6500

Cisco Catalyst 6500 License

The licensed Cisco Catalyst 6500 is a modular network switch that has been a workhorse in enterprise networks since its introduction in 1999. Over the years, the Catalyst 6500 has evolved to become one of the most reliable and versatile switches in the market, with a range of features and capabilities that make it a popular choice for both small and large organizations.

One of the key features of the Catalyst 6500 is its modular design. The switch chassis can support multiple line cards, each of which provides specific functionality such as Ethernet ports, fiber connectivity, or power-over-Ethernet (PoE) support. This modular design makes it easy to add new capabilities to the switch as needed, without having to replace the entire unit.

In addition, the Catalyst 6500 supports a wide range of protocols and features, including virtual LANs (VLANs), quality of service (QoS), and layer 3 routing protocols such as OSPF and BGP. These features make it easy to segment network traffic, prioritize traffic based on application requirements, and route traffic between different networks.

Another key advantage of the Catalyst 6500 is its reliability. The switch chassis is designed for high availability, with redundant power supplies, fans, and supervisors. The switch can also be configured for hot-swapping, which allows modules to be added or removed without interrupting network traffic.

The Catalyst 6500 also offers advanced security features, including access control lists (ACLs), 802.1x authentication, and port security. These features help to ensure that only authorized devices are allowed on the network, and that network traffic is secure and protected from unauthorized access.

Cisco Catalyst 6500 Use Cases

The licensed Cisco Catalyst 6500 is a popular network switch from Cisco Systems that has been widely used in large enterprises and data centers for many years. The Catalyst 6500 offers high performance, reliability, and scalability, making it ideal for a wide range of applications. In the following, we will explore some of the unique use cases of the Catalyst 6500.

Core Switching

The licensed Cisco Catalyst 6500 is an excellent choice for core switching in large enterprise networks. Its high-speed switching fabric, low latency, and advanced routing features make it capable of handling large volumes of traffic with ease. The Catalyst 6500 also offers high availability and redundancy, with support for hot-swappable power supplies and fans.

Data Center Aggregation

Data centers typically require a high-performance, scalable, and reliable network infrastructure to support their critical applications and services. The Catalyst 6500 is a popular choice for data center aggregation due to its high capacity, flexible interface options, and advanced security features. It can handle multiple types of traffic, including voice, video, and data, with low latency and high throughput.

Campus Distribution

The licensed Cisco Catalyst 6500 is well-suited for campus distribution, where it can provide high-speed connectivity to access switches and end-user devices. It offers advanced features such as Virtual Switching System (VSS), which allows two physical switches to operate as a single logical entity, enhancing network resiliency and reducing downtime. The Catalyst 6500 also supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), which can power IP phones, cameras, and other network devices, eliminating the need for separate power supplies.

Service Provider Edge

Service providers require a high-performance, scalable, and secure network infrastructure to deliver their services to customers. The Catalyst 6500 is an ideal choice for service provider edge deployments, where it can provide high-speed connectivity to customer networks while also offering advanced features such as MPLS, QoS, and multicast support.

Network Access Control

The licensed Cisco Catalyst 6500 can be used for network access control, where it can enforce security policies at the edge of the network. It supports a wide range of security features, including 802.1X authentication, MAC address filtering, and port security. The Catalyst 6500 also integrates with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), which provides centralized policy management and enforcement.

Wireless LAN Controller

The licensed Cisco Catalyst 6500 can be used as a wireless LAN controller (WLC) in conjunction with Cisco Lightweight Access Points (LAPs). This allows organizations to deploy wireless networks that are centrally managed and highly scalable. The Catalyst 6500 supports advanced features such as dynamic RF management, client load balancing, and wireless intrusion prevention.

Finally, the licensed Cisco Catalyst 6500 is easy to manage and configure. Cisco offers a range of management tools for the switch, including the Cisco Network Assistant and the CiscoWorks LAN Management Solution. These tools allow administrators to quickly and easily configure the switch, monitor network performance, and troubleshoot any issues that arise.

In conclusion, the Cisco Catalyst 6500 is a reliable and versatile network switch that offers a range of features and capabilities that make it a popular choice for enterprise networks. Its modular design, advanced features, and high availability make it an excellent choice for organizations looking to build a scalable and robust network infrastructure.