Scalability— The Catalyst 6000 is provided only in a 6-slot chassis (6006) and 9-slot (6009) chassis, while the 6500 provides 3-slot (6503), 6-slot (6506), 9-slot (6509), and 13-slot (6513) chassis options. Figure 1-9 and Figure 1-10 shows examples of the Catalyst 6000 and 6500 chassis (the Catalyst 6006 and 6509).

Cisco introduces the Cisco Catalyst 6509 Enhanced Vertical Chassis as part of the Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series of enhanced (E-Series) switches, delivering chassis with up to 1440 Gbps of system bandwidth capacity (80 Gbps/slot), enhanced cable management, and front-to-back airﬂow. View and Download Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series installation manual online. A redundant WS-X6500-SFM2 Switch Fabric Module can be installed in slot 8.

Cisco 6500 Series Switches are used by many organizations. It's been a reliable solution for many networks, which warrants the question: Why do people use the Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series switches?

Well, it seems that there are some fundamental benefits that Cisco 6500 switches offer that make it an attractive solution for many networks. These benefits are either a direct or indirect result of the product design. So, let's take a look at these benefits.

5 Key Benefits of Cisco 6500 Series Switches

Customization

The nature of the 6500 Series lends itself to flexibility. Due to its chassis-style design customization - an inherited characteristic. However, the ability for customization extends beyond the chassis-based design. Cisco has a wide range of product options to populate the space in the chassis. There is an extensive menu of power supplies, supervisor engines, blades, and modules. It's easy to see that with several slots and a ton of options, one can design a switching solution that is truly custom built for your particular needs.

Flexibility

With customization comes flexibility. With Cisco 6500 Series switches you have a high degree of flexibility. Not only do you have the flexibility to create a custom solution when you first implement the switch, but you also have flexibility as things change within your business and consequently, your network requirements. Need greater speed? Experiencing company growth? Implementing something new that requires more network resources? There are all kinds of changes that might happen. And who knows? Maybe they happen fast. With a Cisco 6500 switch, you have the flexibility to make those changes quickly and smoothly.

Power

Sometimes you just need a lot of power. Cisco 6500 switches, let's face it, offer power.. and lots of it. It's not hard to find this out. Take a look through the spec sheets of the various high-end Cisco 6500 series parts or simply ask your peers who have solid experience with the 6500 series switches. So, if power is something you need, you can most definitely get it with the Cisco 6500 series.

Scalability

When putting a Cisco 6500 chassis switch in place, you populate that switch based on a certain set of requirements. As we all know, life happens and things change over time. As your organization expands your network needs expand with it. Cisco's large selection of sup engines and blades allows you to scale properly.

Long Product Life

Have you noticed a pattern yet? Customization leads to flexibility. Flexibility and power lead to scalability. Scalability leads to long product life cycles. The 6500 Series is a resilient product. When combined with customization, flexibility, power, and scalability you have a quality switching solution that lasts.

“Replacement of network equipment does not need to follow a timed schedule. Upgrades should follow a consistent policy set by IT and not by the vendor.”

- Gartner, Know When It’s Time to Replace Enterprise Network Equipment, March 2015, Foundational June 2016 [ID G00273656]

Thinking Ahead

Yes, these benefits cost more upfront. But if one invests a little more, they reap long term benefits. That's something to consider as you plan for the future. Every company has its own set of circumstances - the type of company, technology needs, company size, budgets, anticipated industry growth and so on. You may find that the upfront investment in a 6500 series switch solution reaps performance and financial rewards in the long run.

When making any buying decision it’s important to have as much information at your fingertips as possible.

If you're interested in learning more about the Cisco Catalyst 6500 series, feel free to explore the links to our resources below!

Smart Investments Require Smart Decisions

The Cisco 6500 Series Switches isn't for everyone nor right for all business needs. However, if you are thinking about considering making an investment in switching hardware, check out this smart buyer’s guide to the Cisco Catalyst 6500 series.

The Cisco Catalyst 6500 10 gig connections are emerging as popular alternatives to 40 gig and 100 gig options. In a quick video, one of our product engineers highlights the individual capabilities and restrictions of the Cisco Catalyst 6500 10 gig varieties.

Take a minute to listen to a certified engineer compare the differences between the Cisco Catalyst 6500 and Cisco Nexus. His clear comparison can help you determine which system provides the best solution for your connection needs.

This post is a follow-up to a previous post, “Is the Cisco 6500 Series Invincible?” to discuss Cisco’s Catalyst 6500 series. The Catalyst 6500 series popularity, reliable performance, and compatibility with the 6800 series keeps it a premier choice.

Thinking of adding new switches to your edge network? If you think your limited to stackable options, we have good news. Chassis solutions like the Cisco Catalyst 6500 can be great to use. This article highlights the exceptional features and functionality offered by the Catalyst 6500.

There’s a reason everyone loves the Cisco Catalyst 6500 series. It’s compatibility with the available port blades and service modules leaves you with a wealth of options even after the 6500 end-of-sale.

The Cisco Catalyst 6500 and 6800 chassis series are both great options for your network. There are however a few elements you’ll want to compare when deciding between the two. This blog post lists the 5 most important aspects to consider when choosing the Cisco Catalyst series that’s best for your IT infrastructure.

Outlook calendar time slots. The love for the Cisco Catalyst 6500 series is apparent, but this post specifically recognizes the 6509- E chassis in all its greatness. This blog tells more about the flexibility and durability of this remarkable Cisco Chassis.

The Cisco Catalyst 6500 series is a favorite of all Cisco customers because of its durability and bandwidth potential, but is there anything this Catalyst series can’t do? Even as new technology advances emerge, the Cisco Catalyst 6500 looks like it will remain a prominent presence for years to come.

Hear from Cisco product engineers on what size company the Cisco 6500 Series and its advanced features work best in. The answer might surprise you.

If you are looking for a reader’s digest version on the important Cisco Catalyst 6509-E features you’ve come to the right place. This quick read breaks down the 6509-E facts, features and useful benefits you may not have considered.

This blog travels through the history and development of the Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series. Designed with durability in mind, its original design still stands the test of time working alongside new technologies with no signs of slowing down.

“What differences btw catalyst 4500 and 6500 series? Our company is looking to get a new switch for or core/OC. The switch being replaced is an Enterasys matrix, I don’t know which model, but is very old, and all servers have been upgraded, we’re looking to get all of them on Gigabit Ethernet.”

“The network guy is looking to get a 4500, but I’m interested in get real view of both the 6500 and 4500, and how them compares to each other. I can see the 4500 are more compact, and both of them are current line switches. Interest points would be:
-how much time is left for each one before they become EoL
-what options can support one that the other ca

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