Technology:

Ether-Raptor Switches are connected via 10Gb technology called RAST (Raptor Adaptive Switch Technology). RAST is an interconnect system that allows Ether-Raptor switches to distribute their switch elements over distances unheard of up to now. The RAST connection allows all of the individual elements of the cluster to virtually “merge” their cores into a single fabric, creating a large powerful switch that exceeds the power of any chassis based switch system built today. The geographical distribution of these elements allows highly resilient and robust networks to be created within a building, between buildings and across cities. Opportunities exist as designers tailor this powerful architecture to new realms, providing an economically viable solution where there was none.

The switch cluster supports:

• IEEE 802.3ad (link aggregation)
• IEEE 802.1Q/1p (VLANS)
• IEEE 802.1X (access control)
• IEEE 802.1 d/s/w (spanning tree)
• Up to 16 (soon 64) elements in the switch cluster

All of these features are supported, as elements are placed up to 10km between links. Most of the features are supported at up to 40km between links. Radically new topologies can be created that simplify the network and greatly increase its survivability.