeks.

Locations are accurate down to 2.5 meters

The Tracking Key II GPS Logger is perfect for:

• Monitoring the activity of a spouse or child
• Keeping an eye on employee vehicles
• Finding out who is stealing property, such as tools or copper wiring

Includes:

• Tracking Key II GPS Logger
• Instructions for Downloading Software and Online Documentation

How It Works

Easy To Use Cloud-Based Software

There is a USB plug built into each Tracking Key II, allowing you to plug the device directly into your PC or Mac computer. Access the Flashback Software online or install the included software and you’ll be able to see everywhere the vehicle as has been by using a mapping technology (Google Maps). You’ll get exact addresses, in addition to when the vehicle started, stopped, and how long it stayed there.

The software also lets you customize the tracker to do things like get a better battery life by tracking less frequently.

Nomad Real-Time GPS Tracker

Easily Locate A Car In Real-Time From Your iPhone w/ No Contract

• This GPS tracker can be located from anywhere in the world
• About the size of an iPhone
• Battery life of up to 18 days, and even more with optional battery pack
• Be notified whenever the tracker starts to move or stops moving 
• See it move in real-time w/ updates every 10 seconds; accurate up to one foot 
• Print full reports of addresses the vehicle has been for the past 90 days 
• Login from any web browser on a Mac, PC, or even from an iPhone!

Login: demo
Password: demo

• This GPS tracker can be located from anywhere in the world
• About the size of an iPhone
• Battery life of up to 18 days, and even more with optional battery pack
• Be notified whenever the tracker starts to move or stops moving
• Get text messages when the tracker enters and leaves whatever area you set up on the map!
• GPS map uses real satellite images
• Watch tracker move in real-time w/ updates every 10 seconds, accurate up to one foot
• Print full reports of addresses the vehicle has been for the past 90 days
• Login from any web browser on a Mac, PC, or even from an iPhone!

The most advanced GPS tracker on the market

The Cheaters Nomad GPS Tracker is the most comprehensive tracking device available on the market, yet it’s so intuitive and user-friendly that most customers won’t even need to read the instruction manual to start using it. If you’ve ever had a desire to see where your family members or employees go each day, or want find out who is stealing your merchandise, the Nomad tracker is the absolute best option because of the tracker accuracy, long battery life, portability, and notification system.

The Nomad is about the size of an iPhone and can be easily hidden inside a vehicle, backpack, or briefcase. We also offer a magnetic case so it can be placed discreetly underneath a vehicle. All you’ll need to do is charge it, place in the object you want to track, and visit the Cheaters GPS website to see where the vehicle is. When you purchase the tracker, you’ll create your own username and password to that you can login to the website. It really is that simple!

Easy and affordable tracking plans

All real-time GPS trackers, such as the Nomad, require data plans. The only types of GPS that don’t require these plans are GPS recorders, but they don’t enable you to see the where the vehicle is in real-time; you actually have to get the tracker back and plug it into a computer to see where it’s been.

Please refer to the GPS Billing tab for information about how billing for your monthly service plan works!

The Cheaters Nomad GPS is perfect for:

• Monitoring the activity of a spouse or child
• Keeping an eye on employee vehicles
• Finding out who is stealing property, such as tools or copper wiring

Includes:

• Cheaters Nomad Battery-Operated GPS Tracker
• AC power adapter for recharging
• Instruction manual

How It Works

Intuitive and easy to use interface

When you login to the website, you will be greeted with a large satellite image of the planet. This interface utilizes Google Maps. There will be an icon showing exactly where the tracker is, and you’ll be able to zoom in and out to see the exact spot the tracker is currently located. 

Each Nomad tracker has a motion sensor built-in, and when it detects the tracker moving, it’ll begin updating its location on the map every 10 seconds. This means you’ll see it move in real time! If the vehicle isn’t moving, it will display the last time the vehicle moved and how long it has been there. Anytime you mouse over the tracker icon, it will display the currently battery life, the last time the vehicle moved, and it’s current location. The tracker is accurate up to one foot.

The longest lasting battery available in a GPS tracker

Each Nomad tracker comes with a rechargeable battery that lasts for approximately 10 hours of motion. It’s important to realize it’s really only using power when the tracker is moving, so those 10 hours can extend out for many days. So, if the tracker is on a vehicle that only moves for 1 hour per day, it will last about 10 days; 2 hours per day leads to 5 days of battery life, and 3 hours per day grants you 3-4 days of power before it needs to be recharged.

Does the object you are tracking move frequently, or you don’t have enough access to the tracker to recharge it? You’ll need to consider getting the extended battery for Nomad, which grants you 80 hours of battery life; over 4 times as long as the built in battery! With 80 hours of battery life, the Nomad can run for up to 80 days on a full charge!

Enable text message notifications to get up-to-the-minute info

If you can’t be in front of a computer, use the built-in text message notification system to be aware of the trackers location at all times. Be alerted each time a vehicle turns on or parks, or get a text if the tracker goes over a certain speed, which is perfect for the parents trying to monitor a teen’s driving habits.

One of the most popular features available is geofencing. Geofencing is when you set a ‘fence’ around a particular location, and can be notified by text message or email whenever the tracker enters or leaves that locations. Common examples of geofencing are setting up a perimeter around the home or workplace, allowing you to be notified when the tracker enters/leaves that zone. 

So, if you want to be alerted if the tracker leaves the city of Los Angeles, just setup a perimeter around it, and when the tracker breaks across the border you set it will send you a text message. If you’d like to be alerted if your husband comes home from work early, setup geofence around the neighborhood so you’ll know he’s pulling into the driveway.

Go back up to 90 days to see where the tracker has been

Tracker history is stored for the previous 90 days. Simply pick a date on the calendar and it will show you everywhere the tracker was. You can email all the location data to yourself, or even print a full report showing every address the vehicle has been at for up to 90 days. It will tell you when the tracker began moving, when it stopped, how long it was there, and when it began moving again. Absolutely anywhere the tracker goes, you’ll know!

GPS Billing

When you receive your tracker, you'll get a registration form that asks your basic contact info. Fax or email this form to us and your tracker will be activated shortly after we receive it.

Billing for your monthly service for the amount of $39.99 will occur once each month before your service is set to expire.

TP-LINK Wireless Print Server

150Mbps Pocket-Sized Wireless Print ServerTL-WPS510U

• High compatibility with most majorities of printers on the market
• Share the printing wirelessly, the speed up to 150Mbps
• USB 2.0 High-Speed Printer Connection
• Support 64/128 bits WEP Encryption and WPA/WPA2-PSK security

What This Product Does

150Mbps Pocketed-Sized Wireless Print Server TL-WPS510U is an ultra-compact print server that enables a single USB printer to be shared on a wireless network. It allows you simply place your printer anywhere in your home or office that works best for you. With the TL-WPS510U, there is no need for a dedicated computer anymore, everyone on the network is empowered to print to a shared printer at any time.

150Mbps Wireless Network Connection

The TL-WPS510U print server supports IEEE 802.11b/g/n wireless network standards. Users can share the printer and configure the print server through a wireless network. With its wireless function, everyone on your network can enjoy the benefits of readily accessing a printer with the convenience of wireless connective, and you can simply place the printer anywhere you like

Multiple Operating System Support

The TL-WPS510U is designed to support multiple operating system, it is the ideal print server in a environment full of different operating system. TL-WPS510U can not only work properly on Windows 2000/xp/2003/Vista, Mac OS X 10 or above and Linux, it now can also work properly on Windows 7. So if there are different operating systems in your home or office, TL-WPS510U can meet your needs.

Advanced Network Security

The TL-WPS510U has an IEEE802.11b/g/n wireless interface that makes a wireless connection possible. For the users who want to use the wireless function, the TL-WPS510U provides the necessary security for you, using the selectable 64/128-bit industry-standard WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) and WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) data encryption, you can safely transmission the data that you are concerned.

Easy Setup and Use

With the TL-WPS510U Easy Setup Assistant, you can quickly configure your new print server to get you up and running in minutes. Our assistant walks you step by step through the installation process that even a novice user can also easily setup the print server. With the user-friendly web-based setup and windows-based utility, you can easily use and configure your print server from any computer on the network.

OnHub Router TGR1900 - Welcome to TP-LINK

OnHub RouterTGR1900

• The Google On app guides you through setup, shows you which devices are connected to your network, and offers help if there's a Wi-Fi slow-down.
• Searches every five minutes for the least crowded Wi-Fi channel and will switch if it improves your performance.
• 13 high-powered antennas arranged in an innovative circular design provide reliable Wi-Fi coverage in more directions in your home.
• Prioritizes your favorite device to send more bandwidth where it matters most.

Updates itself with the latest features and security upgrades as soon as they’re available.

What is OnHub?

Meet OnHub, a router for the new way to Wi-Fi. We’re streaming and sharing in new ways our old routers were never built to handle. OnHub is built for all the ways you Wi-Fi. OnHub provides fast Wi-Fi for all of your devices, speaks in a language you understand, and keeps getting better.

Constantly works to improve your Wi-Fi.

A dedicated antenna and radio scans the environment every five minutes, and OnHub switches to a less crowded channel if it will improve your Wi-Fi performance. OnHub makes the switch when you’re not using the Internet so it doesn’t interrupt what you’re doing.

Innovative antenna design.

Provides reliable Wi-Fi coverage to more areas of your home with 13 powerful Wi-Fi antennas arranged in a circular pattern. Each antenna is paired with a perpendicularly oriented partner antenna so OnHub can select the polarization delivering the strongest signal for each device in your home. OnHub also features a front-facing antenna reflector that acts like a satellite dish enhancing Wi-Fi range in that direction. Once you have your OnHub, download the free Google On App to help you set up and manage OnHub right from your phone or tablet. Prioritize bandwidth to a device or troubleshoot issues, at home or away.

Speaks your language.

The companion Google On app makes setup quick, and if there’s ever an issue with your Wi-Fi, it offers simple solutions to help. Plus it provides tools to help you monitor and manage your connection. Run a speed test, change your settings, see what devices are connected to your network, troubleshoot at home or away, and enable a friend to help you remotely. The Google On app is available for Android 4.0 or higher and iOS 7 or higher.

Keeps getting better.

OnHub is designed to last, even as the way we use Wi-Fi changes. Its hardware supports a growing number of smart devices, and automatic updates mean you’ll always have the latest features and security upgrades.

Features of Integrated Routers

All routers have a WAN Port that connects to a DSL or cable modem for broadband Internet service and the integrated switch allows users to easily create a LAN. This allows all the PCs on the LAN to have access to the Internet and Windows file and printer sharing services.

RECOMMENDED READING: Did You Know...All About Broadband/ICS Routers

Routers might have a single WAN port and a single LAN port and are designed to connect an existing LAN hub or switch to a WAN. Ethernet switches and hubs can be connected to a router with multiple PC ports to expand a LAN. Depending on the capabilities (kinds of available ports) of the router and the switches or hubs, the connection between the router and switches/hubs may require either straight-thru or crossover (null-modem) cables. Some routers even have USB ports, and more commonly, wireless access points built into them.

Some of the more high-end or business class routers will also incorporate a serial port that can be connected to an external dial-up modem, which is useful as a backup in the event that the primary broadband connection goes down, as well as a built in LAN printer server and printer port.

Besides the inherent protection features provided by the NAT, many routers will also have a built-in, configurable, hardware-based firewall. Firewall capabilities can range from the very basic to quite sophisticated devices. Among the capabilities found on leading routers are those that permit configuring TCP/UDP ports for games, chat services, and the like, on the LAN behind the firewall.

Routers are Completely Different Devices

Routers are completely different devices. Where a hub or switch is concerned with transmitting frames, a router's job, as its name implies, is to route packets to other networks until that packet ultimately reaches its destination. One of the key features of a packet is that it not only contains data, but the destination address of where it's going.

A router is typically connected to at least two networks, commonly two Local Area Networks (LANs) or Wide Area Networks (WAN) or a LAN and its ISP's network . for example, your PC or workgroup and EarthLink. Routers are located at gateways, the places where two or more networks connect. Using headers and forwarding tables, routers determine the best path for forwarding the packets. Router use protocols such as ICMP to communicate with each other and configure the best route between any two hosts.