Description
Product Overview of Cisco WS-X6248-RJ45 Catalyst 6000 Series
In the realm of networking equipment, Cisco has established itself as a leading provider of innovative solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of businesses and organizations worldwide. Among its extensive product lineup, the Cisco WS-X6248-RJ45 Catalyst 6000 Series stands out as a versatile and high-performance switching module designed to enhance network connectivity and efficiency. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the features, specifications, benefits, and potential use cases of the Cisco WS-X6248-RJ45 Catalyst 6000 Series.
Understanding Cisco Catalyst Switches
Before diving into the specifics of the Cisco WS-X6248-RJ45 module, it’s essential to understand the role of Catalyst switches in modern network infrastructure. Catalyst switches serve as critical components within network architectures, facilitating the efficient transmission of data between devices within a local area network (LAN). These switches offer advanced features such as high-speed connectivity, robust security capabilities, and intelligent management functionalities, making them indispensable for businesses of all sizes.
The Cisco WS-X6248-RJ45 Module
The Cisco WS-X6248-RJ45 is a line card module designed for use with the Cisco Catalyst 6000 Series switches. This module expands the switching capacity of compatible Catalyst switches, allowing for the seamless integration of additional network devices and the scaling of network infrastructure to support growing demands. Let’s explore the key features and specifications of the Cisco WS-X6248-RJ45 module:
Key Features of the Cisco WS-X6248-RJ45 Module
- 48 Ports: The WS-X6248-RJ45 module offers a total of 48 ports, providing ample connectivity options for a wide range of network devices, including computers, servers, printers, and IP phones.
- Ethernet Connectivity: Each port on the module supports Ethernet connectivity, enabling devices to communicate with each other over a local network using the Ethernet protocol.
- Fast Ethernet Support: The module supports Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps) speeds, ensuring high-speed data transmission for applications that require rapid data transfer rates.
- Auto-sensing Technology: Auto-sensing capabilities allow the module to automatically detect the speed and duplex settings of connected devices, ensuring seamless interoperability and optimal performance.
- Twisted Pair Connectivity: The module utilizes twisted pair cabling (specifically 10Base-T and 100Base-TX), a common and cost-effective networking medium used in many Ethernet-based networks.
- Plug-in Module Design: The WS-X6248-RJ45 module features a plug-in design, allowing for easy installation and removal from compatible Catalyst switches without the need for extensive configuration or downtime.
- Scalability: By adding the WS-X6248-RJ45 module to a Catalyst 6000 Series switch, organizations can expand their network infrastructure to accommodate growing connectivity requirements efficiently.
Performance Specifications
In addition to its key features, the Cisco WS-X6248-RJ45 module offers robust performance capabilities that ensure reliable and efficient operation within diverse network environments. Let’s examine some of the performance specifications associated with this module:
- Switching Capacity: The WS-X6248-RJ45 module contributes to the overall switching capacity of the Catalyst 6000 Series switch, enabling the seamless routing and forwarding of data packets across the network.
- Forwarding Rate: The forwarding rate denotes the speed at which the module can process and forward data packets. With its high forwarding rate, the WS-X6248-RJ45 module ensures low latency and minimal packet loss, enhancing network performance.
- Buffer Memory: Buffer memory plays a crucial role in temporarily storing incoming and outgoing data packets to accommodate variations in network traffic. The WS-X6248-RJ45 module features sufficient buffer memory to handle burst traffic patterns effectively.
- Quality of Service (QoS) Support: QoS capabilities built into the module enable the prioritization of critical traffic types, such as voice or video, to ensure consistent performance and minimize latency for latency-sensitive applications.
Use Cases and Applications
The Cisco WS-X6248-RJ45 Catalyst 6000 Series module is well-suited for a variety of use cases and applications across different industries. Some common scenarios where this module excels include:
- Enterprise Networks: In large-scale enterprise networks, the WS-X6248-RJ45 module facilitates the expansion of network connectivity to accommodate a growing number of users, devices, and applications.
- Data Centers: Data centers require high-density switching solutions to support the massive volumes of data generated and processed within their infrastructure. The WS-X6248-RJ45 module enhances data center connectivity and enables seamless communication between servers, storage systems, and networking equipment.
- Campus Networks: Educational institutions, corporate campuses, and government facilities benefit from the scalability and flexibility of the WS-X6248-RJ45 module for connecting diverse endpoints across expansive network environments.
- IP Telephony: With support for Auto-sensing and Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities, the WS-X6248-RJ45 module is ideal for deploying IP telephony solutions, ensuring reliable voice communication, and prioritizing voice traffic for optimal call quality.
- Unified Communications: Organizations leveraging unified communications platforms rely on robust network infrastructure to support real-time communication and collaboration tools. The WS-X6248-RJ45 module plays a vital role in enabling seamless integration and connectivity for unified communications applications.
Efficient and Scalable Networking
Efficient and scalable networking with the WS-X6248-RJ45 Cisco Catalyst switch module is achieved through a combination of high-density port capacity, advanced features, and flexible deployment options.
The 48 Fast Ethernet ports on the module provide a high-density solution for connecting a large number of devices, such as PCs, servers, and IP phones, to the network. This allows for a more efficient use of space and resources in the network rack.
Advanced features such as Quality of Service (QoS) allow for prioritization of different types of network traffic, ensuring that critical applications and services receive the bandwidth they need. VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) allow for segmentation of the network, improving security and reducing network congestion. Security features such as access control lists (ACLs) and port security provide an additional layer of protection against unauthorized access and network attacks.
The module also supports flexible deployment options. It can be used in a standalone configuration or as part of a modular chassis system, such as the Cisco Catalyst 6500 or 7600 Series routers. This allows for easy scalability as the network grows and expands.
Additionally, the module supports PoE (Power over Ethernet) which can be used to power IP devices like IP phones, wireless access points, and IP cameras, which eliminates the need for additional power cords and outlets, making it more efficient.
Easy Management and Scalability
The WS-X6248-RJ45 Cisco Catalyst switch module is designed to be easy to manage and scalable.
One way it achieves this is through the use of Cisco’s IOS (Internetwork Operating System) software, which provides a consistent command-line interface (CLI) and graphical user interface (GUI) across all Cisco networking devices. This allows for easy management and configuration of the switch module, as well as integration with other Cisco devices in the network.
In addition, the module supports Cisco’s Smartports feature, which allows for the automatic configuration of port settings based on the type of device connected to the port. This helps to ensure that the network is configured correctly and optimally, and can save time and effort when adding new devices to the network.
Another feature that helps with scalability is the module’s support for VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks). VLANs allow for the segmentation of the network into different logical groups, which can improve security and reduce network congestion. This allows for easy scalability as the network grows and expands, as new VLANs can be created and added as needed.
The module also supports Cisco’s FlexStack and FlexStack-Plus stacking technology which allows multiple switch modules to be connected and managed as a single entity, providing scalability and ease of management. This allows for a larger number of ports and enhanced resiliency and simplifies the management of multiple devices.
Power Options and Redundancy
The WS-X6248-RJ45 Cisco Catalyst switch module supports several power options and redundancy features to ensure the high availability and reliability of the network.
One of the power options is the support for PoE (Power over Ethernet), which allows the switch module to provide power to devices connected to its ports, such as IP phones, wireless access points, and IP cameras. This eliminates the need for additional power cords and outlets, simplifying the deployment and reducing the overall power consumption.
Another power option is the support for redundant power supply units (PSUs) which can provide an additional level of redundancy in case of a power failure. This ensures that the switch module continues to operate even if one of the PSUs fails, maintaining the availability of the network.
The switch module also supports FlexStack and FlexStack-Plus stacking technology which allows multiple switch modules to be connected together and managed as a single entity, providing scalability and ease of management. This allows for a larger number of ports and enhanced resiliency and simplifies the management of multiple devices.
In addition, the module supports hitless failover, which allows for a smooth and seamless transition to a redundant supervisor engine in case of a failure. This ensures that the network continues to operate without interruption and any loss of data.
General Information about this Cisco WS-X6248-RJ45
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU# WS-X6248-RJ45
- Product Name: 48-Port Ethernet Switching Module
- Product Type: Switching Module
Technical Information
- Application/Usage Switching Network
Interfaces/Ports
- Interfaces/Ports Details 48 x RJ-45 10/100Base-TX Auto-sensing
Media & Performance
- Media Type Supported Twisted Pair
- Twisted Pair Cable Standard Category 3
- Twisted Pair Cable Standard Category 5
- Ethernet Technology Ethernet
- Ethernet Technology Fast Ethernet
- Network Technology 10Base-T
- Network Technology 10/100Base-TX
- Maximum Data Transfer Rate 100 Mbit/s
Miscellaneous
- Compatibility Cisco Catalyst 6500 series
- Cisco Catalyst 6000 series
In summary, the Cisco WS-X6248-RJ45 Catalyst 6000 Series module offers a versatile and high-performance switching solution for enhancing network connectivity and scalability. With its abundance of ports, support for Fast Ethernet, auto-sensing technology, and plug-in module design, this module caters to the diverse needs of modern network environments. Whether deployed in enterprise networks, data centers, campus environments, or for specific applications such as IP telephony and unified communications, the Cisco WS-X6248-RJ45 module delivers the reliability, performance, and flexibility required to meet the demands of today’s dynamic networking landscape.
