Description
Product Overview
In the realm of networking hardware, Cisco Systems stands as a leading provider, offering a wide range of solutions to meet the diverse needs of organizations worldwide. Among its offerings is the Cisco WS-X6182-2PA Catalyst 7600 Catalyst 6000 ATM Flexwan Expansion Module. This module serves as an essential component in Cisco’s Catalyst 7600 and Catalyst 6000 series switches, enhancing their capabilities and enabling advanced networking functionalities. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the features, specifications, benefits, and potential applications of the Cisco WS-X6182-2PA Expansion Module.
Understanding Networking Expansion Modules
Before delving into the specifics of the Cisco WS-X6182-2PA Expansion Module, let’s establish a foundational understanding of expansion modules in networking devices. Expansion modules are additional components that can be installed in networking switches or routers to augment their capabilities. These modules often provide specialized features or interfaces, allowing organizations to tailor their network infrastructure to specific requirements.
Overview of the Cisco WS-X6182-2PA Expansion Module
The Cisco WS-X6182-2PA Expansion Module is designed to integrate seamlessly with the Catalyst 7600 and Catalyst 6000 series switches, expanding their functionality and versatility. This particular module is geared towards supporting Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) and FlexWAN (Wide Area Network) technologies, enabling high-speed data transmission and connectivity across wide-ranging network environments. Let’s explore the key features and specifications of the Cisco WS-X6182-2PA Expansion Module in more detail.
Key Features of the Cisco WS-X6182-2PA Expansion Module
- ATM Support: The Cisco WS-X6182-2PA Expansion Module provides native support for Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), a telecommunications standard for the synchronous transfer of voice, video, and data over networks. This feature enables organizations to deploy ATM-based networking solutions for various applications, including voice and video conferencing, multimedia streaming, and data transfer.
- FlexWAN Connectivity: FlexWAN technology offers a flexible and scalable approach to wide-area networking, allowing organizations to interconnect geographically dispersed locations efficiently. The Cisco WS-X6182-2PA Expansion Module supports FlexWAN interfaces, enabling seamless integration with diverse WAN technologies such as T1/E1, T3/E3, Frame Relay, and ATM, among others.
- High-Speed Data Transfer: With support for high-speed data transmission, the Cisco WS-X6182-2PA Expansion Module facilitates rapid communication and data exchange between network devices. This capability is essential for maintaining optimal network performance and responsiveness, particularly in bandwidth-intensive environments.
- Modular Design: The modular design of the Cisco WS-X6182-2PA Expansion Module allows for easy installation and hot-swappable functionality, minimizing downtime during upgrades or replacements. This modular approach enhances operational efficiency and simplifies maintenance tasks for network administrators.
- Scalability and Expandability: By adding the Cisco WS-X6182-2PA Expansion Module to Catalyst 7600 and Catalyst 6000 series switches, organizations can scale their network infrastructure to accommodate growing demands and expanding connectivity requirements. This scalability ensures that the network remains agile and adaptable to evolving business needs.
Performance Specifications
In addition to its key features, the performance specifications of the Cisco WS-X6182-2PA Expansion Module play a crucial role in determining its suitability for various networking applications. Let’s examine some of the performance metrics associated with this module:
- Throughput: Throughput refers to the amount of data that can be transmitted through the module per unit of time, typically measured in bits per second (bps) or packets per second (pps). The Cisco WS-X6182-2PA Expansion Module offers high throughput capabilities, ensuring efficient data transfer and minimal latency.
- Interface Speeds: The module supports various interface speeds, including gigabit and multi-gigabit Ethernet, enabling organizations to leverage high-speed connectivity for their networking requirements. This flexibility in interface speeds enhances network performance and accommodates diverse application needs.
- Quality of Service (QoS): Quality of Service mechanisms prioritize network traffic based on predefined criteria, ensuring that critical applications receive adequate bandwidth and resources. The Cisco WS-X6182-2PA Expansion Module incorporates advanced QoS features to optimize network performance and prioritize mission-critical traffic.
- Reliability and Redundancy: Built-in redundancy features such as link aggregation and hot standby capabilities enhance the reliability of the Cisco WS-X6182-2PA Expansion Module, minimizing the risk of network downtime due to hardware failures or link disruptions. These redundancy mechanisms contribute to high network availability and resilience.
Use Cases and Applications
The Cisco WS-X6182-2PA Expansion Module finds application across a wide range of networking scenarios, catering to the diverse needs of organizations across various industries. Some common use cases and applications include:
- Enterprise Networking: In large-scale enterprise networks, the Cisco WS-X6182-2PA Expansion Module enables seamless integration of ATM and FlexWAN technologies, facilitating secure and reliable communication between geographically dispersed offices, branches, and data centers.
- Service Provider Networks: Service providers leverage the Cisco WS-X6182-2PA Expansion Module to deliver high-speed connectivity and advanced services to their customers. Whether deploying MPLS-based VPNs, Metro Ethernet services, or broadband access solutions, this module enables service providers to offer scalable and resilient network solutions.
- Financial Services: In the financial services industry, where low latency and high reliability are paramount, the Cisco WS-X6182-2PA Expansion Module supports high-frequency trading, market data dissemination, and real-time transaction processing. Its robust performance and advanced features ensure uninterrupted operation in mission-critical trading environments.
- Healthcare: Healthcare organizations utilize the Cisco WS-X6182-2PA Expansion Module to support telemedicine initiatives, electronic health records (EHR) systems, and medical imaging applications. The module’s high-speed connectivity and QoS capabilities facilitate secure and efficient transmission of patient data and medical images across healthcare networks.
- Education: Educational institutions leverage the Cisco WS-X6182-2PA Expansion Module to build resilient campus networks that support e-learning platforms, multimedia content delivery, and collaborative tools. The module’s flexibility and scalability accommodate the diverse connectivity needs of students, faculty, and administrative staff.
Features and Benefits
The WS-X6182-2PA is a Cisco Catalyst expansion module that provides additional PoE (Power over Ethernet) capabilities for Cisco Catalyst switches. Here are some of its features and benefits:
Features:
- Provides 2 ports of 1000BASE-X (SFP) or 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet connectivity.
- Provides up to 30 watts of power per port for PoE-enabled devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and surveillance cameras.
- Supports IEEE 802.3af and Cisco prestandard PoE, allowing for compatibility with a wide range of PoE devices.
- Supports Cisco EnergyWise technology, which enables organizations to monitor and control the power consumption of network devices.
- Hot-swappable, allowing for easy installation and removal without interrupting network operations.
Benefits:
- Provides additional PoE capabilities to Cisco Catalyst switches, allowing organizations to power more devices without having to install additional power outlets or power supplies.
- Offers flexibility in connectivity options with 2 ports of 1000BASE-X (SFP) or 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet connectivity.
- Supports industry-standard PoE, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of PoE-enabled devices.
- Enables organizations to monitor and control power consumption of network devices with Cisco EnergyWise technology, which can lead to significant cost savings.
- Hot-swappable design minimizes network downtime during installation or removal of the module, ensuring high availability of the network.
General Information about this Cisco WS-X6182-2PA
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU# WS-X6182-2PA
- Product Name: Switching Module
- Product Type: Expansion Module
Interfaces/Ports
- Interfaces/Ports Details: Not Included
Media & Performance
- Connectivity Media: Not Applicable
- Data Transfer Rate: Not Applicable
I/O Expansions
- Expansion Slots: 2 x Port Adapter
Management & Protocols
- Protocols: PPP
- Protocols: PoS
- Protocols: ATM
- Protocols: HDLC
- Protocols: Frame Relay
Processor & Chipset
- Processor: 2 RM7000 263MHz
Memory:
- Memory: 64MB SDRAM per Port Adapter Slot Installed
- Memory: 128MB SDRAM per Port Adapter Slot Upgradeable
- Memory: 16MB Flash Memory Installed
In summary, the Cisco WS-X6182-2PA Catalyst 7600 Catalyst 6000 ATM Flexwan Expansion Module serves as a versatile and high-performance networking solution, enabling organizations to enhance their network infrastructure with advanced ATM and FlexWAN capabilities. With its robust features, modular design, and scalability, this expansion module addresses the evolving connectivity requirements of modern enterprises, service providers, and specialized industries. Whether deployed in enterprise data centers, service provider networks, or specialized environments such as healthcare and education, the Cisco WS-X6182-2PA Expansion Module plays a pivotal role in driving network efficiency, reliability, and innovation.