WS-X6816-10T-2T Cisco Catalyst 6500 16-port 10GbE 10GBASE-T module w/DFC4
Cisco WS-X6816-10T-2T – 16-Port 10GBASE-T Line Card with DFC4 for Catalyst 6500
High-Density Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series 10G Copper Line Card with Distributed Forwarding Support
Cisco WS-X6816-10T-2T – 16-Port 10GBASE-T Ethernet Module
The Cisco WS-X6816-10T-2T is a high-performance 16-port 10GBASE-T Ethernet module designed for the Cisco Catalyst 6500 E-Series chassis with Supervisor Engine 2T. Engineered for enterprise, data center, and service provider networks, this line card delivers up to 160 Gbps switching capacity with integrated DFC4 (Distributed Forwarding Card 4) for exceptional forwarding performance.
Featuring 16 RJ45 ports supporting 10 Gbps speeds (auto-negotiable down to 1 Gbps) and deep packet buffering, it ensures low-latency connectivity for demanding applications. With support for Cat6a/7 cabling up to 100 meters, it provides flexible deployment in both high-density core and aggregation layers.
The WS-X6816-10T-2T is hot-swappable for simplified maintenance, offers front-to-back cooling, and consumes approximately 340W typical power, making it energy-efficient for its performance class. Built to withstand tough operating environments, it supports temperatures from 0°C to 40°C and features a rugged design with an MTBF of 280,000 hours for long-term reliability.
Ideal for organizations looking to upgrade to 10-Gigabit Ethernet while leveraging their existing copper infrastructure, the Cisco WS-X6816-10T-2T delivers scalability, flexibility, and superior performance for mission-critical networks.
Key Features:
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16 × 10GBASE-T RJ45 ports (down to 1 Gbps)
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160 Gbps switching capacity
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Integrated DFC4 for enhanced forwarding
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Supports Cat6a/7 up to 100m
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Compatible with Cisco Catalyst 6500 E-Series & Supervisor Engine 2T
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Hot-swappable design for reduced downtime
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Product Specifications: Cisco WS-X6816-10T-2T – 16-Port 10GBASE-T Ethernet Module Data Sheet
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Physical Dimensions & Weight | |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 1.75 in × 14.4 in × 16 in (4.45 cm × 36.6 cm × 40.6 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
| Performance & Capacity | |
| Total Ports | 16 × 10GBASE-T (RJ45) |
| Port Speed | 10 Gbps (Auto-negotiates down to 1 Gbps) |
| Forwarding Engine | Integrated DFC4 (Distributed Forwarding Card 4) |
| Throughput | Up to 160 Gbps switching capacity |
| Buffer Memory | Deep buffering for high-performance environments |
| Interfaces & Compatibility | |
| Connector Type | RJ45 |
| Cable Support | Up to 100 m Cat6a/7 for 10GBASE-T |
| Compatible Chassis | Cisco Catalyst 6500 E-Series with Supervisor Engine 2T |
| Power & Environmental | |
| Power Consumption | Approx. 340 W (typical) |
| Operating Temperature | 32 °F to 104 °F (0 °C to 40 °C) |
| Storage Temperature | -40 °F to 158 °F (-40 °C to 70 °C) |
| Additional Specifications | |
| MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) | 280,000 hours |
| Hot-Swappable | Yes |
| Cooling | Front-to-back airflow with variable-speed fans |
FAQs for Cisco WS-X6816-10T-2T
1. What forwarding engine does this line card use?
It includes an integrated DFC4, enabling distributed forwarding and reducing load on the supervisor engine.
2. What type of cabling is required for the 10GBASE-T ports?
You can use Cat6a or Cat7 cabling for full 100m reach at 10G speeds.
3. Can this module operate at 1Gbps as well?
Yes, the ports auto-negotiate between 1G and 10G, providing flexibility for mixed-speed environments.
4. Is this module compatible with all Catalyst 6500 chassis?
It must be used with 6500-E Series chassis and is optimized for systems with a Supervisor Engine 2T.
5. What is the advantage of DFC4 over earlier versions?
DFC4 offers higher forwarding capacity, better NetFlow performance, and enhanced scalability compared to earlier DFC versions.
