Description
Product Overview of the Cisco WS-C4003 Modular Switch
The Cisco WS-C4003 Modular Switch is a type of network switch manufactured by Cisco Systems. It belongs to the Catalyst 4000 series and is designed to provide high-performance Ethernet connectivity for businesses and organizations. In this detailed guide, we will explore the features, functionalities, benefits, and specifications of the Cisco WS-C4003 Modular Switch, focusing on its manageability, modularity, and performance.
Understanding Modular Switches
Before delving into the specifics of the Cisco WS-C4003 Modular Switch, it’s essential to understand the concept of modular switches in networking. A modular switch is a type of network switch that allows for flexibility and scalability by enabling users to customize and expand the switch’s capabilities through the addition or removal of various modules or components.
Modular switches typically consist of a chassis or main unit that houses slots for inserting different types of interface modules, supervisor modules, power supplies, and other optional components. This modular design allows organizations to adapt their network infrastructure to meet evolving needs, such as increasing bandwidth requirements, supporting new technologies, or integrating additional features.
Cisco WS-C4003 Modular Switch
The Cisco WS-C4003 Modular Switch is part of Cisco’s Catalyst 4000 series, which is renowned for its reliability, performance, and flexibility in enterprise networking environments. As a modular switch, the WS-C4003 offers several key features and benefits that make it an ideal choice for businesses seeking a robust and scalable networking solution.
Key Features of Cisco WS-C4003 Modular SwitchModular Design
At the heart of the Cisco WS-C4003 Modular Switch lies its modular design, which offers users the flexibility to customize the switch according to their specific requirements. With slots for various modules, organizations can tailor the switch to suit their unique networking needs. This modularity enhances scalability, allowing businesses to adapt their networks as they grow and evolve.
High Performance
Equipped with cutting-edge hardware and software capabilities, the Cisco WS-C4003 delivers exceptional performance in terms of Ethernet connectivity. It supports fast data transfer speeds and low latency, making it ideal for handling mission-critical applications that demand high throughput and reliability.
Manageability
The WS-C4003 Modular Switch offers comprehensive management capabilities, enabling administrators to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot the switch remotely. This includes features such as a web-based graphical user interface (GUI), a command-line interface (CLI), and support for network management protocols like SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). These tools empower IT teams to efficiently manage network operations and ensure optimal performance.
Redundancy and Resilience
To guarantee uninterrupted network operation, the Cisco WS-C4003 incorporates redundancy features such as hot-swappable power supplies and supervisor modules. Additionally, it supports protocols like Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) and Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) for link redundancy, minimizing the risk of downtime due to hardware failures or network disruptions.
Security
Cisco places a strong emphasis on network security, and the WS-C4003 Modular Switch is no exception. It offers a comprehensive suite of security features, including access control lists (ACLs), port security, and advanced encryption protocols, to safeguard against unauthorized access, data breaches, and other security threats.
Scalability
With support for a wide range of interface modules, the Cisco WS-C4003 Modular Switch is highly scalable, allowing organizations to expand their network infrastructure as needed. This scalability ensures long-term investment protection and enables seamless integration of new technologies and services, future-proofing the network infrastructure.
Specifications of Cisco WS-C4003 Modular SwitchChassis
The Cisco WS-C4003 Modular Switch features a compact chassis design, making it suitable for deployment in various network environments, including data centers, office buildings, and campus networks. Its dimensions [insert dimensions here] ensure versatility in installation and integration within existing network infrastructure.
Slots
The WS-C4003 chassis supports up to [insert number here] line-card slots and [insert number here] supervisor engine slots, providing ample capacity for interface modules and redundancy components. This robust slot configuration offers flexibility in configuring the switch to meet specific networking requirements.
Interfaces
This modular switch offers a diverse range of interface options to cater to different connectivity needs. It includes Ethernet ports supporting various speeds (e.g., 10/100/1000Mbps), fiber optic ports for Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, and high-speed uplink ports capable of delivering speeds up to 10Gbps. These interfaces facilitate seamless integration with diverse network devices and services.
Supervisor Engine
Powering the Cisco WS-C4003 Modular Switch is a high-performance supervisor engine, serving as the central processing unit responsible for managing and controlling the switch’s operations. The supervisor engine delivers advanced features such as Layer 2/Layer 3 switching, quality of service (QoS), and network virtualization, enhancing the switch’s capabilities and performance.
Power Supplies
To ensure continuous operation and minimize the risk of downtime, the Cisco WS-C4003 Modular Switch supports redundant hot-swappable power supplies. This redundancy feature enables seamless failover in the event of a power supply failure, ensuring uninterrupted network connectivity and business continuity.
Software
The WS-C4003 runs Cisco’s Internetwork Operating System (IOS) software, a robust and feature-rich operating system tailored specifically for Cisco networking devices. IOS provides a familiar and consistent user interface across Cisco’s product portfolio, offering extensive management and configuration capabilities to streamline network operations.
Performance
Backed by its high-performance hardware architecture and advanced software features, the Cisco WS-C4003 Modular Switch delivers impressive performance metrics. It boasts high throughput, low latency, and support for advanced networking protocols, ensuring reliable and efficient operation even in demanding network environments.
Benefits of Cisco WS-C4003 Modular SwitchFlexibility
The modular design of the Cisco WS-C4003 enables organizations to tailor their network infrastructure to suit their specific needs. Whether it’s adding new interfaces, upgrading performance, or integrating advanced features, the switch offers unparalleled flexibility, empowering businesses to adapt to changing requirements with ease.
Scalability
As businesses expand and evolve, the Cisco WS-C4003 Modular Switch provides scalability to accommodate increasing bandwidth demands, new applications, and expanding user populations. Its support for a wide range of interface modules ensures that organizations can scale their network infrastructure to meet growing demands without significant disruptions or investments.
Reliability
Cisco is renowned for its reliability, and the WS-C4003 Modular Switch upholds this reputation with redundant components, advanced hardware resilience features, and comprehensive diagnostics. These reliability features minimize the risk of downtime and ensure maximum uptime, providing businesses with uninterrupted network connectivity and operational continuity.
Manageability
Administrators can efficiently manage and monitor the WS-C4003 Modular Switch using Cisco’s intuitive management interfaces. Whether it’s configuration, troubleshooting, or performance monitoring, the switch’s management capabilities simplify complex tasks, allowing IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives and ensure optimal network performance.
Security
Cisco’s industry-leading security features protect against unauthorized access, data breaches, and other security threats, offering peace of mind for organizations handling sensitive information or operating in regulated industries. The WS-C4003 Modular Switch incorporates robust security mechanisms, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of network communications.
Investment Protection
By investing in the Cisco WS-C4003 Modular Switch, organizations benefit from Cisco’s commitment to innovation and longevity. With continuous support and updates from Cisco, the switch ensures that businesses’ networking infrastructure remains relevant and supported for years to come, protecting their investment and future-proofing their network environment.
General Information about the Cisco WS-C4003
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU# WS-C4003
- Product Line: Catalyst
- Product Series: 4000
- Product Model: 4003
- Product Type: Ethernet Switch
I/O Expansions of the Ethernet Switch
- Number of Total Expansion Slots: 3
- Expansion Slot Type: Switching Module
- Expansion Slot Type: Supervisor Engine
Management & Protocols
- Manageable: Yes
- Management:
- CiscoWorks 2000 Network Management Suite
- CiscoWorks for Switched Internetworks (CWSI)
- Cisco Discovery Protocol
- Cisco Virtual Trunking Protocol (VTP)
- Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) agent v1 (RFCs 1155-1157), SNMPv2c
- Cisco Workgroup Management Information Base (MIB)
- Ethernet MIB (RFC 1643), Ethernet repeater MIB (RFC 1516)
- SNMP MIB II (RFC 1213)
- Remote Monitoring (RMON) (RFC 1757), Remote Monitoring (RMON II) (RFC 2021)
- Interface Table (RFC 1573), Bridge MIB (RFC 1493), SMT 7.3 (RFC 1285)
- Switched Port Analyzer (SPAN), Enhanced Switched Port Analyzer (SPAN)
- Port Snooping and Connection Steering
- Text-based Command-Line Interface based on the familiar Catalyst 5000 series interface
- Standard Cisco IOS security capabilities: passwords and TACACS+
- Telnet, Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP), and BOOTP for management access
Power Description
- Input Voltage: 220 V AC, 110 V AC
- Power Source: Power Supply
- Redundant Power Supply: Yes
Finally, the Cisco WS-C4003 Modular Switch is a versatile and powerful networking solution that offers flexibility, scalability, reliability, and security for businesses and organizations of all sizes. With its modular design, high-performance hardware, comprehensive management capabilities, and robust security features, the WS-C4003 delivers exceptional value and performance in enterprise networking environments. Whether deploying in data centers, office buildings, or campus networks, the Cisco WS-C4003 Modular Switch provides the foundation for a resilient and future-proof network infrastructure.
