Preface

This preface describes who should read the Cisco ME 6500 Series Ethernet Switch Installation Guide, how it is organized, and its document conventions.

Audience

Only trained and qualified service personnel (as defined in IEC 60950 and AS/NZS3260) should install, replace, or service the equipment described in this publication.

Organization

This publication is organized as follows:

Chapter

Title

Description

 

 

 

Chapter 1

Product Overview

Describes and lists the hardware features and

 

 

functionality of the Cisco ME 6500 series Ethernet

 

 

switches.

 

 

 

Chapter 2

Preparing for Installation

Describes how to prepare your site before installing the

 

 

Cisco ME 6500 series Ethernet switches.

 

 

 

Chapter 3

Installing the Switch

Describes how to install your Cisco ME 6500 series

 

 

Ethernet switches.

 

 

 

Chapter 4

Removal and

Provides procedures for removing and installing chassis

 

Replacement Procedures

field replaceable unit (FRU) components.

 

 

 

Appendix A

Power Supply

Provides specifications for the Cisco ME 6500 series

 

Specifications

Ethernet switches power supplies.

 

 

 

Appendix B

SFP Transceiver

Gives descriptions of the SFP optical and copper

 

Specifications

transceivers used with the Cisco ME 6500 series

 

 

Ethernet switches.

 

 

 

Cisco ME 6500 Series Ethernet Switch Installation Guide

 

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Cisco Systems ME 6500 manual Audience, Organization, Chapter Title Description

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.