WS-X6516A-GBIC | Cisco Gigabit Ethernet Module

Description 

The Cisco WS-X6516A-GBIC is a 16-port Gigabit Ethernet interface module designed for the Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series switches. Utilizing the CEF256 (Cisco Express Forwarding) architecture, it offers high-performance, flexible connectivity options suitable for backbone networks, data centers, and server farms.

Technical Specifications 

Information About WS-X6516A-GBIC

The Cisco WS-X6516A-GBIC is a 16-port Gigabit Ethernet interface module designed for use in Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series switches. It supports a variety of GBIC-based transceivers, providing flexibility for diverse networking environments such as enterprise backbones and data centers. This module operates on CEF256 architecture and is suitable for high-throughput and scalable Gigabit connectivity.

Key Features:

• Ports: 16 × GBIC-based Gigabit Ethernet ports

• Interface Compatibility: Supports 1000BASE-SX, LX/LH, ZX, CWDM, and DWDM GBICs

• Architecture: Cisco Express Forwarding (CEF256)

• Switch Fabric Bandwidth:

  • 8 Gbps full-duplex connection to the switch fabric

  • 32 Gbps shared bus connection

• Forwarding Rate: Up to 30 Mpps (system-wide); upgradeable to distributed CEF (dCEF) with DFC

• Buffers per Port:

  • Transmit: 1 priority + 2 round-robin queues with 2 thresholds

  • Receive: 1 priority + 1 round-robin queue with 4 thresholds

• Maximum Frame Size: 9216 bytes (supports jumbo frames)

• Supervisor Engine Support: Compatible with Supervisor Engines 1A, 2, 32, and 720

• Slot Compatibility: Can be installed in any slot of the Catalyst 6500 chassis

The WS-X6516A-GBIC is ideal for organizations needing high-density Gigabit Ethernet in a modular form, with support for both short- and long-range optical connections through various GBIC options. It’s well-suited for core, aggregation, or server farm environments within large-scale network infrastructures.