RackSwitch G8000 Application Guide
Chapter 8: Basic IP Routing
121BMD00041, November 2008
Routing Between IP Subnets
The physical layout of most corporate networks has evolved over time. Classic hub/router
topologies have given way to faster switched topologies, particularly now that switches are
increasingly intelligent. The G8000 is intelligent and fast enough to perform routing functions
on a par with wire speed Layer 2 switching.
The combination of faster routing and switching in a single device provides another service—
it allows you to build versatile topologies that account for legacy configurations.
For example, consider the following topology migration:
Figure 8-1 The Router Legacy Network
In this example, a corporate campus has migrated from a router-centric topology to a faster,
more powerful, switch-based topology. As is often the case, the legacy of network growth and
redesign has left the system with a mix of illogically distributed subnets.
Internet
Internet
Internet
Internet
G8000
Server
Subnet
Server
Subnet
