Switching Traffic Flow

Chapter 1 Product Overview

System Architecture

All Catalyst 4500 series switches use a shared memory switching fabric. All forwarding decisions, QoS, security policies and transmit queuing are implemented in the Supervisor Engine. Individual switching modules are transparent, and only contain simple stub ASICs and PHYs; they do not perform buffering or local switching. Classic switching modules and Classic IOS supervisor engines have a per slot switching capacity of 6 Gbps, while E-series switching modules and supervisor engines have a per slot switching capacity of 24 Gbps.

Frames flow into the switch through interfaces on the switching modules. Each switching module connects to a backplane that supports a connection of up to 24 Gbps up to the supervisor engine. When a frame reaches the supervisor engine, and a forwarding decision is made, the packet is sent out a port on the same switching module, a different switching module, or the supervisor engine uplinks.

Figure 1-19shows a conceptual diagram of switching traffic flow through the system.

Figure 1-19 Switching Traffic Flow

chassis

6 Gbps per slot

Classic switching module

24 Gbps per slot

E-Series switching module

Uplinks

network Supervisor Engine

202518

Over-subscription

Classic Catalyst 4500 Series 48 port 10/100/1000 E-Series Switching modules are 8:1 oversubscribed and Catalyst 4500 E-Series 48 port 10/100/1000 Switching modules are 2:1 oversubscribed. On both types of switching modules, there are multiplexing ASIC's which group the front panel ports and multiplex them to the internal switch fabric. On a 48 port 10/100/1000 Classic Catalyst 4500 Series switching module, eight front panel ports are multiplexed into a a single, nonblocking, full-duplex Gigabit Ethernet connection to the internal switch fabric of the Catalyst 4500 Classic Supervisors or the Supervisor 6-E. On the Catalyst 4500 E-series 48 port 10/100/1000 switching modules, six front panel ports are multiplexed into a 3 gigabit nonblocking, full-duplex Ethernet connection to the internal switch fabric on the Supervisor Engine 6-E.

If the data rate received for a port presents a potential overflow condition, flow control sends pause frames to the remote port to temporarily stop traffic and prevent frame loss. For both Classic and E-series switching modules each port operates independently so that flow control, or configuration of one port, does not block or degrade the performance of another port in that group.

The 6 port 2.5:1 oversubscribed 10GbE X2 based switching module operates in a similar way. The six front panel ports are multiplexed by groups of three into two ASICS, each having a 12 gigabit connection into the internal switch fabric.

	Catalyst 4500 E-Series Switches Installation Guide
1-36	OL-13972-01

4500 E-Series, WSUPOE12VPSPL specifications

Cisco Systems has long been at the forefront of networking technology, consistently delivering innovative products that shape the future of digital communication. Among its extensive range of offerings, the WSUPOE12VPSPL and the Catalyst 4500 E-Series stand out as exemplary solutions tailored for businesses seeking robust, scalable, and versatile network infrastructure.

The WSUPOE12VPSPL is a 12-port Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch that provides significant advantages for organizations looking to streamline their operations. It is designed to deliver power and data over a single cable, reducing the clutter of additional power supplies and cords. This efficiency not only simplifies deployment but also enhances the flexibility to place devices anywhere within the network environment, making it an ideal choice for powering IP phones, wireless access points, and surveillance cameras.

Main features of the WSUPOE12VPSPL include its ability to deliver up to 15.4 watts of power per port, supporting up to 12 PoE devices simultaneously. This capability is especially beneficial in environments where power outlets are scarce or where devices are located in non-traditional locations. With a rugged design suitable for various operational contexts, it ensures reliable performance even under demanding conditions.

When integrated within the Catalyst 4500 E-Series switches, organizations can leverage advanced technologies that enhance overall network performance and security. The Catalyst 4500 E-Series is known for its modularity, allowing businesses to expand their networks as required. Its architecture supports high throughput, advanced QoS features, and extensive Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities, ensuring efficient data handling and management.

Moreover, the Catalyst 4500 E-Series can integrate with Cisco’s digital network architecture and software-defined networking (SDN), facilitating automation and better visibility through tools such as Cisco DNA Center. This allows IT administrators to efficiently manage network resources, monitor performance, and implement security policies with ease.

In terms of operational intelligence, the integration with analytics tools enables organizations to gain insights into traffic patterns, user behaviors, and application performance, thus empowering data-driven decision-making.

Overall, the Cisco WSUPOE12VPSPL and the Catalyst 4500 E-Series offer a powerful combination of features, technologies, and characteristics that make them indispensable to modern networking. They cater to the demands of diverse business environments, ensuring reliability, flexibility, and scalability as organizations continue to evolve in an increasingly digital landscape.

Cisco Systems WSUPOE12VPSPL, 4500 E-Series manual Switching Traffic Flow, Over-subscription

Models: 4500 E-Series WSUPOE12VPSPL