Chapter 1      Product Overview
Catalyst 6500 Series Switches
1-6
Catalyst 6500 Series Switch Module Installation Guide
78-15725-02
Note For redundancy, you can install a redundant Switch Fabric 
Module. The module that is installed first functions as the 
primary module. When you install two Switch Fabric Modules at 
the same time, the module in slot 5 or slot 7 acts as the primary 
module, and the module in slot 6 or slot 8 acts as the backup. If 
you reset the module in slot 5 or slot 7, the module in slot 6 or 
slot 8 becomes the primary module.
• A combination of an SFM (WS-C6500-SFM) with an SFM2 
(WS-X6500-SFM2) in the same Catalyst 6506, Catalyst 6509, or 
Catalyst 6509-NEB chassis
Table 1-1 lists some key features of the Catalyst 6500 series switches.
Table 1-1 Catalyst 6500 Series Switches Key Features
Feature Description
Performance and 
Configuration
Refer to the Catalyst 6500 Series Switch Software Configuration Guide or the 
Catalyst 6500 Series Switch Cisco IOS Software Configuration Guide for 
detailed information about the features supported on the switches.
Supervisor Engine 1 
and Supervisor 
Engine 2
• Modular, upgradable feature modules for core switching logic.
• Two modular Gigabit Ethernet ports supporting GBICs
1
.
• MSFC
2
 and PFC
3
supported. 
• PCMCIA slot.
• Console port for terminal and modem access. 
Fault Tolerance and 
Redundancy
• Support for two hot-swappable supervisor engines.
• Fast switchover for redundant supervisor engine and switching modules.
• Support for two fully redundant AC- or DC-input, load-sharing power 
supplies.
• Power management for modules and power supplies.
• Environmental monitoring of critical system components.
• Hot-swappable fan assembly. High-speed fan tray also available
4
.
• Redundant clock modules.