Cisco WS-C6504-E Catalyst 6504-E Switch Chassis | Refurbished

Description

Overview of Cisco Chassis

Cisco WS-C6504-E is a powerful networking device known as the Catalyst 6500 Enhanced 4-slot Chassis. This device boasts a 5RU (rack units) form factor, offering substantial capacity and performance for demanding networking environments. One of its key features is its impressive switching capacity, reaching up to 80 Gigabytes Per Second (GBPS). In this detailed explanation, we will delve into the various aspects of the Cisco WS-C6504-E, exploring its design, capabilities, and how it fits into the broader landscape of network infrastructure.

Form Factor and Design

The Cisco WS-C6504-E is designed as a 4-slot chassis, making it a compact yet robust solution for networking needs. The 5RU form factor ensures efficient use of rack space, a crucial consideration in data center environments where space optimization is paramount. The design is rack-mountable, further enhancing its adaptability to diverse deployment scenarios.

Switching Capacity

One of the standout features of the Cisco WS-C6504-E is its formidable switching capacity. With a capability of up to 80 GBPS, this chassis can handle a substantial volume of data traffic, making it suitable for high-performance networks. This switching capacity is a critical factor in ensuring seamless and efficient communication within the network, catering to the demands of modern, data-intensive applications.

Key FeaturesScalability

• The 4-slot design of the Cisco WS-C6504-E provides a scalable platform for network expansion. The modular nature of the chassis allows for the addition of line cards and modules, enabling organizations to adapt their network infrastructure to evolving requirements without the need for a complete overhaul. This scalability is a cost-effective and future-proof solution for businesses experiencing growth or changes in their networking needs.

Redundancy and Reliability

• Cisco is renowned for prioritizing redundancy and reliability in its networking equipment, and the WS-C6504-E is no exception. The chassis supports redundancy features, ensuring that in the event of a component failure, there is a backup mechanism to maintain network integrity. This is crucial for minimizing downtime and ensuring continuous operation, particularly in mission-critical environments where uninterrupted connectivity is non-negotiable.

High Availability

• The high switching capacity contributes to the overall high availability of the Cisco WS-C6504-E. With the ability to handle substantial data throughput, the chassis is well-equipped to support the demands of networks where downtime is not an option. This makes it suitable for industries such as finance, healthcare, and telecommunications, where constant connectivity is vital for daily operations.

Use CasesData Centers

• The Cisco WS-C6504-E is well-suited for deployment in data centers where space efficiency and high-performance networking are paramount. Its rack-mountable design ensures optimal use of space, while the robust switching capacity accommodates the data traffic generated by the multitude of servers and devices typically found in data center environments.

Enterprise Networks

• Enterprises with growing networking needs can benefit from the scalability of the Cisco WS-C6504-E. As businesses expand, so do their network requirements. The modular design allows for the addition of modules and line cards as needed, offering a flexible solution that can adapt to changing circumstances without requiring a complete infrastructure overhaul.

Service Providers

• Service providers, including internet service providers (ISPs) and telecommunications companies, can leverage the high switching capacity of the Cisco WS-C6504-E to meet the demands of their customers. The chassis’s reliability and redundancy features make it an ideal choice for delivering consistently high-quality services to end-users.

Scalability and Flexibility

The WS-C6504-E Cisco Catalyst 6504-E Switch Chassis is designed to provide scalability and flexibility to meet the demands of enterprise data centers. The switch offers the following features to support scalability and flexibility:

Modular Design

• The WS-C6504-E has a modular design, allowing administrators to add or remove line cards as needed to meet the changing needs of their network.

Redundant Power Supply

• The switch has a redundant power supply, which provides a backup power source in case of a failure, ensuring that the network remains up and running.

StackWise Technology

• StackWise Technology allows multiple switches to be stacked together to create a single, high-performance network. This allows administrators to scale their network as needed without having to replace the entire switch.

Support for Multiple Modules

• The WS-C6504-E supports multiple modules, including line cards, supervisor engines, and power supplies, providing administrators with the flexibility to choose the components that meet their specific network requirements.

Multiple Operating System Support

• The switch supports multiple operating systems, including IOS and NX-OS, allowing administrators to choose the operating system that best meets their network needs.
• High Availability Features: The WS-C6504-E has high availability features, such as hot-swappable line cards, redundant power supplies, and non-stop forwarding (NSF), to ensure that the network remains up and running in case of failure.

Switch Fabric and Route Processor

The WS-C6504-E Cisco Catalyst 6504-E Switch Chassis is equipped with a switch fabric and a route processor to provide high-performance switching and routing capabilities.

Switch Fabric

• The switch fabric is responsible for forwarding packets between the switch’s line cards and the route processor. The switch fabric provides high-speed, non-blocking performance to ensure that packets are forwarded quickly and efficiently.

Route Processor

• The route processor is responsible for controlling the switch’s forwarding and routing functions. It handles the control plane functions, such as managing the routing table, performing route calculations, and distributing routes to the line cards.

The switch fabric and route processor work together to provide a high-performance, scalable network switch. The switch fabric provides the speed and throughput needed to handle large amounts of network traffic, while the route processor provides the control and management functions needed to manage the switch and the network.

Main Information about this Cisco WS-C6504-E

• Manufacturer: Cisco Systems, Inc
• Part Number: WS-C6504-E
• Brand: Cisco
• Product Line: Catalyst
• Product Series: 6500
• Product Model: 6504-E
• Type: Networking
• Product Type: Switch Chassis

Interfaces/Ports

• Type: LAN

Media & Performance

• Switching Capacity: Up to 80Gbps
• Total Capacity: 320Gbps

I/O Expansions

• Expansion Slots: 4 total slots

Network & Communication

• Layer Support: 2, 3

Management & Protocols

• Manageable: Yes
• Management Protocols:
  • RMON
  • Software
• Operating System:
  • Cisco IOS Software Release 12.2.18SXE
  • Cisco Catalyst OS 8.4.2

Power Description

• Input Voltage: 220V AC

Finally, the Cisco WS-C6504-E Catalyst 6500 Enhanced 4-slot Chassis stands as a formidable solution for organizations with demanding networking needs. Its compact yet scalable design, high switching capacity, and robust features make it a versatile choice for various deployment scenarios, from data centers to enterprise networks and service providers. With a focus on reliability, redundancy, and high availability, Cisco has crafted a networking device that aligns with the requirements of modern, data-driven environments. The ease of installation, configuration, and ongoing maintenance further solidify the Cisco WS-C6504-E as a valuable asset in the ever-evolving landscape of network infrastructure.