Description
More Information for the Cisco WS-X4516-10GE Supervisor Module
The WS-X4516-10GE is a critical component in the Cisco Catalyst series, specifically designed as a Management Module Supervisor Engine V-10GE. This sophisticated piece of networking equipment plays a pivotal role in overseeing and controlling the operations of a Cisco Catalyst switch, ensuring efficient management and high-speed data processing. In this detailed exploration, we will delve into the key features, functions, and specifications of the WS-X4516-10GE, shedding light on its significance in the realm of network infrastructure.
Understanding the WS-X4516-10GE
The WS-X4516-10GE is a Supervisor Engine module, which is essentially the brain of a Cisco Catalyst switch. In the context of networking, a Supervisor Engine is responsible for managing and controlling the overall functionality of the switch. It serves as the central processing unit (CPU) of the switch, handling tasks such as packet forwarding, routing, and implementing various networking protocols.
The ’10GE’ in the nomenclature signifies 10 Gigabit Ethernet, indicating the high-speed data transfer capabilities of the module. This is crucial in modern networking environments where the demand for faster and more reliable data transmission is ever-increasing.
Key Features of WS-X4516-10GE
- High-Speed Data Processing: The WS-X4516-10GE is equipped with 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports, providing high-speed connectivity for data transfer. This is essential for modern networks where large volumes of data need to be transmitted quickly and efficiently.
- Scalability: The module offers scalability, allowing for the expansion and growth of the network infrastructure. This is particularly important in dynamic environments where network requirements may change over time.
- Advanced Management Capabilities: As a Management Module Supervisor Engine, the WS-X4516-10GE excels in providing advanced management features. It allows administrators to monitor and control various aspects of the network, ensuring optimal performance and security.
- Redundancy and Reliability: Cisco Catalyst switches, including those using the WS-X4516-10GE module, are designed with redundancy in mind. Redundant components and failover mechanisms contribute to increased reliability, minimizing the risk of network downtime.
- Compatibility: The WS-X4516-10GE is designed to be compatible with specific Cisco Catalyst switch models. This ensures seamless integration into existing network infrastructures that leverage Cisco technology.
Functions of WS-X4516-10GE
- Packet Forwarding: One of the primary functions of the WS-X4516-10GE is packet forwarding. The module efficiently processes data packets, determining their destination and forwarding them to the appropriate ports. This is fundamental to the operation of a switch in a network.
- Routing: The Supervisor Engine is responsible for routing decisions within the network. It uses routing algorithms to determine the most efficient path for data to travel from the source to the destination, optimizing network performance.
- Network Management: As a Management Module, the WS-X4516-10GE provides extensive network management capabilities. This includes monitoring network traffic, configuring settings, and implementing security measures to safeguard the integrity of the network.
- Virtual LAN (VLAN) Support: The module supports VLANs, allowing for the segmentation of a network into virtual LANs. This enhances network organization, security, and overall efficiency.
- Quality of Service (QoS): WS-X4516-10GE incorporates Quality of Service features, prioritizing certain types of data traffic to ensure a consistent and reliable user experience. This is crucial for applications that require low latency and high reliability.
Specifications of WS-X4516-10GE
- Dimensions: The physical dimensions of the WS-X4516-10GE module are essential considerations for installation within a network chassis or rack. These dimensions ensure compatibility with the physical infrastructure of the networking environment.
- Ports: The module features a specific number of 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports. These ports are the conduits through which data enters and exit the module, facilitating high-speed data transfer between connected devices.
- Compatibility with Chassis: WS-X4516-10GE is designed to be compatible with specific Cisco Catalyst switch chassis. Understanding this compatibility is crucial when planning to integrate the module into an existing network.
- Memory and Processing Power: The module is equipped with a certain amount of memory and processing power. These specifications influence the module’s ability to handle a large number of concurrent tasks and store critical information for efficient operation.
Use Cases and Industries
- Enterprise Networks: Large enterprises with extensive networking requirements benefit from the high-speed data processing capabilities of the WS-X4516-10GE. Its scalability and advanced management features make it a suitable choice for complex enterprise networks.
- Data Centers: In data center environments where rapid data transfer is paramount, the WS-X4516-10GE plays a crucial role. Its 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports and advanced features contribute to the efficiency and reliability of data center operations.
- Telecommunication Networks: Telecommunication providers leverage the WS-X4516-10GE in their network infrastructure to ensure fast and reliable data transmission. The module’s ability to handle large volumes of data traffic is particularly beneficial in telecommunications.
- Educational Institutions: Educational institutions with extensive network infrastructure, such as universities and research facilities, find value in the WS-X4516-10GE. Its capabilities support the diverse connectivity needs of academic environments.
Reliability of Supervisor Engine
The Cisco WS-X4516-10GE Catalyst 4500 Supervisor Engine V-10GE is designed for high-reliability operation in large enterprise and data center environments. Some of the features that contribute to its high-reliability include:
- Redundancy: The supervisor engine supports many high availability features, such as redundant supervisor engines and Non-Stop Forwarding (NSF), which helps to minimize downtime in the event of a failure.
- Virtual Switching System (VSS): The supervisor engine supports a Virtual Switching System (VSS), which allows for the creation of a virtual switch that spans multiple physical switches, providing a highly available and scalable network.
- High-performance switching: The supervisor engine supports up to 320 Gbps of switching capacity, providing high-speed data transfer for large-scale network deployments.
- Energy efficiency: The supervisor engine supports EnergyWise, a Cisco technology that helps organizations manage energy consumption and reduce their environmental impact.
- Quality of Service (QoS): The supervisor engine supports Quality of Service (QoS) which allows to prioritize traffic and ensure that mission-critical applications receive the bandwidth they need.
- Network Security: The supervisor engine supports many security features, such as Access Control Lists (ACLs) and Cisco TrustSec, which helps to secure the network against unauthorized access and threats.
Together these features make the WS-X4516-10GE supervisor engine suitable for use in large enterprise and data center environments where high reliability, scalability, and stable operation are required. It can be used in mission-critical applications such as finance, healthcare, and government where downtime cannot be tolerated.
Quality of Service (QoS)
Quality of Service (QoS) refers to the ability of a network to provide differentiated and guaranteed levels of service to different traffic flows. This helps to ensure that critical applications and services receive the necessary network resources they require to operate effectively. The WS-X4516-10GE Cisco Catalyst 4500 Supervisor Engine V-10GE provides QoS capabilities to help manage and control network traffic.
The engine supports both hardware-based and software-based QoS features, including:
- Traffic Prioritization: This feature allows administrators to assign a priority level to specific types of traffic, such as voice or video so that these time-sensitive services receive preferential treatment over other types of traffic.
- Congestion Management: This feature helps to prevent network congestion by monitoring network traffic and dynamically controlling the flow of data to ensure that bandwidth-intensive applications do not consume all of the available network resources.
- Traffic Shaping: This feature allows administrators to control the rate at which data is sent into the network so that critical applications receive the bandwidth they require to function properly.
The WS-X4516-10GE also supports advanced QoS features such as Multi-Field Classification and Marking, Class-Based Weighted Fair Queuing, and Low Latency Queuing. These capabilities help to ensure that network traffic is treated fairly and that critical applications receive the necessary network resources they require to operate effectively.
General Information about this Cisco WS-X4516-10GE
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU# WS-X4516-10GE
- Product Name: Supervisor Engine V-10GE
- Product Type: Supervisor Engine
Technical Specifications
- Application/Usage: Data Networking
Interfaces/Ports
- Interfaces/Ports Details: 1 x RJ-45 Console RS-232 Management
- Interfaces/Ports Details: 1 x RJ-45 10/100Base-TX Network Management
I/O Expansions
- Expansion Slots: 2 x X2 Uplink
- Expansion Slots: 4 x SFP (mini-GBIC)
- Expansion Slots: 1 x CompactFlash Card Slot
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature: 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature: 104 °F
- Humidity Range Operating: 10 – 90%
Management & Protocols
- Management:
- CiscoWorks LAN Management Solution (LMS)
- CiscoView
- Cisco Network Assistant
- IEEE 802.1Q VLAN
- IEEE 802.1p QoS
- SNMP
- CLI
- DHCP
- Telnet
Miscellaneous
- Additional Information:
- Total centralized switching capacity: 136Gbps
- Throughput: 102mpps
- Synchronous Dynamic RAM (SDRAM): 512 MB
- 64-MB onboard flash memory
Compatibility
- Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series Switches
In short, the WS-X4516-10GE Cisco Catalyst Management Module Supervisor Engine V-10GE is a powerful and versatile component in the realm of networking. Its high-speed data processing capabilities, advanced management features, and compatibility with various network environments make it a valuable asset for organizations seeking efficient and reliable network operations. As technology continues to evolve, the WS-X4516-10GE remains a key player in the world of networking, contributing to the seamless flow of data in diverse industries and applications. Organizations considering the integration of this module into their network infrastructure should carefully assess their specific needs, technical capabilities, and budget constraints to maximize the benefits of this advanced networking solution.