Cisco ME-3400EG-2CS-A

Key Features:

1. Ethernet Access Switch:

   • This switch is designed for Ethernet access applications, providing reliable and scalable performance for connecting edge devices to high-speed network infrastructure.

2. 2 Gigabit Ethernet Ports:

   • The ME-3400EG-2CS-A comes with 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports (10/100/1000 Mbps), offering high-speed connectivity for uplink and downstream traffic. This makes it suitable for connecting to a variety of devices in a metro Ethernet environment.

3. Cisco IOS Software:

   • It runs Cisco IOS (Internetwork Operating System), which provides rich features for network management, security, and network services. Cisco IOS software offers features such as VLANs (Virtual LANs), ACLs (Access Control Lists), and QoS (Quality of Service) to prioritize traffic and ensure smooth performance for critical applications.

4. Flexibility in Metro Ethernet Deployments:

   • The ME-3400EG series is designed for Metro Ethernet and Carrier Ethernet applications, supporting point-to-point or point-to-multipoint service deployments, which are ideal for extending network services in metropolitan environments.

5. Carrier Ethernet Services:

   • The ME-3400EG-2CS-A is optimized for Carrier Ethernet services, offering E-LAN, E-Line, and E-Tree services to meet the specific needs of Metro Ethernet deployments.

6. Power over Ethernet (PoE):

   • Some models in the ME-3400 series support PoE (Power over Ethernet), which is beneficial for powering devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and cameras, though PoE availability depends on the model and configuration.

7. Layer 2 Switching:

   • This device primarily operates at Layer 2 (Data Link Layer), meaning it handles the switching of Ethernet frames between devices in the local network, though it can also support some Layer 3 (routing) functionality depending on the configuration.

8. Security:

   • The ME-3400EG series offers robust security features such as 802.1X, MAC filtering, and Access Control Lists (ACLs), which are crucial for maintaining a secure network environment.

9. Compact and Reliable:

   • The switch is designed with a compact form factor that is ideal for network edge deployments, especially in environments where space is limited, such as telecom equipment rooms or remote locations.

10. Redundancy and Resilience:

• Cisco ME-3400 switches support redundancy features, ensuring high availability for critical Ethernet services. These switches can be deployed in a resilient, fault-tolerant manner to ensure minimal downtime in case of failures.

Benefits:

• Scalability: The ME-3400EG-2CS-A provides a scalable solution for metro Ethernet networks, allowing businesses to grow their networks with minimal hassle.
• Cost-Efficiency: It offers an affordable way to build high-performance Ethernet access networks, especially for businesses or service providers deploying in metro areas.
• High Availability: With its support for redundancy protocols like Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) and Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP), this model ensures uptime in mission-critical applications.
• Easy Integration: The device integrates easily with other Cisco devices, allowing businesses to build an end-to-end Cisco network with seamless interoperability.
• Quality of Service (QoS): The support for QoS allows traffic prioritization, ensuring the best performance for voice, video, and data applications.

Use Cases:

• Metro Ethernet Networks: The ME-3400EG-2CS-A is primarily used in metropolitan Ethernet deployments, where it provides the access layer for large-scale metro area networks.
• Carrier Ethernet Services: It is well-suited for service providers offering Ethernet services such as E-Line, E-LAN, or E-Tree to customers.
• Enterprise Edge Networks: Suitable for use in the edge of an enterprise network, where it can handle high-speed access and interconnectivity with other branches or remote locations.
• Point-to-Point or Point-to-Multipoint Connectivity: Ideal for scenarios where businesses or carriers need to extend network access between different locations.

Technical Specifications:

• Ports:
  • 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Ports (10/100/1000 Mbps)
  • Supports Layer 2 Ethernet switching and optional Layer 3 routing
• Form Factor: 1 RU (Rack Unit), designed for easy rack-mount installation
• Power: AC-powered, typical for this class of devices
• Redundancy: Supports failover and redundancy features to ensure high network availability
• Management: Managed via Cisco IOS CLI (Command Line Interface), or via SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
• Security Features: Includes features like 802.1X authentication, MAC address filtering, and Access Control Lists (ACLs)

Ideal For:

• Service Providers: Who need a cost-effective and reliable solution for providing Carrier Ethernet services to end customers in metro environments.
• Enterprises: Looking for a solution to connect multiple remote offices or data centers with reliable and scalable Ethernet-based access.
• Telecom Providers: Needing a compact and powerful access switch for extending services to business customers.

Conclusion:

The Cisco ME-3400EG-2CS-A is a powerful and cost-effective Ethernet access switch that’s ideal for deployment in metro Ethernet networks, carrier Ethernet services, and enterprise edge environments. It provides essential features such as high-speed connectivity, robust security, and scalability for metro area network applications.