Does HP A-Series switches support IEEE 802.1aq (SPB)

[$Iain$]

In our company we already own the HP A-series switches which is based on Comware. These switches already support IEEE 802.1Q, 802.1ad, 802.1ah as well as IS-IS. But I want to know whether they will support IEEE 802.1aq (SPB). Currently we are using the HP A5500-EI, A5800, etc.

[Jugo]

AS far as I know that they will not. There is no support in the chipset available in those products and will not capable to add in any way right now. And I also think that HP is not planning to give the support of zillion of new datacenter protocols for Comware 5.

If you want to get additional support you should look for Comware 7 based products, something like HP 5900. I think these switches can get those capabilities. I assume it will support 802.1aq.

[Zared]

I know that the newer and some most advanced switches support IEEE 802.1aq and it is a very needful feature for some situation. The advantage is that, you can use this connection on exiting inexpensive ASICs. So there is no need to get a new hardware or converter something.

[Bhuvana21]

Actually I don’t have deep information about this subject and regarding these high end switches. One thing is sure that SPBM need a Mac in Mac capable chipset. SPBV need 802.1q. Seems like it become too expensive if they will add support on Comware 5