Cisco ME 3400 Series Datasheet page 2

Data Sheet
®
The Cisco ME 3400 Series offers three different Cisco IOS Software feature images. The
METROBASE image offers advanced quality of service (QoS), rate limiting, robust multicast
control, and comprehensive security features. The METROACCESS image adds to these a richer
set of Metro Ethernet access features including 802.1Q Tunneling, Layer 2 Protocol Tunneling
(L2PT), and Flex-Link. The METROIPACCESS image adds to these advanced Layer 3 features
such as support for advanced IP routing protocols, Multi-VPN Routing and Forwarding Customer
Edge (Multi-VRF CE), and Policy Based Routing (PBR).
The SFP-based Gigabit Ethernet ports accommodate a wide range of 100BASE and 1000BASE
SFP transceivers. The options include Cisco 100BASE-LX, 100BASE-FX, 100BASE-BX,
100BASE-EX, 100BASE-ZX, 1000BASE-T, 1000BASE-SX, 1000BASE-LX, 1000BASE-ZX,
1000BASE-EX, and both coarse wavelength-division multiplexing (CWDM) and dense wavelength-
division multiplexing (DWDM) SFP transceivers. These ports also support the Cisco Catalyst 3560
SFP Interconnect Cable for establishing a low-cost Gigabit Ethernet point-to-point connection.
Service Provider-Friendly Hardware
Because Metro Ethernet access switches are typically deployed in small spaces in the basements
of office buildings or in apartments, the Cisco ME 3400 Series is designed with a compact form
factor (1 RU x 9.52 in.) and flexible mounting options. In addition, the Cisco ME 3400 Series has all
front-accessed connectors to simplify field installation and troubleshooting. To help ensure
compliance with industry standards, the Cisco ME 3400 Series has obtained both Network
Equipment Building Standards Level 3 (NEBS3) and ETSI certifications.
Industry Standard Services
Carrier Ethernet is a huge growth area for emerging connectivity services. It is a comparatively
simple, cost-effective, and familiar technology whose migration to the WAN will lead to more
flexible network connectivity while reducing overall IT costs. To establish better global standards
that provide assurance that equipment from different vendors will interoperate, service providers
asked the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) to initiate a set of standards and a certification program.
The Cisco ME 3400 Series is certified to MEF 9 and 14 to support industry-standard Layer 2
services and QoS features.
Gigabit Ethernet
With more and more applications demanding higher bandwidth, both enterprise and residential
customers want access speeds greater than 100 Mbps. To address this requirement, the Cisco ME
3400 Series offers wire-speed Gigabit Ethernet with all the Metro Ethernet functions. At speeds of
1000 Mbps, Gigabit Ethernet provides the bandwidth to meet new and evolving network demands,
alleviate bottlenecks, and boost performance while protecting the investment in existing
infrastructure.
Metro-Specific Software
Cisco ME 3400 Series Switches have software designed for the Metro Ethernet market. Numerous
new features make the Cisco ME 3400 Series the optimal access switch for service providers.
Many default behaviors of the Cisco ME 3400 Series are different from those of traditional Ethernet
switches, making the Cisco ME 3400 Series easier to configure, manage, secure, and
troubleshoot.
© 2008-2009 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. This document is Cisco Public Information. Page 2 of 21