Description
Product Overview for the Cisco VS-C6509E-SUP2T Catalyst 6509-E Switch
The Cisco VS-C6509E-SUP2T Catalyst 6509-E Switch Chassis is a robust and versatile networking solution designed to meet the demands of modern IT environments. In this detailed guide, we will explore the key features, specifications, and management capabilities of this switch chassis. Whether you’re an IT professional looking for a reliable networking solution or a business owner seeking to enhance your network infrastructure, understanding the intricacies of the Cisco VS-C6509E-SUP2T is essential for making informed decisions.
Key Features
- Highly Manageable: The Cisco VS-C6509E-SUP2T is renowned for its advanced management capabilities. With support for various management protocols and tools, administrators can efficiently monitor, configure, and troubleshoot the switch chassis. This high level of manageability ensures optimal performance and minimizes downtime, crucial for maintaining a reliable network.
- Expansion Slots: Featuring 9 expansion slots, the Catalyst 6509-E provides flexibility for expanding and customizing the network infrastructure. These slots allow for the integration of additional modules and line cards, catering to evolving business needs. Whether it’s for increased bandwidth, security, or specialized functionality, the expansion slots offer scalability for future growth.
- Layer 3 Support: The switch chassis supports Layer 3 functionality, enabling advanced routing capabilities. This is vital for efficient traffic management and enables the implementation of complex networking scenarios. Businesses with diverse network requirements can leverage Layer 3 support to create a more resilient and responsive infrastructure.
- 15U High Form Factor: The Cisco VS-C6509E-SUP2T comes in a 15U high form factor, providing a compact yet powerful design. This space-efficient chassis is suitable for data centers and network closets where real estate is valuable. Despite its compact size, the switch chassis doesn’t compromise on performance, making it an ideal choice for organizations with limited rack space.
Specifications
- Model: The Cisco VS-C6509E-SUP2T is part of the Catalyst 6500 Series, known for its reliability and performance. The inclusion of the SUP2T supervisor engine further enhances its capabilities, offering advanced features for network management.
- Expansion Slots: With 9 expansion slots, this switch chassis provides ample room for customization. The ability to add various modules, such as line cards, enhances the switch’s functionality and ensures compatibility with diverse networking requirements.
- Layer Support: The switch chassis supports Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Layer 3 support allows for dynamic routing, enabling the creation of more efficient and scalable networks.
- Form Factor: The 15U high form factor is designed to optimize space utilization while delivering high-performance networking capabilities. This makes the Cisco VS-C6509E-SUP2T suitable for deployment in environments with limited rack space.
Management Capabilities
- Cisco IOS Software: The switch chassis runs on Cisco’s renowned IOS (Internetwork Operating System) software. This feature-rich operating system provides a familiar interface for network administrators and ensures seamless integration with other Cisco devices.
- Remote Management: The VS-C6509E-SUP2T supports remote management, allowing administrators to configure and monitor the switch from anywhere in the network. This is particularly useful for troubleshooting and performing routine maintenance tasks without physical access to the device.
- SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol): SNMP support enhances the switch’s manageability by enabling integration with network management systems. This protocol facilitates the collection of performance and status data, streamlining the monitoring and maintenance of the network.
- Security Features: The Cisco switch chassis includes robust security features to protect against unauthorized access and potential threats. Role-based access control, encryption, and other security measures are integrated into the device to safeguard sensitive network data.
Deployment Scenarios
- Data Centers: The Cisco VS-C6509E-SUP2T is well-suited for deployment in data centers where high performance, scalability, and efficient management are paramount. Its 9 expansion slots allow for the integration of modules catering to the specific needs of data center environments, such as high-speed connectivity and advanced security features.
- Enterprise Networks: In enterprise networks, the switch chassis can serve as a backbone device, connecting various departments and facilitating seamless communication. The Layer 3 support is particularly beneficial for routing traffic efficiently within the enterprise network.
- Campus Networks: The compact form factor and powerful capabilities make the switch chassis suitable for campus networks. Its manageability and expansion options cater to the dynamic nature of campus environments, providing a reliable foundation for connectivity and communication.
Use Cases
Understanding the practical applications of the Cisco VS-C6509E-SUP2T is essential for potential users. This switch chassis is well-suited for various use cases, including:
- Data Centers: The high scalability and reliability make it an ideal choice for data center environments where robust connectivity and minimal downtime are critical.
- Enterprise Networks: Large enterprises with diverse networking requirements can benefit from the flexibility and performance of this switch chassis.
- Service Providers: Telecom service providers can leverage the switch’s capabilities to deliver reliable and high-performance networking services to their customers.
Management and Configuration Options
The VS-C6509E-SUP2T Cisco Catalyst Manageable Switch offers a variety of management and configuration options to simplify the administration of the network. Some of the key management and configuration features of the switch include:
- Web-based graphical user interface (GUI) – The switch provides a web-based GUI that allows administrators to manage and configure the switch from a web browser, providing a user-friendly and intuitive interface.
- Command-line interface (CLI) – The switch includes a CLI, which allows administrators to manage and configure the switch using commands, providing a flexible and powerful way to manage the switch.
- Auto-configuration – The switch supports auto-configuration, which automatically configures basic network settings, such as IP addresses and VLANs, reducing the time and effort required to configure the switch.
- Configuration templates – The switch supports the use of configuration templates, which allow administrators to save and reuse switch configurations, simplifying the deployment of new switches.
- Remote management – The switch supports remote management, allowing administrators to manage and configure the switch from a remote location, providing increased flexibility and reducing the need for on-site visits.
- Network Management Systems (NMS) – The switch supports integration with NMS systems, such as Cisco Prime, allowing administrators to manage and monitor multiple switches from a single location, reducing the administrative overhead of managing a large network.
Remote Management and Access
The VS-C6509E-SUP2T Cisco Catalyst Manageable Switch provides several remote management and access options to ensure administrators can manage and access the switch from remote locations. Some of the key remote management and access features of the switch include:
- Telnet and Secure Shell (SSH) – The switch supports Telnet and SSH, which allow administrators to access the switch remotely using a command-line interface, providing secure remote access to the switch.
- Remote Console – The switch includes a remote console, which allows administrators to access the switch’s CLI remotely, providing a secure and convenient way to manage the switch.
- Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) – The switch supports SNMP, which allows administrators to monitor and manage the switch remotely using a network management system, providing increased visibility and control over the switch.
- Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) – The switch supports RADIUS, which allows administrators to centrally manage authentication, authorization, and accounting for remote access to the switch, providing increased security for remote access.
- Virtual Private Network (VPN) – The switch supports VPN, which allows administrators to access the switch remotely over a secure, encrypted connection, providing secure remote access to the switch.
- Network Time Protocol (NTP) – The switch supports NTP, which allows administrators to synchronize the switch’s clock with a remote time server, providing accurate time information for remote management and access.
General Information about this Cisco VS-C6509E-SUP2T
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU# VS-C6509E-SUP2T
- Product Type: Manageable Switch
- Product Name: Catalyst 6509-E Switch Chassis
- Line Extension: Catalyst
- Series Extension: 6509-E
Technical Specifications
- Quantity of Fixed Ports/Expansion Slots: 9
- Quantity of Expansion Slots: 9
- Fixed Ports/Expansion Slot Details: There are 9 slots available for adding Gigabit Ethernet expansion modules.
- Supported Rack: It fits in a 14U rack.
- Power Source: It uses a power supply.
- Layer Supported: It supports Layer 3.
- Form Factor: It’s designed to be rack-mountable.
Management & Protocols
- Manageable: Yes, it can be managed.
- Management: It supports various management protocols such as QoS, EEM, DHCP, MIB, web-based management, Telnet, SNMP versions 1, 2, and 2c, Syslog, RMON, CLI, and CiscoWorks.
Power Description
- Power Source: It’s powered by a power supply.
- Redundant Power Supply Supported: Yes, it supports redundant power supplies.
Miscellaneous
- Package Contents: The package includes the Catalyst 6509-E Switch Chassis, a fan tray, and a Supervisor Engine.
In general, the Cisco VS-C6509E-SUP2T Catalyst 6509-E Switch Chassis stands out as a reliable and scalable networking solution with advanced management capabilities. Its 9 expansion slots, Layer 3 support, and 15U high form factor make it a versatile choice for various deployment scenarios, including data centers, enterprise networks, and campus environments. Network administrators and business owners seeking a robust and manageable switch chassis can confidently consider the Cisco VS-C6509E-SUP2T to meet their networking needs.
