Description The OmniStack is the first multilayer stackable switch. The OmniStack 2000, 3000, and 5000 are able to integrate layer-two switching and layer-three switching, using Alcatel's HRE (Hardware Routing Engine). Why is this an advantage? Think of routing as having two components. The first is packet forwarding - this is relatively simple, but it must be done over and over again, hundreds of thousands of times each second. The second is route calculation, using protocols like RIP and OSPF. This is much more complicated, but it can happen in the background. The HRE does packet forwarding in hardware - providing dramatic throughput at extremely low cost. And it does route calculations in software, on RISC processors - providing flexibility and the ability to add new protocols in the future. And it's completely compatible with any router that uses the industry-standard protocols described here. The OmniStack 5000 combines Fast Ethernet switching with the complete range of OmniStack uplink options, layer 3 switching, and software options. It supports 24 10/100 100BaseTX (copper) ports. Various models have sufficient CAM to support up to 3K or 8K MAC-layer addresses.
