4.7. Switch Configurations
Most commercial switches are packaged and sold in one of three classes of configurations:
Bounded systems
Stackable switches
Chassis switches
The tradeoff among these is cost versus flexibility. Bounded systems offer the lowest cost and flexibility, while chassis switches offer the widest config-uration flexibility at a commensurably higher price. Stackable switches offer a compromise.
4.7.1. Bounded Systems
A bounded system provides a fixed, predetermined configuration. A given product will have a specified number of ports, port technologies, and data rates. There are generally no options to select, and no means of system expansion beyond the prescribed configuration. Figure 4-14 depicts a typical bounded switch.
Figure 4.14. Bounded system Courtesy of Cisco Systems
The primary advantage of a bounded configuration is that if the configuration provided matches the needs of the application environment, then it will be the lowest-cost solution available for the user. The user does not pay for expansion capabilities or options that are not needed in the target network. The obvious disadvantage is that, if the user's needs change such that the bounded system is no longer appropriate, the user must generally purchase a replacement switch because an upgrade or reconfiguration is not possible.
Because of their nature, bounded systems are most often manufactured ...
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