Cisco Catalyst 6800 32-Port 10GE with Dual Integrated Dual DFC4-XL

The Cisco Catalyst 6800 32-Port 10-Gigabit Ethernet module with Dual Integrated DFC4-XL is a high-density, future-ready networking solution designed for enterprise campuses and large-scale data environments. Built to work in harmony with Catalyst 6500-E/6807-XL Supervisor Engines (VS-S2T-10G and VS-S2T-10GXL), this module delivers exceptional performance, scalability, and reliability for today’s bandwidth-intensive applications. Ideal for aggregating servers, storage networks, and high-performance workloads, it combines dense 10 GE connectivity with robust fabric options to support evolving business demands while maintaining simplicity in management and operations.

• High-Density 32-Port 10-Gigabit Ethernet connectivity provides dense uplink and access for data-intensive workloads. Designed for non-blocking performance, this module enables rapid interconnect between servers, storage arrays, and network cores, supporting virtualization and multi-tenant environments with reliable, low-latency traffic handling.
• Integrated Dual DFC4-XL for Enhanced Throughput and Availability. The dual integrated Dual Forwarding/ Fabric Control components deliver improved fault tolerance and higher aggregate bandwidth, helping maintain consistent application performance even under heavy load or during failover scenarios.
• Seamless Compatibility with Catalyst Supervisor Engines. This module is engineered to operate in synergy with the Catalyst 6500-E/6807-XL Supervisor Engine 2T/2TXL (VS-S2T-10G & VS-S2T-10GXL), enabling modular growth without replacing core chassis. It supports scalable deployment paths from small campuses to large enterprise networks, preserving investment while expanding capacity.
• Optimized for Campus Deployments and Edge-to-Core Architectures. The 32-port 10GE design is ideal for campus aggregation, data-center edge teams, and campus backbone connections, delivering flexible cabling options, simplified policy enforcement, and streamlined management across multiple VLANs and domains.
• Future-Proof and Scalable Networking. With this Catalyst module, network operators gain access to advanced QoS, security, and telemetry features that scale with campus growth. The combination of high port density and robust fabric support positions the network to accommodate evolving workloads, IoT connectivity, and high-bandwidth applications while maintaining straightforward administration and monitoring.

Technical Details of Cisco Catalyst 6800 32-Port 10GE with Dual Integrated Dual DFC4-XL

• Port count: 32 x 10-Gigabit Ethernet ports (SFP+ generally supported), enabling dense device-to-device connectivity for servers, storage, and uplinks.
• Module type: 10-Gigabit Ethernet line-card/module designed for the Cisco Catalyst 6800 family chassis, optimized for high-density, scalable deployments.
• Integrated components: Dual Integrated DFC4-XL to enhance fabric performance, throughput, and redundancy within the switching fabric.
• Supervisor engine compatibility: Works in conjunction with Catalyst 6500-E/6807-XL Supervisor Engine 2T/2TXL (VS-S2T-10G & VS-S2T-10GXL) to provide a cohesive, scalable platform for large campus networks and enterprise environments.
• Deployment use case: Suited for campus deployments, distribution and aggregation layers, and edge connectivity requiring dense 10GE ports with reliable throughput and simplified management.
• Key benefits: High-density 10GE, robust fabric with DFC4-XL, compatibility with established Cisco Catalyst supervisors, and a pathway toward scalable, future-ready network architectures.

How to install Cisco Catalyst 6800 32-Port 10GE with Dual Integrated Dual DFC4-XL

• Verify compatibility with your Cisco Catalyst 6500-E/6807-XL chassis and the appropriate Supervisor Engine (VS-S2T-10G or VS-S2T-10GXL). Ensure you have the correct slot and power capacity for the 32-Port 10GE module before installation.
• Prepare the chassis for module insertion. Power down the device if required by your maintenance policy, or follow the vendor’s hot-swap procedure if your environment supports hot-swapping for this line card. Confirm the CP and supervisor engines are healthy and that the chassis firmware is up to date.
• Insert the 32-Port 10GE module firmly into the designated line-card slot, ensuring proper alignment and seating. Firmly reseat any adjacent modules to avoid accidental disconnections, and verify that the module is recognized by the chassis hardware inventory.
• Connect 10GE transceivers and cabling to the SFP+/10GE ports. Choose appropriate fiber or copper media to match your network design (e.g., DAC cables for short-range, multi-mode or single-mode fiber with the correct transceivers for longer distances). Adhere to recommended link distances and cable quality standards.
• Power on the chassis (if applicable) and access the switch CLI. Configure the new module with the appropriate VLANs, spanning-tree settings, QoS policies, and security configurations. Validate interface status and ensure that the 32 ports come up with the expected speed and duplex settings.
• Run basic connectivity checks. Use commands to verify interface status, channel groups (if any), and the integration with the VS-S2T-10G/10GXL supervisor engines. Confirm that the Dual DFC4-XL components are active and that fabric throughput is stable under typical traffic patterns.
• Apply monitoring and management policies. Enable SNMP, syslog, NetFlow/IPFIX, or other telemetry methods supported by NX-OS to maintain visibility into port utilization, latency, and error statistics. Document the configuration for future upgrades and audits.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Cisco Catalyst 6800 32-Port 10GE with Dual Integrated Dual DFC4-XL used for? This module provides a dense, high-performance 10-Gigabit Ethernet connection option for Catalyst 6800-based networks. It is designed for campus distributions, data center edge connectivity, and enterprise networks that require scalable bandwidth, reliable fabric, and straightforward integration with existing supervisor engines.
• What does Dual Integrated DFC4-XL mean? Dual Integrated DFC4-XL refers to the module’s built-in fabric/forwarding components that enhance throughput and redundancy within the Cisco Catalyst fabric. This supports higher aggregate performance and fault tolerance, helping maintain consistent network behavior during faults or peak loads.
• Which deployments is this module best suited for? It is optimized for campus deployments, university networks, and large enterprise environments needing dense 10GE connectivity at the distribution/aggregation layer, with the flexibility to scale as demand grows.
• What cabling and media are supported? The 32-Port 10GE module uses 10-Gigabit Ethernet interfaces, typically via SFP+ transceivers. Depending on distance and architecture, you can deploy fiber (single-mode or multi-mode) or copper DAC/Uplinks with compatible transceivers, following Cisco’s guidelines for link budgets and compatibility.
• Is this module compatible with existing Catalyst supervisor engines? Yes. It is designed to work with Catalyst 6500-E/6807-XL Supervisor Engine 2T/2TXL (VS-S2T-10G & VS-S2T-10GXL) to deliver a cohesive, scalable platform for growing campus networks, without requiring a full chassis replacement.
• What management features accompany this module? Expect enterprise-grade management through Cisco NX-OS, with support for QoS, security policies, VLAN segmentation, monitoring, and telemetry. These features help administrators optimize performance, enforce policy, and gain insight into traffic patterns across the 32 high-speed ports.