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With LAN aggregation and the successful migration of core layers to Gigabit Ethernet, many network administrators demand easy to manage, cost-effective, more intelligent switches at the LAN edge. Layer 2+ switches such as Allied Telesis' 8500 series are designed to address these requirements. Layer 2+ switches offer the best compromise between features, performance and value by occupying a special niche: They're more intelligence than the simple Layer 2 switches and yet are more cost-effective than the Layer 3 switches. With its highly integrated chipset capable of deep packet examination, the 8500 series is rich in features. Network administrators can configure the 8500 series to examine packet formats and content from Layer 2, Layer 3, or Layer 4 - more commonly known as the MAC, IP, and TCP/UDP layers, respectively. After the Layer parameters are defined and detected, a number of network decisions can be triggered, whether they implement Access Control Lists or Dos attack defenses for security, or limit bandwidth usage and alter QoS priorities.
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