Cisco WS-SVC-FWM-1-K9 Catalyst 6500 Firewall Service Module Refurbished

In the ever-evolving landscape of networking and cybersecurity, the Cisco WS-SVC-FWM-1-K9 Catalyst 6500 Firewall Service Module stands as a formidable solution. Designed to integrate seamlessly with the Catalyst 6500 Series switches, this firewall service module brings advanced security features and robust firewall capabilities to enterprise networks. This comprehensive review aims to delve into the key features, technical specifications, performance metrics, and potential use cases of the Cisco WS-SVC-FWM-1-K9, providing valuable insights for IT professionals and organizations seeking a high-performance firewall solution.

At the core of the WS-SVC-FWM-1-K9 is its compatibility with the Catalyst 6500 Series switches. This integration allows organizations to enhance their existing network infrastructure with dedicated firewall capabilities without the need for separate hardware.

The firewall service module offers scalable performance to meet the diverse needs of enterprise networks. It can handle varying levels of traffic, ensuring that the firewall capabilities align with the network's demands as they evolve.

Equipped with advanced security services, the WS-SVC-FWM-1-K9 enhances the overall security posture of the network. It includes features such as stateful inspection, intrusion prevention, and VPN (Virtual Private Network) support, providing comprehensive protection against cyber threats.

The module is designed to deliver high throughput and low latency, minimizing any impact on network performance. This is crucial for maintaining optimal data transfer speeds while ensuring that the firewall inspection does not introduce significant delays.

The WS-SVC-FWM-1-K9 is specifically designed for compatibility with Catalyst 6500 Series switches. This ensures seamless integration into Cisco's modular switching platform, providing a cohesive networking and security solution.

The firewall service module specifies a certain level of throughput, indicating the volume of traffic it can inspect and process per unit of time. This throughput is a critical factor in determining the module's effectiveness in handling network traffic.

VPN support is a key aspect of the WS-SVC-FWM-1-K9, and the module specifies its VPN throughput. This metric is vital for organizations relying on secure communication channels over the network.

The module includes dedicated hardware resources to perform firewall-related tasks efficiently. This may include specialized processors, memory, and storage to handle the demands of firewall services without impacting the switch's primary functions.

Firewall Performance

The firewall performance of the WS-SVC-FWM-1-K9 is a crucial metric, indicating its ability to inspect and filter network traffic effectively. This performance is often measured in terms of packets per second (pps) and connections per second (cps).

VPN Performance

For organizations relying on VPNs for secure communication, the VPN performance of the module is a critical consideration. It determines the module's ability to encrypt and decrypt VPN traffic while maintaining optimal throughput.

Latency Impact

Low latency is essential for maintaining responsive network performance. The WS-SVC-FWM-1-K9 aims to minimize the impact on latency, ensuring that network traffic flows smoothly even with the added layer of firewall inspection.

Scalability

Scalability is a key performance metric, especially in dynamic enterprise environments. The WS-SVC-FWM-1-K9's ability to scale with the growth of the network, both in terms of traffic volume and the number of supported connections, ensures its longevity and adaptability.

Enterprise Networks

The WS-SVC-FWM-1-K9 is well-suited for enterprise networks seeking an integrated and scalable firewall solution. Its compatibility with the Catalyst 6500 Series switches makes it an attractive choice for organizations with existing Cisco infrastructure.

Data Centers

In data center environments where security and performance are paramount, this firewall service module can provide robust protection without compromising on throughput. It is capable of handling the diverse and often high-volume traffic seen in data centers.

Critical Infrastructure

Industries with critical infrastructure, such as utilities and finance, require top-tier security measures. The WS-SVC-FWM-1-K9, with its advanced security services, can safeguard critical systems and sensitive data from cyber threats.

Large-Scale Networks

Networks experiencing high traffic volumes and supporting a large number of users can benefit from the scalability of the WS-SVC-FWM-1-K9. Its ability to efficiently process and inspect traffic ensures that security is not compromised in expansive network environments.

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model Number or SKU# WS-SVC-FWM-1-K9
• Product Type: Service Module

• Application/Usage: Data Networking
• Security Appliance: Firewall
• Miscellaneous for Firewall Service Module
• Additional Information Item Included: PIX Device Manager for FW Module for Catalyst 6500 (SF-PIX-PDM-2.1)
• Licensing: No licensing is required for the FWSM

• Console to command-line interface (CLI)
• Telnet to the inside interface of the Cisco PIX Firewall
• Telnet over IP Security (IPSec) to the outside interface of the Cisco PIX Firewall
• Secure Shell Protocol (SSH) to CLI
• Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) to Cisco PIX Device Manager
• AAA Support: Integrates with popular authentication, authorization, and accounting services via TACACS+ and RADIUS support
• NAT/PAT Support: Provides dynamic/static Network Address Translation (NAT) and Port Address Translation (PAT)

• Simple, intuitive, Web-based GUI supports remote firewall management
• Wide range of real-time and historical reports providing usage trends, performance baseline, and security event information
• Access Lists: Up to 128,000 access lists
• URL Filtering: Uses Websense software to check outgoing URL requests with the policies defined on the server
• Command Authorization: Allows privilege levels to be assigned to all CLI, and creation of user accounts or login contexts tied to these privilege levels
• Object Grouping: Ability to group network objects (e.g., hosts) and services (e.g., FTP and HTTP)

• DNS Guard
• Flood Defender
• Flood Guard
• TCP Intercept
• Unicast Reverse Path Forwarding
• Mail Guard
• FragGuard and Virtual Reassembly

Routing

• Static routes
• Dynamic i.e., Routing Interface Protocol (RIP) and Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)
• High Availability: Stateful failover-intra and inter-chassis
• Logging: Comprehensive sys logging for FTP, URL, and ACL logging

Compatibility

• Cisco Catalyst 6500 switches
• Cisco 7600 Series routers