-based switches are more reliable than 1-RU access switches. Why? Because they usually have dual power supplies, and can often support dual processors. Reliability is an important consideration in any network design. Reli- able components such as chassis-based switches are usually more expensive than their less reliable counterparts, though, SO smaller companies usually do not employ them. As smaller companies grow into mid-sized and larger companies, however, they often discover that unplanned outages cost them more money than they would have spent on more reliable equipment. At this point, they start to spend money in an effort to increase reliability. Another example of increasing reliability would be replacing a single PIX firewall with an active/standby pair. Reliability can be an easy sell if your company has experienced an outage due to a single point of failure, or your management has experience with such a failure. Sure, there are those who understand that single points of failure are bad, but those who have lived through the experience of an outage caused by lack of fore- sight generally are more receptive to spending money to avoid having such an experience again. While citing any one of the above reasons will make your change more desirable, combining the first (lower cost) with one of the others will make your idea as close to a sure thing as possible. If you can manage to come up with an idea that combines all three, you will be lifted upon the shoulders of management and paraded through the halls like a conquering hero. If, on the other hand, you know what needs to be done to increase performance or reliability, but you don't let anyone else know, when the failures happen they will likely be viewed as your fault. Most engineers know what needs to be done to ensure a healthy network. Using these tips, you should be able to convince your boss that the changes are worth implementing. Chapter 37: GAD's Maxims CHAPTER 38 Avoiding Frustration I've been working in the computer and networking industries fo