Description
Product Overview of Cisco WS-X6708-10G-3CXL Ethernet Module
In the realm of networking, Cisco stands out as a leading provider of innovative solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of businesses and organizations worldwide. Among its extensive product lineup, the Cisco WS-X6708-10G-3CXL 8-Ports Ethernet Module holds a prominent position as a high-performance networking module catering to the demands of modern enterprise networks. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the features, specifications, benefits, and potential use cases of the Cisco WS-X6708-10G-3CXL Ethernet Module.
Understanding Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Chassis
Before delving into the specifics of the WS-X6708-10G-3CXL Ethernet Module, it’s essential to understand the Catalyst 6500 Series chassis, which serves as the platform for this module. The Catalyst 6500 Series is a family of modular chassis switches renowned for their scalability, reliability, and flexibility. These chassis provide a foundation for building robust network infrastructures capable of supporting diverse applications and services.
Exploring the Cisco WS-X6708-10G-3CXL Ethernet Module
The Cisco WS-X6708-10G-3CXL Ethernet Module is a line card designed for use with the Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series chassis. It features eight ports of 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, delivering high-speed data transmission capabilities to meet the demands of bandwidth-intensive applications. The “3CXL” designation indicates that this module supports Cisco’s Triple-Speed Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps) technology, offering versatility in network connectivity.
Key Features of the Cisco WS-X6708-10G-3CXL Ethernet Module
- High-Speed Connectivity: With eight ports of 10 Gigabit Ethernet, the WS-X6708-10G-3CXL Ethernet Module provides ample bandwidth for demanding network environments, including data centers, enterprise campuses, and service provider networks.
- Scalability: The modular design of the Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series chassis allows for easy expansion and scalability, enabling organizations to adapt to changing network requirements without the need for significant infrastructure overhauls.
- Triple-Speed Ethernet Support: The WS-X6708-10G-3CXL Ethernet Module supports Cisco’s Triple-Speed Ethernet technology, allowing for seamless integration with existing network infrastructure and the gradual transition to higher speeds.
- Hot-Swappable Design: The hot-swappable nature of the WS-X6708-10G-3CXL Ethernet Module enables administrators to replace or upgrade modules without disrupting network operations, ensuring continuous uptime and minimal downtime.
- Advanced Features and Protocols: Built-in support for advanced networking features and protocols, such as Quality of Service (QoS), Virtual LANs (VLANs), and Layer 3 routing, enhances the functionality and performance of the Cisco WS-X6708-10G-3CXL Ethernet Module.
- Redundancy and High Availability: The Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series chassis offers redundant power supplies, supervisor engines, and fabric modules, providing built-in redundancy and high availability to minimize the risk of network downtime.
Performance Specifications
In addition to its key features, the performance specifications of the Cisco WS-X6708-10G-3CXL Ethernet Module play a crucial role in determining its suitability for various applications. Let’s examine some of the performance metrics associated with this module:
- Throughput: The module’s throughput capacity determines the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted per unit of time. The WS-X6708-10G-3CXL Ethernet Module delivers high throughput, ensuring efficient data transfer and low latency.
- Forwarding Rate: The forwarding rate, often measured in millions of packets per second (Mpps), indicates the module’s ability to process and forward network traffic. With a high forwarding rate, the WS-X6708-10G-3CXL Ethernet Module can handle heavy network loads with ease.
- Buffer Memory: Adequate buffer memory is essential for buffering and queuing incoming data packets, preventing packet loss during periods of congestion. The WS-X6708-10G-3CXL Ethernet Module is equipped with sufficient buffer memory to maintain optimal network performance under varying traffic conditions.
- Jumbo Frame Support: Jumbo frames allow for the transmission of larger data packets, reducing the overhead associated with packet headers and improving overall network efficiency. The WS-X6708-10G-3CXL Ethernet Module supports jumbo frames, enabling efficient data transfer in environments where large file sizes are common.
Use Cases and Applications
The Cisco WS-X6708-10G-3CXL Ethernet Module is suitable for a wide range of use cases and applications across various industries. Some common scenarios where this module excels include:
- Data Center Networking: In data center environments where high-performance networking is critical for supporting virtualization, storage area networks (SANs), and cloud computing, the Cisco WS-X6708-10G-3CXL Ethernet Module provides the bandwidth and scalability required to handle large volumes of data traffic.
- Enterprise Campus Networks: Large enterprise campuses with diverse connectivity requirements benefit from the Cisco WS-X6708-10G-3CXL Ethernet Module’s ability to deliver high-speed connectivity to servers, switches, and other network devices, facilitating seamless communication and collaboration.
- Service Provider Networks: Service providers leverage the Cisco WS-X6708-10G-3CXL Ethernet Module’s high-performance capabilities to deliver reliable and scalable network services to their customers, including broadband access, IP/MPLS routing, and metro Ethernet connectivity.
- High-Performance Computing (HPC): HPC clusters and supercomputing environments rely on high-speed interconnects to facilitate communication between compute nodes and accelerate data processing tasks. The Cisco WS-X6708-10G-3CXL Ethernet Module enables fast and efficient data transfer within HPC environments, improving overall system performance and throughput.
Features and Benefits
The WS-X6708-10G-3CXL Cisco 8 Ports 10 Gigabit Ethernet Module is a high-performance expansion module that provides fast and reliable connectivity for data center networks. Here are some of the key features and benefits of this expansion module:
- High-speed Connectivity: The module supports 8 ports of 10 Gigabit Ethernet, providing high-speed connectivity for data-intensive applications such as video streaming, data backup, and cloud computing.
- Low Latency: The module has a low latency design, ensuring fast and responsive network performance, which is essential for data center applications.
- Advanced Quality of Service (QoS): The module supports advanced QoS features, such as traffic shaping and prioritization, which enable network administrators to manage network traffic and optimize network performance.
- Virtualization Support: The module supports virtualization technologies such as VM-FEX and VDC, enabling network administrators to create virtual environments that can be managed separately from the physical network.
- Energy Efficiency: The module has a low power consumption, reducing energy costs and minimizing the carbon footprint of the data center.
- Scalability: The module can be easily integrated into a Cisco Catalyst 6500 series switch, providing a scalable solution for expanding the network as business needs grow.
- Modular Design: The module has a modular design, which allows for easy installation and maintenance.
- Investment Protection: The module is compatible with existing Cisco Catalyst 6500 series switches, protecting the investment in the existing network infrastructure.
Performance and Reliability
The WS-X6708-10G-3CXL Cisco 8 Ports 10 Gigabit Ethernet Module is a high-performance expansion module that provides high-speed connectivity to the data center network. Here are some of the key features related to its performance and reliability:
- Port Density: The module supports up to 8 ports, each capable of running at speeds of 10Gbps, providing high-density connectivity for data center servers and storage systems.
- High-speed Connectivity: The module supports Ethernet speeds of 10 Gbps, which is ideal for high-bandwidth applications such as video streaming, large file transfers, and virtualization.
- Low Latency: The module has a low latency design, ensuring fast and responsive network performance, which is essential for data center applications.
- Jumbo Frame Support: The module supports jumbo frames, which are larger than standard Ethernet frames, allowing for more efficient data transfers and reducing network overhead.
- Redundancy: The module supports redundant power and cooling, ensuring high availability and minimizing downtime.
- Quality of Service: The module supports advanced Quality of Service (QoS) features, allowing administrators to prioritize traffic based on specific needs, such as latency-sensitive or bandwidth-intensive applications.
- Security: The module supports advanced security features, such as Access Control Lists (ACLs), which allow administrators to control access to the network and protect against unauthorized access.
- Compatibility: The module is compatible with a range of Cisco switches, providing a flexible and scalable solution for data center networks.
General Information about this Cisco WS-X6708-10G-3CXL
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU# WS-X6708-10G-3CXL
- Product Name: Catalyst 6500 8-Port 10 Gigabit Ethernet Module
- Product Type: Expansion Module
Technical Information
- Application/Usage: Data Networking
Media & Performance
- Connectivity Media: Multi-mode Optical Fiber
- Connectivity Media: Single-mode Optical Fiber
- Data Transfer Rate: 10 Gbps Gigabit Ethernet
I/O Expansions
- Expansion Slots: 8 x X2 Free
- Daughter Cards: 1 x DFC3CXL
Management & Protocols
- Management:
- RMON
- SNMP
- VLAN
- SIMON
Miscellaneous
- Additional Information:
- Switch fabric connection: 40 Gbps (80 Gbps full duplex)
- DFC3CXL for distributed forwarding, supporting 1M routes
- CoS-based queue mapping
- Port buffers: 200 MB per port
- Supervisor Engine 720 Supported
- 1 GB default Onboard memory
- Compatibility-
- Occupies one slot in the Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series chassis or Cisco 7600 chassis
In summary, the Cisco WS-X6708-10G-3CXL Ethernet Module offers a robust and feature-rich networking solution for organizations seeking high-speed connectivity, scalability, and reliability. Whether deployed in data centers, enterprise campuses, service provider networks, or HPC environments, this module delivers the performance and flexibility required to meet the demands of modern networking applications. With its advanced features, seamless integration with Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series chassis, and proven track record of reliability, the Cisco WS-X6708-10G-3CXL Ethernet Module remains a trusted choice for networking professionals worldwide.
