Description
Product Overview Catalyst 6500 Ethernet Switch
The Cisco WS-X6148V-GE-TX Catalyst 6500 Ethernet Switch is a powerful networking device designed to facilitate efficient and reliable communication within enterprise networks. With its fast 48 ports and support for various Ethernet standards, this switch provides the flexibility and scalability necessary to meet the demands of modern networking environments. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the features, specifications, benefits, and potential applications of the Cisco WS-X6148V-GE-TX switch, offering valuable insights into its functionality and suitability for diverse networking needs.
Understanding Ethernet Switches
Before delving into the specifics of the Cisco WS-X6148V-GE-TX switch, let’s first establish a foundational understanding of Ethernet switches. An Ethernet switch is a networking device that connects multiple devices within a local area network (LAN) and efficiently manages the flow of data between them. Unlike hubs, which simply broadcast data to all connected devices, switches use MAC addresses to selectively forward data packets only to their intended recipients, thereby reducing network congestion and improving performance.
The Cisco WS-X6148V-GE-TX Catalyst 6500 Switch
The Cisco WS-X6148V-GE-TX Catalyst 6500 Ethernet Switch is part of Cisco’s Catalyst 6500 Series, a family of modular switches renowned for their reliability, performance, and scalability. This particular switch module, designated as WS-X6148V-GE-TX, features 48 ports and supports Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000Base-T) connectivity over twisted-pair copper cables (RJ-45). Let’s explore some of the key features that make the WS-X6148V-GE-TX switch a standout choice for enterprise networking:
Key Features of the Cisco WS-X6148V-GE-TX Switch
- 48 Fast Ethernet Ports: The WS-X6148V-GE-TX switch offers a total of 48 ports, providing ample connectivity for devices such as computers, printers, servers, and IP phones within the network.
- Gigabit Ethernet Support: Each port on the switch supports Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000Base-T) speeds, enabling high-speed data transfer and low-latency communication between connected devices.
- Auto-sensing Technology: The switch features auto-sensing capabilities, allowing it to automatically detect and configure the speed and duplex mode of connected devices. This simplifies deployment and eliminates the need for manual configuration.
- Twisted Pair Connectivity: The WS-X6148V-GE-TX switch utilizes twisted-pair copper cables with RJ-45 connectors, a widely adopted standard for Ethernet connectivity in enterprise networks. This ensures compatibility with existing infrastructure and facilitates easy integration.
- Scalability and Modular Design: As part of the Catalyst 6500 Series, the WS-X6148V-GE-TX switch offers a modular design that allows for scalability and expansion as network requirements evolve. Additional modules and line cards can be added to the chassis to accommodate growing network needs.
- Switching Capacity: The switch module is equipped with a high-performance switching fabric that enables efficient data forwarding and low-latency packet switching, ensuring optimal network performance even under heavy load conditions.
Performance Specifications
In addition to its key features, the Cisco WS-X6148V-GE-TX switch boasts impressive performance specifications that contribute to its reliability and efficiency. Let’s examine some of the performance metrics associated with this switch:
- Forwarding Rate: The forwarding rate of a switch refers to the maximum rate at which it can process and forward data packets. The WS-X6148V-GE-TX switch offers a high forwarding rate, ensuring rapid data transmission and minimal latency.
- Buffer Memory: Buffer memory plays a crucial role in handling bursts of traffic and preventing packet loss during periods of congestion. The WS-X6148V-GE-TX switch is equipped with ample buffer memory to accommodate varying levels of network traffic and maintain smooth operation.
- MAC Address Capacity: MAC address capacity refers to the maximum number of unique MAC addresses that the switch can learn and store in its address table. The WS-X6148V-GE-TX switch supports a large MAC address table size, allowing it to efficiently manage a diverse array of connected devices.
- Power Consumption: Power consumption is an important consideration for network infrastructure, especially in large-scale deployments where energy efficiency is paramount. The WS-X6148V-GE-TX switch is designed to minimize power consumption without compromising performance, helping organizations reduce their carbon footprint and operational costs.
Use Cases and Applications
The Cisco WS-X6148V-GE-TX Catalyst 6500 Ethernet Switch is well-suited for a variety of use cases and applications across different industries. Some common scenarios where this switch excels include:
- Enterprise Networking: In large enterprise networks, the WS-X6148V-GE-TX switch provides the connectivity and performance required to support mission-critical applications, such as email, file sharing, and video conferencing. Its high port density and Gigabit Ethernet capabilities make it an ideal choice for network aggregation and distribution.
- Data Center Infrastructure: Within data center environments, where high-speed connectivity and low latency are essential for delivering services and applications, the WS-X6148V-GE-TX switch facilitates efficient data exchange between servers, storage systems, and network appliances. Its modular design allows for seamless integration into existing data center architectures and enables on-demand scalability.
- Campus Networking: Educational institutions, corporate campuses, and government facilities rely on robust networking infrastructure to support the connectivity needs of students, employees, and visitors. The WS-X6148V-GE-TX switch enables campus-wide connectivity, powering access layer switches, wireless access points, and IP-based communication systems.
- IP Telephony and Unified Communications: With the proliferation of IP telephony systems and unified communications platforms, organizations require network switches that can prioritize voice and video traffic while ensuring optimal quality of service (QoS). The WS-X6148V-GE-TX switch supports QoS features such as traffic prioritization and bandwidth management, making it suitable for voice and video-centric deployments.
Key Features of Ethernet Switch
The WS-X6148V-GE-TX is a 48-port managed switch module for the Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series. Some key features of this switch module include:
- Gigabit Ethernet connectivity: The switch has 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports, providing high-speed connectivity for devices on the network.
- Quality of Service (QoS) features: The switch supports advanced QoS features, such as traffic shaping and prioritization, to ensure that mission-critical applications have the bandwidth they need.
- Virtual LAN (VLAN) support: The switch supports VLANs, allowing you to segment your network into smaller, more secure subnets.
- Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) support: The switch supports LACP, allowing you to bundle multiple physical ports together to form a single, high-bandwidth logical link.
- Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching: The switch supports both Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching, providing the flexibility to handle a wide range of network applications.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE) support: The switch supports PoE, allowing you to power devices such as phones and wireless access points directly from the switch.
- High availability features: The switch includes features such as redundancy, failover, and hot-swappable modules to ensure that your network stays up and running in case of a failure.
More Specifications of Managed Switch
- 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports with auto-negotiation and auto-MDI/MDI-X
- Support for 10/100/1000Mbps speeds
- Support for jumbo frames up to 9216 bytes
- IEEE 802.3x flow control for full-duplex operation and backpressure for half-duplex operation
- IEEE 802.1Q VLAN tagging and GVRP for VLAN management
- IEEE 802.1D Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and IEEE 802.1w Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) for loop prevention
- IEEE 802.1p Quality of Service (QoS) for traffic prioritization
- IEEE 802.3ad Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) for link aggregation and failover
- Cisco Flexible NetFlow for advanced traffic management and analysis
- Cisco Network Assistant for simplified switch management and configuration
- Cisco EnergyWise for energy management and monitoring
- Support for Cisco IOS Software for advanced features and functionality
- 1RU form factor, compatible with Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series chassis
- Optional redundant power supply for increased reliability.
Security and Access Control
The WS-X6148V-GE-TX Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series 48 Ports Switching Module is a powerful and flexible network device that can be used to create high-performance switching and routing solutions. However, to ensure the security and integrity of your network, it is important to properly configure and manage the access control features of this module.
Access Control Lists (ACLs) are an important security feature of the WS-X6148V-GE-TX. These lists allow you to specify which IP addresses or protocols are allowed or denied access to your network. You can use ACLs to restrict access to specific IP addresses or protocols or to block unwanted traffic from entering your network.
Another important security feature of the WS-X6148V-GE-TX is the use of Virtual LANs (VLANs). VLANs allow you to segment your network into smaller, isolated groups of devices, which can help to improve security and performance. You can use VLANs to create separate networks for different departments or users or to isolate sensitive data from the rest of your network.
To ensure the security of your network, it is also important to properly configure the switch’s security features. The WS-X6148V-GE-TX supports a variety of security features, including port security, which can be used to prevent unauthorized access to specific ports on the switch. Additionally, the switch supports features such as 802.1x authentication and RADIUS, which can be used to authenticate users and devices before allowing them access to the network.
Finally, it is important to regularly monitor and maintain the WS-X6148V-GE-TX to ensure that it is running at optimal performance and that all security features are properly configured and functioning. This includes regularly checking for software updates, monitoring the switch’s logs for any suspicious activity, and performing regular backups of the switch’s configuration.
General Information about this Cisco WS-X6148V-GE-TX
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU# WS-X6148V-GE-TX
- Product Series: 350
- Product Type: Switching Module
Technical Information for Catalyst Switching Module
- Total Number of Ports 48
- Application/Usage Switching Network
- Form Factor: Plug-in Module
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
Performance of 48 Ports Switch
- Media Type Supported Twisted Pair
- Twisted Pair Cable Standard Category 6
- Twisted Pair Cable Standard Category 5e
- Twisted Pair Cable Standard Category 5
- Twisted Pair Cable Standard Category 3
Networking
- Ports: Gigabit Ethernet x 48
- Cabling Type: Ethernet 10Base-T, Ethernet 1000Base-TX, Ethernet 100Base-TX
- Data Link Protocol: 10Mb LAN, 100Mb LAN, GigE
- Data Transfer Rate: 1 GBPS
- Features: VLAN support
- Compliant Standards: IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3z, IEEE 802.1D, IEEE 802.1Q, IEEE 802.3ab, IEEE 802.1p, IEEE 802.3x, IEEE 802.3ad (LACP), IEEE 802.1w, IEEE 802.1s
Miscellaneous
- FCC Class A certified, CSA, CISPR 22 Class A, EN 60950, EN55022, IEC950, UL 1950, IEC 825-1/EN 60825-1 class 1, VCCI Class A ITE
In summary, the Cisco WS-X6148V-GE-TX Catalyst 6500 Ethernet Switch offers a versatile and reliable networking solution for enterprises seeking high-performance connectivity and scalability. With its fast 48 ports, support for Gigabit Ethernet, auto-sensing capabilities, and modular design, this switch addresses the evolving needs of modern networking environments. Whether deployed in enterprise data centers, campus networks, or telecommunications infrastructure, the WS-X6148V-GE-TX switch delivers the performance, flexibility, and efficiency required to drive business success in today’s interconnected world.
