The Catalyst 3550 Series including the WS-C3550-24-SMI, intelligent Ethernet Switches are a new line of enterprise-class, stackable, multilayer switches that provide high availability, security and quality of service (QoS) to enhance the operation of the network. With a range of Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet configurations, the Catalyst 3550 WS-C3550-24-SMI can serve as both a powerful access layer switch for medium enterprise wiring closets and as a backbone switch for mid-sized networks. With the WS-C3550-24-SMI for the first time, customers can deploy network-wide intelligent services, such as advanced quality of service (QoS), rate-limiting, Cisco security access control lists, multicast management, and high-performance IP routing - while maintaining the simplicity of traditional LAN switching. Embedded in the Catalyst 3550 Series WS-C3550-24-SMI is the Cisco Cluster Management Suite (CMS) Software, which allows users to simultaneously configure and troubleshoot multiple Catalyst desktop switches using a standard Web browser. Cisco CMS Software provides new configuration wizards that greatly simplify the implementation of converged applications and network-wide services.