Wayne, My organization has recently switched from a similar infrastructure to the following: Core: http://www.svec.com/PRODUCTS/fd800ds/FD800DS2.htm Distribution layer: http://www.svec.com/Products/FD521EDS.HTM Wire closet: http://www.svec.com/Products/fd510eds.htm We have seen a noticeable increase in performance, ROI, and manageability following the migration away from the prior 3Com solution. If you have any implementation-specific questions, please mail me off list and I'll do my best to answer them. With regards, ---Rico ----- Original Message ----- From: Wayne Chow <wayne.chow@utoronto.ca> Date: Wed, 11 Aug 2004 10:20:44 -0400 Subject: Testing procedures for new network implementation? To: nanog@merit.edu Hi All We are in the process of planning for the upgrade of a 3Com network. The new infrastructure will be comprised of 3Com 4950s with XRN and a dozen stacks of 4400s. What are the best practices of testing the new implementation? Any advices or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. The only software that we have is the 3Com Network Director. Thank you in advance. Wayne Chow Network Administrator Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto