Feature Description | Cisco Systems ME 6500 specs

Chapter 1 Product Overview

Cisco ME 6524 Ethernet Switch (ME-C6524GS-8S)

Table 1-1	Cisco ME 6524 Ethernet Switch (ME-C6524GS-8S) Features (continued)

Feature		Description

RESET switch		A recessed switch allows the user to reset the system.

Console port		A single console port allows the user access to the command-line interface.
		The console port has an RJ-45 connector.

USB ports		The switch has two USB ports:
		• Port 1 is a device port with a Type B USB connector. A standard
		USB 1.1 host, such as a PC, can plug into this port.
		• Port 2 is a host port with a Type A USB connector. A standard USB 1.1
		device, such as Flash memory, can plug into this port.

PCMCIA slot		Type 2 CompactFlash devices can be installed in this slot.

Downlink ports		The chassis front panel has 24 downlink ports. An SFP transceiver must be
		installed for the port to operate. Cable type and recommended cabling
		distance are determined by the type of SFP transceiver installed in the
		downlink port.

Uplink ports		The chassis front panel has 8 uplink ports. An SFP transceiver must be
		installed for the port to operate. Cable type and recommended cabling
		distance are determined by the type of SFP transceiver installed in the uplink
		port.

Cisco ME 6500 Series Ethernet Switch Installation Guide

	OL-8900-01	1-3

ME 6500 specifications

The Cisco Systems ME 6500 is a sophisticated Ethernet switch designed to cater to the demanding needs of service providers and large enterprises. Engineered to deliver high performance and reliability, the ME 6500 series is ideal for both metro Ethernet applications and data center environments. One of its standout features is the ability to handle massive bandwidth, making it suitable for high-capacity networks. The switch supports a range of Ethernet services that facilitate seamless connectivity and network expansion.

At the core of the ME 6500 is its ability to provide Layer 2 and Layer 3 functionalities, which allows for flexibility in network design. This dual-layer capability enhances the switch's efficiency in managing traffic and ensures optimal forwarding of data packets. In addition, the ME 6500 series supports a wide range of Ethernet interfaces, including 10 Gigabit and 1 Gigabit Ethernet ports, which are essential for accommodating diverse bandwidth requirements.

One of the defining characteristics of the Cisco ME 6500 is its scalability. It supports up to 192 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports within a single chassis, enabling organizations to expand their network without compromising performance. Furthermore, the switch includes advanced Quality of Service (QoS) features that allow for traffic prioritization, which is crucial for maintaining the performance of voice and video services across the network.

The ME 6500 switch is also equipped with robust security features, including Access Control Lists (ACLs) and secure management protocols. These features protect sensitive data as it traverses the network, ensuring that only authorized users have access to critical resources. Management of the switch is simplified through Cisco’s management tools, allowing network administrators to monitor, configure, and troubleshoot the device efficiently.

Additionally, the switch supports various redundancy protocols, including Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) and Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), ensuring high availability and minimizing downtime.

Overall, the Cisco ME 6500 is a powerful and versatile solution that meets the heavy demands of modern network environments, delivering outstanding performance, security, and scalability for both service providers and large enterprises. Its advanced features make it a go-to choice for organizations looking to future-proof their networking infrastructure.