Description
Product Overview
In the realm of networking, Cisco is a well-known name, and its Catalyst series switches are widely used for building robust and scalable network infrastructures. Among the Catalyst series, the Cisco WS-X6248A-TEL stands out as a versatile switching module designed to enhance network connectivity and performance. In this guide, we will explore the features, specifications, and potential applications of the Cisco WS-X6248A-TEL Catalyst 6000 Series Switching Module.
Understanding Catalyst Series Switches
Before diving into the specifics of the Cisco WS-X6248A-TEL module, it’s essential to understand the role of switches in computer networking. Switches are devices that connect multiple devices within a local area network (LAN) and facilitate communication by forwarding data packets to their intended destinations. The Catalyst series switches from Cisco are renowned for their reliability, scalability, and advanced features, making them a popular choice for enterprise and data center networks.
Overview of Cisco WS-X6248A-TEL Switching Module
The Cisco WS-X6248A-TEL is a line card module designed for use with the Cisco Catalyst 6000 Series switches. This module provides 48 ports of 10/100BASE-TX auto-sensing Ethernet connectivity, making it suitable for a wide range of network deployments. Whether used in enterprise LANs, data center environments, or service provider networks, the WS-X6248A-TEL module offers flexibility, performance, and scalability.
Key Features of the Cisco WS-X6248A-TEL Module
- 48 Ports of Ethernet Connectivity: The WS-X6248A-TEL module comes equipped with 48 ports, allowing for the connection of numerous devices such as computers, printers, servers, and other networking equipment.
- Auto-sensing Ethernet: Each port on the module supports auto-sensing technology, which enables it to automatically detect the speed and duplex mode of connected devices. This feature simplifies network configuration and ensures optimal performance.
- High Performance: With support for both 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps Ethernet speeds, the WS-X6248A-TEL module delivers high-performance connectivity for demanding network applications.
- Scalability: The Cisco Catalyst 6000 Series switches, compatible with the WS-X6248A-TEL module, offer modular chassis designs that allow for easy expansion and scalability. Organizations can add additional modules and upgrade their network infrastructure as needed to accommodate growth.
- Advanced Networking Features: In addition to basic switching capabilities, the WS-X6248A-TEL module supports a range of advanced networking features such as VLANs, Quality of Service (QoS), and multicast routing, enabling organizations to optimize their network for various applications and traffic types.
- Redundancy and High Availability: Cisco Catalyst switches are known for their robustness and reliability. The WS-X6248A-TEL module supports features such as redundant power supplies and hot-swappable components, minimizing downtime and ensuring continuous operation.
Performance Specifications
In terms of performance, the Cisco WS-X6248A-TEL module offers the following specifications:
- Forwarding Rate: The module is capable of forwarding data at high rates, ensuring efficient data transfer within the network.
- Switching Capacity: The switching capacity of the module determines the maximum amount of data that can be processed simultaneously. The WS-X6248A-TEL module provides ample switching capacity to support the needs of modern networks.
- Buffer Memory: Buffer memory is essential for temporarily storing data packets during times of network congestion. The WS-X6248A-TEL module is equipped with sufficient buffer memory to handle bursts of traffic effectively.
- Latency: Low latency is crucial for ensuring responsive network performance. The WS-X6248A-TEL module minimizes latency, resulting in smooth and seamless communication between network devices.
Use Cases and Applications
The Cisco WS-X6248A-TEL Catalyst 6000 Series switching module is well-suited for a variety of networking applications across different industries. Some common use cases include:
- Enterprise Networking: In medium to large enterprises, the switching module forms the backbone of the network infrastructure, providing reliable connectivity for workstations, servers, printers, and other devices.
- Data Center Networking: Data centers require high-performance networking equipment to handle the massive volumes of data generated and processed within their facilities. The Cisco WS-X6248A-TEL Catalyst 6000 Series switching module facilitates efficient data transfer and communication between servers, storage systems, and networking appliances in the data center environment.
- Service Provider Networks: Service providers rely on robust networking solutions to deliver connectivity services to their customers. The Cisco WS-X6248A-TEL Catalyst 6000 Series switching module enables service providers to build scalable and resilient networks capable of meeting the diverse needs of their customer base.
- Education and Research Institutions: Educational institutions and research organizations leverage the switching module to support collaborative learning environments, high-performance computing clusters, and data-intensive research projects.
Scalable and High-Performance
The WS-X6248A-TEL Cisco Catalyst 6000 48 Ports Ethernet Switching Module is a high-performance and scalable switch module that is designed for use in enterprise networks. It provides 48 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports, which allow for high-speed data transfer and support for a large number of connected devices. The module supports advanced features such as Quality of Service (QoS), which allows for prioritization of different types of network traffic, and VLANs, which enable the creation of virtual networks within a single physical network. Additionally, the module supports Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), which allows for the bundling of multiple physical links to form a single logical link, providing increased bandwidth and redundancy.
The module also supports the Cisco IOS Software, which allows for easy management and configuration of the switch. This software provides a wide range of features such as security, network management, and troubleshooting tools. The module also supports a variety of protocols, including IPv4, IPv6, and MPLS, which makes it versatile and adaptable to different network environments.
Quality of Service (QoS) Support
The WS-X6248A-TEL Cisco Catalyst 6000 48 Ports Ethernet Switching Module supports Quality of Service (QoS) features that allow network administrators to prioritize different types of network traffic. This ensures that critical traffic such as voice or video is given priority over less important traffic such as file downloads. This helps to ensure that important applications and services have the necessary bandwidth and low latency to function properly.
The module supports a variety of QoS features such as:
- Class-Based Weighted Fair Queuing (CBWFQ) – This allows for the configuration of different queues for different types of traffic, with each queue having a specific bandwidth allocation.
- Low Latency Queuing (LLQ) – This feature allows for the configuration of a priority queue for critical traffic such as voice or video.
- Weighted Random Early Detection (WRED) – This feature helps to prevent network congestion by randomly dropping packets when the network becomes overloaded.
- Traffic Shaping and Policing – This feature allows for the control of the rate at which traffic is sent, ensuring that the network is not overwhelmed with traffic.
- IPv4 and IPv6 Quality of Service (QoS) – The module supports both IPv4 and IPv6 Quality of Service (QoS) which makes it versatile and adaptable to different network environments.
These QoS features can be configured through the Cisco IOS software, which allows for easy management and configuration of the switch.
Security and management
The WS-X6248A-TEL Cisco Catalyst 6000 48 Ports Ethernet Switching Module provides a variety of security and management features to help protect and manage enterprise networks.
In terms of security, the module supports features such as:
- Access Control Lists (ACLs) – This allows network administrators to create and implement rules that restrict access to specific network resources based on the source and destination IP addresses, ports, and protocols.
- Virtual Private Network (VPN) – This feature allows for secure remote access to the network through the use of encryption.
- IEEE 802.1X Network Login – This feature allows for the authentication of devices before they are allowed to access the network.
- Secure Shell (SSH) – This feature provides secure remote access to the switch’s command-line interface (CLI) through the use of encryption.
In terms of management, the module supports features such as:
- Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) – This allows for the monitoring and management of the switch through the use of network management systems.
- Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP) – This allows for the automatic discovery of Cisco devices on the network.
- Remote monitoring (RMON) – This feature allows for the monitoring of network traffic and statistics.
- Cisco IOS Software – This provides a wide range of features such as security, network management, and troubleshooting tools, allowing for easy management and configuration of the switch.
General Information about this Cisco WS-X6248A-TEL
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU# WS-X6248A-TEL
- Product Name: 48-Port Ethernet Switching Module
- Product Type: Switching Module
Technical Information
- Application/Usage: Switching Network
Interfaces/Ports
- Interfaces/Ports: 48 x 10/100Base-TX
- Interfaces/Ports Details: 48 x RJ-21 10/100Base-TX Auto-sensing
- Interfaces/Ports Details: 4 x RJ-21 Connector
Media & Performance
- Connectivity Media: Category 5 or higher UTP 10/100Base-TX
- Connectivity Media: Category 3 UTP 10Base-T
- Connectivity Media: FTP
- Data Transfer Rate: 10 Mbps Ethernet Half/Full-duplex
- Data Transfer Rate: 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet Half/Full-duplex
Miscellaneous
- Compatibility: Cisco Catalyst 6500 Chassis
- Cisco Catalyst 6000 Chassis
In summary, the Cisco WS-X6248A-TEL Catalyst 6000 Series 48 Ports 10/100BASE-TX Auto-sensing Ethernet Switching Module offers a powerful and versatile solution for building and managing modern networks. With its high port density, auto-sensing capabilities, advanced features, and robust performance, this switching module meets the evolving networking requirements of organizations across various industries. Whether deployed in enterprise LANs, data centers, service provider networks, or educational institutions, the Cisco WS-X6248A-TEL Catalyst 6000 Series switching module delivers the reliability, scalability, and performance needed to support mission-critical applications and services.
