The Cisco 6500 Datasheet is a critical document for anyone involved in designing, deploying, or troubleshooting enterprise networks. It serves as the definitive guide to the capabilities, specifications, and options available for one of Cisco's most robust and versatile modular chassis platforms. Understanding the Cisco 6500 Datasheet is paramount for making informed decisions about network infrastructure.
The Essential Guide to Cisco 6500 Series Switches
The Cisco 6500 Datasheet is essentially a comprehensive technical blueprint for the Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series of modular network switches. These switches are renowned for their scalability, reliability, and flexibility, making them a cornerstone of many large enterprise and service provider networks. The datasheet provides an exhaustive list of supported hardware, including different supervisor engines, line cards, and service modules. It details the performance metrics, port densities, power requirements, and environmental considerations for each component. For network architects, this information is invaluable for selecting the right mix of hardware to meet current and future bandwidth demands, application needs, and service level agreements. The importance of this document cannot be overstated; it is the foundational piece for successful network planning and implementation.
When you open a Cisco 6500 Datasheet, you'll find structured information designed to be easily digestible. You can expect to see:
- Detailed specifications for various supervisor engines (e.g., performance, memory, features).
- A comprehensive list of supported line cards, categorized by port speed (e.g., Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit Ethernet) and functionality (e.g., copper, fiber, PoE).
- Information on optional service modules like firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, and WAN interfaces.
- Power supply options and their capacities.
- Physical dimensions and weight for rack mounting.
- Environmental requirements such as operating temperature and humidity.
Network administrators and engineers use the Cisco 6500 Datasheet in numerous ways. It helps in:
- Capacity Planning: Determining how many ports are needed and what speeds are required for current and projected traffic growth.
- Hardware Selection: Choosing the optimal combination of supervisor engines and line cards for specific network roles (e.g., core, distribution, access layer).
- Compatibility Checks: Ensuring that all chosen components will work together seamlessly.
- Troubleshooting: Referring to specifications when diagnosing performance issues or hardware failures.
- Cost Estimation: Providing the data needed to budget for network upgrades or new deployments.
Here's a simplified look at what you might find regarding line cards in a datasheet:
| Module Type | Speed | Ports | Interface Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WS-X6748-GE-TX | Gigabit Ethernet | 48 | RJ-45 (Copper) |
| WS-X6704-10GE | 10 Gigabit Ethernet | 4 | SFP+ (Fiber) |
To truly harness the power and flexibility of the Cisco 6500 Series, delve into its official documentation. The Cisco 6500 Datasheet is your essential companion for navigating the intricate details of this powerful networking platform.