Description
Product Overview for the Cisco ASA-IC-6GE-SFP-A 6 Ports Expansion Module
In the realm of networking and information technology, the ASA-IC-6GE-SFP-A Cisco 6 Ports Expansion Module stands out as a crucial component for expanding connectivity and enhancing network capabilities. This module is designed to seamlessly integrate with Cisco Adaptive Security Appliances (ASAs), providing an additional six ports for connectivity. In this detailed exploration, we will delve into the specifications, features, and applications of the ASA-IC-6GE-SFP-A, shedding light on its significance in building robust and scalable network infrastructures.
Key Features and Specifications
- Port Configuration: The ASA-IC-6GE-SFP-A expansion module is equipped with six ports, allowing organizations to extend their network connectivity efficiently. These ports are designed to support a variety of Small Form-Factor pluggable (SFP) transceivers, providing flexibility in terms of connectivity options.
- Compatibility: One of the standout features of this expansion module is its compatibility with Cisco ASA devices. Specifically engineered to seamlessly integrate with ASA models, this module ensures a hassle-free integration process, allowing organizations to enhance their existing infrastructure without significant disruptions.
- SFP Transceiver Support: The inclusion of support for SFP transceivers enhances the versatility of the ASA-IC-6GE-SFP-A module. SFP transceivers enable the module to connect to a wide range of networking mediums, including fiber optic cables, thereby facilitating efficient data transmission over extended distances.
- High-Speed Connectivity: With a focus on performance, the ASA-IC-6GE-SFP-A module supports high-speed connectivity, meeting the demands of modern networking environments. This feature is particularly crucial for organizations handling large volumes of data or requiring swift and reliable communication between networked devices.
- Hot-Swappable Design: The hot-swappable design of the module adds an element of convenience to network maintenance and upgrades. The ability to replace or install the module without powering down the entire system minimizes downtime and contributes to overall network reliability.
- Redundancy Support: Ensuring network reliability is a top priority, and the ASA-IC-6GE-SFP-A addresses this by providing support for redundancy configurations. This feature allows organizations to design resilient networks, reducing the risk of disruptions in case of hardware failures.
Applications
- Network Expansion: The primary purpose of the ASA-IC-6GE-SFP-A Cisco 6 Ports Expansion Module is to facilitate the expansion of network infrastructure. Organizations experiencing growth or requiring additional connectivity options can leverage this module to seamlessly integrate new devices and services into their existing network.
- Improved Bandwidth: With the increasing demand for high-bandwidth applications, such as video conferencing, data streaming, and cloud services, organizations need to enhance their network’s bandwidth capabilities. The ASA-IC-6GE-SFP-A, with its multiple high-speed ports, addresses this need by providing a scalable solution for boosting overall network bandwidth.
- Data Center Optimization: Data centers, being the nerve center of modern enterprises, benefit significantly from the ASA-IC-6GE-SFP-A module. By adding extra ports and supporting high-speed connectivity, the module contributes to optimizing data center operations, ensuring efficient data transfer and communication between servers and other networked devices.
- Network Redundancy: In mission-critical environments where network uptime is non-negotiable, the redundancy support offered by the ASA-IC-6GE-SFP-A becomes invaluable. Redundant configurations ensure that even in the event of a hardware failure, the network remains operational, minimizing disruptions and ensuring continuous service availability.
Performance of Interface Module
The ASA-IC-6GE-SFP-A Cisco 6 Ports Interface Module is a high-performance expansion module designed for use with the Cisco ASA 5500 series firewall appliances. It provides 6 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 6 Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) ports, allowing for a wide range of connectivity options.
This module supports advanced features such as Quality of Service (QoS), advanced security features, and advanced monitoring and management capabilities. The QoS feature allows administrators to prioritize traffic and ensure that critical applications receive the bandwidth they need. The advanced security features include access control lists (ACLs), network admission control (NAC), and IEEE 802.1X authentication, which help to protect the network from unauthorized access. The advanced monitoring and management features include SNMP, RMON, and a web-based graphical user interface (GUI) that allows administrators to monitor the firewall in real-time, detect potential issues, and take proactive measures to prevent downtime.
This product module is also designed to be scalable, meaning it can be easily added to the Cisco ASA 5500 series firewall appliances to increase its port capacity and expand the network. It also enables the firewall to support high-speed Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, providing faster data transfer and improved performance for bandwidth-intensive applications.
Furthermore, the module is compliant with a wide range of industry standards such as UL, IEC, EN, FCC, CE Mark, RoHS, WEEE, Cisco EnergyWise, and Cisco E-Waste, which ensures its safety and performance.
Reliability for SFP Expansion Slots
The ASA-IC-6GE-SFP-A Cisco 6 Ports Interface Card is a highly reliable and robust device. It offers several features that contribute to its reliability:
- Redundant power supplies: The card is equipped with redundant power supplies, which ensures that the device will continue to operate even if one power supply fails. This minimizes downtime and ensures that the card remains available for use.
- Quality of Service (QoS): The card offers advanced Quality of Service (QoS) features that allow administrators to prioritize traffic and ensure that critical applications receive the bandwidth they need. This helps to prevent congestion and ensure that the card remains available for use.
- Advanced security features: The card offers advanced security features such as access control lists (ACLs), network admission control (NAC), and IEEE 802.1X authentication. These features help to protect the network from unauthorized access and ensure that only authorized users can access the firewall.
- Advanced monitoring and management: The card offers advanced monitoring and management features such as SNMP, RMON, and a web-based graphical user interface (GUI). These features allow administrators to monitor the firewall in real-time, detect potential issues, and take proactive measures to prevent downtime.
- High-speed ports: The card has six Gigabit Ethernet ports that operate at speeds of up to 1 Gbps, providing fast and reliable connectivity for devices connected to the firewall. This allows for high-speed data transfer and reduces the potential for network congestion.
Compliant Standards
The ASA-IC-6GE-SFP-A ASA 5512-X/5515-X Interface Card is compliant with a variety of industry standards. Some of the key compliant standards for this card include:
- IEEE 802.3: This standard defines the specifications for Ethernet, including the physical layer and data link layer protocols.
- IEEE 802.3u: This standard defines the specifications for Fast Ethernet, including the physical layer and data link layer protocols.
- IEEE 802.3ab: This standard defines the specifications for Gigabit Ethernet, including the physical layer and data link layer protocols.
- IEEE 802.3z: This standard defines the specifications for Gigabit Ethernet over optical fiber, including the physical layer and data link layer protocols.
- IEEE 802.1Q: This standard defines the specifications for Virtual LANs (VLANs), including the tagging and tagging protocol.
- IEEE 802.3x: This standard defines the specifications for flow control in Ethernet networks.
- IEEE 802.1p: This standard defines the specifications for Quality of Service (QoS) in Ethernet networks, including the prioritization of traffic.
- IEEE 802.1X: This standard defines the specifications for port-based network access control, which is used to authenticate and authorize users and devices on the network.
- SFP Multi-Source Agreement (MSA): This standard defines the specifications for Small Form-Factor pluggable (SFP) transceivers, including the mechanical, electrical, and optical interfaces.
General Information about this Cisco ASA-IC-6GE-SFP-A
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU# ASA-IC-6GE-SFP-A
- Product Name: 6-Ports GE SFP (SX, LH, LX) Interface Card
- Product Type: Expansion Module
Technical Information of Expansion Module
- Application/Usage: Data Networking
- Application/Usage: Optical Network
- Total Number Ports: 6
I/O Expansions Information for Optical Network Module
- Number of Total Expansion Slots: 6
- Expansion Slot Type: SFP (mini-GBIC)
Compatibility
This Optical Network Module is compatible with the following Cisco ASA models:
- Cisco ASA 5512-X Firewall Edition
- Cisco ASA 5512-X IPS Edition
- Cisco ASA 5515-X Firewall Edition
- Cisco ASA 5515-X IPS Edition
- Cisco ASA 5525-X Firewall Edition
In short, the ASA-IC-6GE-SFP-A Cisco 6 Ports Expansion Module is a versatile and secure solution for expanding network capabilities within the Cisco ASA series. With its six Gigabit Ethernet ports, SFP compatibility, and integrated security features, it caters to the needs of diverse networking environments. By understanding its key features, specifications, use cases, installation process, and compatibility considerations, network administrators can make informed decisions regarding the integration of this expansion module into their Cisco ASA infrastructure. Regular maintenance and troubleshooting practices further ensure a reliable and secure network environment.
