Description
Understanding the Cisco WS-C6500-SFM Catalyst 6500 Series Switch Fabric Module
The WS-C6500-SFM is a crucial component within the Catalyst 6500 Series, known for its exceptional networking capabilities. In this detailed exploration, we will delve into the key features and functionalities of the WS-C6500-SFM, emphasizing its 1 Port Expansion Slot, Gigabit Ethernet capabilities, Layer 3 management, and its role as a 14U plug-in module within a rack-mountable fabric module network switch chassis.
Key Features of Rack-Mountable Fabric Module Network Switch ChassisPort Expansion Slot
The WS-C6500-SFM comes with multiple expansion slots, allowing for flexibility in adding more ports and modules as per the network requirements. This feature enhances scalability and future-proofing of the network infrastructure.
Gigabit Ethernet
With Gigabit Ethernet support, the WS-C6500-SFM delivers high-speed data transfer rates, ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications such as video streaming, data center connectivity, and large file transfers.
Layer 3 Managed
The switch supports Layer 3 routing capabilities, enabling efficient routing of network traffic based on IP addresses. This facilitates optimized network performance and seamless communication between different network segments.
Rack-Mountable
The WS-C6500-SFM chassis is rack-mountable, making it easy to integrate into standard server racks or cabinets. This space-saving design ensures efficient utilization of rack space in data centers or network closets.
Fabric Module
Equipped with a fabric module, the WS-C6500-SFM enhances the switching capacity and performance of the network. The fabric module plays a crucial role in interconnecting various line cards and providing high-speed backplane connectivity.
14U Plug-In Module
The 14U form factor of the WS-C6500-SFM chassis allows for easy installation and maintenance. It provides ample room for accommodating multiple line cards, power supplies, and other accessories within the chassis.
Benefits of WS-C6500-SFM Catalyst 6500 SeriesScalability
The WS-C6500-SFM offers scalability to accommodate the growing needs of the network, allowing for seamless expansion and the addition of new devices and modules.
High Performance
With Gigabit Ethernet support and Layer 3 routing capabilities, the switch delivers high performance and throughput, ensuring the smooth operation of mission-critical applications.
Reliability
Built with redundant power supply options and high-quality components, the WS-C6500-SFM ensures reliable operation and minimal downtime, critical for business continuity.
Flexibility
The modular design of the switch chassis provides flexibility in configuring the network infrastructure according to specific requirements, offering a tailored solution for diverse applications.
Easy Management
The WS-C6500-SFM comes with comprehensive management features, including remote management capabilities, SNMP support, and intuitive graphical user interfaces, simplifying network administration tasks.
Applications of WS-C6500-SFM Catalyst 6500 Series
- Enterprise Networks: The WS-C6500-SFM is ideal for large enterprise networks requiring high-performance switching and routing capabilities to support a multitude of users, devices, and applications.
- Data Centers: In data center environments, the switch chassis can be used for aggregating network traffic, connecting servers and storage systems, and ensuring reliable and high-speed connectivity.
- Campus Networks: Educational institutions and corporate campuses can benefit from the WS-C6500-SFM’s scalability and flexibility in building robust and efficient network infrastructures to support diverse connectivity needs.
- Service Provider Networks: Service providers can utilize the WS-C6500-SFM for offering managed network services, delivering high-speed Internet access, and supporting VPN and MPLS services for their customers.
Enhances Switching Capabilities of 6500 Series Switch
The WS-C6500-SFM (Supervisor Fabric Module) is a switch fabric module for the Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Switches. It enhances the switching capabilities of the switch by providing additional bandwidth and increased scalability. The module is designed to work in conjunction with a supervisor engine and provides a high-speed connection between the supervisor engine and the switch backplane. It increases the number of ports supported on the switch, as well as the maximum throughput. The SFM also provides improved redundancy and failover capabilities, allowing for faster recovery in the event of a failure. Additionally, the SFM can be used to offload certain data-plane processing tasks from the supervisor engine, which can help to improve the overall performance of the switch. It can support up to 48Gbps of switching capacity and also provides advanced QoS and security features.
Maximizing Performance of Catalyst Switch
The WS-C6500-SFM (Supervisor Fabric Module) is a network module for the Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series switch that provides high-performance switching and routing capabilities. To maximize its performance, it is important to ensure that the module is properly configured and that the network is designed to take advantage of its features.
- Properly configuring the module: The module should be configured with the correct network settings, such as IP addresses and VLANs, to ensure that it can communicate with other devices on the network.
- Utilizing Quality of Service (QoS): The module’s QoS features should be configured and used to prioritize important traffic, such as voice and video, to ensure that it is not impacted by less critical traffic.
- Utilizing Traffic Engineering: The module’s traffic engineering features, such as traffic shaping and policing, should be configured and used to manage network traffic and prevent congestion.
- Utilizing High Availability Features: The module’s high availability features, such as redundancy and failover, should be configured and used to ensure that the network remains up and running in the event of a failure.
- Properly sizing the switch fabric module: The switch fabric module should be properly sized to handle the expected traffic load.
- Keeping the module’s firmware and software up-to-date: The module’s firmware and software should be kept up-to-date to ensure that it has the latest security patches and features.
General Information for the Cisco WS-C6500-SFM Switch Fabric Module
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number: WS-C6500-SFM
- Product Type: Switch Fabric Module
- Chassis Type: Rack-Mountable
Technical Information of Network Switch Chassis
- Application/Usage Data Networking
- Fixed Ports/Expansion Slot Details: 1 x Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
- Form Factor: plug-in module
- Features: Layer 3 switching, layer 2 switching
- Ethernet Speed: Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps)
- Expansion Slots: Multiple
Miscellaneous
- The Switch Fabric Module enables 30 Mpps Cisco Express Forwarding (CEF)-based central forwarding on Supervisor Engine 2
- The Switch Fabric Module enables up to 210 Mpps distributed forwarding on DCF-enabled switch fabric modules
- The Switch Fabric Module supports advanced services such as quality of service (QoS) and security in hardware via access control lists (ACLs)
- Power Supply: Redundant power supply options available
Compatibility Information
- Catalyst 6506
- Catalyst 6509
- Catalyst 6509-NEB switch
- Cisco 7606 Internet Router
- Cisco 7609 Internet Router chassis
In short, the WS-C6500-SFM Catalyst 6500 Series Gigabit Ethernet Layer 3 Managed Network Switch Chassis offers a versatile and high-performance solution for modern networking requirements. With its advanced features, scalability, and reliability, it is well-suited for a wide range of applications in enterprise, data center, campus, and service provider environments. By understanding its key features, specifications, benefits, and applications, organizations can make informed decisions when deploying the WS-C6500-SFM to meet their networking needs.
