The Cisco 6500 Data Sheet is an indispensable resource for anyone involved in network design, deployment, or management. It serves as the definitive guide to the capabilities, features, and specifications of the Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series switches, a legendary platform known for its scalability, reliability, and versatility in enterprise and service provider environments. Understanding this document is key to leveraging the full potential of these powerful networking devices.
What is the Cisco 6500 Data Sheet and How is it Used?
At its core, the Cisco 6500 Data Sheet is a comprehensive technical document that details every aspect of a specific Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series switch model or a particular hardware/software combination. It's not just a list of specs; it's a roadmap for understanding what the switch can do, how it performs, and what configurations are possible. Network engineers, architects, and IT decision-makers rely on these data sheets to make informed choices about network infrastructure. They help determine if a particular 6500 series chassis, supervisor engine, line card, or module meets the performance, port density, and feature requirements of a given network application.
The usage of the Cisco 6500 Data Sheet spans various stages of the network lifecycle:
- Planning and Design: When designing a new network or upgrading an existing one, engineers consult data sheets to select the appropriate chassis, supervisor, and line cards that offer the required bandwidth, port types (e.g., Ethernet, Fiber Channel), and advanced features like Quality of Service (QoS) and security.
- Procurement: Before purchasing equipment, the data sheet ensures that the selected components precisely match the technical specifications and compliance needs.
- Deployment and Configuration: During installation and configuration, the data sheet provides essential details on physical dimensions, power requirements, environmental factors, and supported software versions.
- Troubleshooting and Optimization: In some cases, engineers might refer back to the data sheet to understand specific hardware limitations or verify a particular feature's behavior when troubleshooting network issues.
Here’s a simplified look at the types of information found within a Cisco 6500 Data Sheet, often presented in tables and lists:
| Category | Typical Information Provided |
|---|---|
| Chassis Options | Number of slots, dimensions, power supply options, cooling capabilities |
| Supervisor Engines | Processing power, memory, supported software features, management capabilities |
| Line Cards/Modules | Port types (e.g., 10GbE, 1GbE, Gigabit Ethernet), port density, throughput, Layer 2/Layer 3 forwarding capabilities |
| Performance Metrics | Switching capacity, forwarding rate, latency |
| Supported Software Features | Routing protocols, QoS features, security functions, management protocols |
| Environmental and Physical Specifications | Operating temperature, humidity, weight, dimensions |
Understanding the nuances within these sections allows for precise network engineering and avoids costly mistakes or performance bottlenecks.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series and its diverse capabilities, consulting the official Cisco 6500 Data Sheet is the most direct and accurate approach. Dive into the detailed specifications and feature sets available within this crucial document.