Preface

Conventions

Conventions

This publication uses the following conventions:

Convention

Description

 

 

boldface font

Commands, command options, and keywords are in

 

 

boldface.

 

 

italic font

Arguments for which you supply values are in italics.

 

 

 

[

]

Elements in square brackets are optional.

 

 

{ x y z }

Alternative keywords are grouped in braces and

 

 

separated by vertical bars.

 

 

[ x y z ]

Optional alternative keywords are grouped in brackets

 

 

and separated by vertical bars.

 

 

string

A nonquoted set of characters. Do not use quotation

 

 

marks around the string or the string will include the

 

 

quotation marks.

 

 

screen font

Terminal sessions and information the system displays

 

 

are in screen font.

 

 

boldface screen

Information you must enter is in boldface screen font.

font

 

 

 

italic screen font

Arguments for which you supply values are in italic

 

 

screen font.

 

 

 

^

 

The symbol ^ represents the key labeled Control. For

 

 

example, the key combination ^D in a screen display

 

 

means hold down the Control key while you press the D

 

 

key.

 

 

 

<

>

Nonprinting characters, such as passwords, are in angle

 

 

brackets.

 

 

 

Notes use the following conventions:

Note Means reader take note. Notes contain helpful suggestions or references to material not covered in the publication.

Cautions use the following conventions:

Caution Means reader be careful. In this situation, you might do something that could result in equipment damage or loss of data.

Cisco ME 6500 Series Ethernet Switch Installation Guide

 

viii

OL-8900-03

 

 

 

Page 8
Image 8
Cisco Systems ME 6500 manual Conventions, Convention 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.