Data Sheet
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Today, either of these operating modes can be deployed in an entire network environment, or the
operating modes can vary within an environment to meet different requirements. One operating
mode is not a replacement for another, but is recommended for varying feature requirements.
●
Cisco IOS Software for the Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series
●
Cisco Catalyst Operating System Software with optional Cisco IOS Software on the MSFC
Cisco IOS Software for the Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series
Cisco IOS Software for the Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series requires the MSFC on the supervisor
engine. Cisco IOS Software provides integrated multilayer functions in a single image and is
optimized for deployment in core and distribution networks, for Internet access, and in data
centers. Combined with the performance of the Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series, Cisco IOS Software
offers the necessary features for a high-performance, Layer 3-enabled deployment, including
support for a distributed architecture with the capability to scale the switch to 400 mpps
throughput. Additionally, Cisco IOS Software provides operational ease of use by offering a single
image and configuration file to be deployed across Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series switches.
The Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series with Cisco IOS Software Modularity boosts operational efficiency
and minimizes downtime through evolutionary software infrastructure advancements. By enabling
modular Cisco IOS subsystems to run in independent processes, this innovation:
●
Minimizes unplanned downtime through self-healing processes
●
Simplifies software changes through subsystem In-Service Software Upgrades (ISSU)
●
Enables process-level, automated policy control by integrating Embedded Event Manager
(EEM).
Cisco Catalyst Operating System Software with Optional Cisco IOS Software on the MSFC
Cisco Catalyst Operating System Software is the premier software for the wiring closet on Cisco
Catalyst 6500 Series switches offering high-performance, Layer 2 forwarding. It is optimized to
deliver the high availability, enhanced security, and integrated inline power support necessary for
mission-critical wiring closet deployments. Cisco Catalyst Operating System Software can also be
extended to the distribution and core layers of the network when coupled with Cisco IOS Software
on the MSFC, providing robust, advanced Layer 3 and Layer 4 functions. This operating mode is
often referred to as “hybrid mode.” Table 4 lists software and hardware deployment options.
Table 4. Software and Hardware Deployment Options
Network
Performance
Wiring Closet Distribution/Data
Center
Core Network WAN Edge
Highest
Performance; Cisco
IOS Software From
End-to-End
●
Cisco IOS Software
●
Supervisor Engine 2
MSFC2
●
CEF256 interface
modules
●
Cisco IOS Software
●
Supervisor Engine
720
●
dCEF720 interface
modules
●
Cisco IOS Software
●
Supervisor Engine
720
●
dCEF720 interface
modules
●
Cisco IOS Software
●
Supervisor Engine 2
●
MSFC2
●
dCEF720 interface
modules
Higher
Performance;
Mixed Operating
System
●
Cisco Catalyst
Operating System
Software
●
Supervisor Engine 2
●
PFC2
●
CEF256 and
Classic interface
modules
●
Cisco IOS Software;
Supervisor Engine 2
●
MSFC2
●
dCEF256 and
CEF256 interface
modules
●
Cisco IOS Software
●
Supervisor Engine
720
●
dCEF720 interface
modules
●
Cisco IOS Software
●
Supervisor Engine 2
●
MSFC2
●
dCEF256 and
CEF256 interface
modules
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