Cisco Catalyst WS-C4510R+E Chassis

The Cisco Catalyst WS-C4510R+E Chassis stands as a cornerstone of borderless networking within the Catalyst 4500 Series. Engineered for high performance, security, and scalable growth, this modular chassis enables organizations to build networks that adapt to today’s mobile workstyles and multimedia workloads. It delivers reliable Layer 2 through Layer 4 switching, helping to accelerate applications, optimize video and voice services, and improve overall user experience across campus cores, distribution layers, and edge deployments. The WS-C4510R+E is designed to maximize uptime, simplify network management, and reduce operational costs through intelligent power and cooling features, all while preserving flexibility for future network evolution. If you are aiming to unify security, mobility, and application performance in a single, resilient platform, this chassis provides a robust foundation for a borderless, energy-conscious network.

• Modular, scalable design with ten switch slots that support a flexible mix of supervisor engines and line cards, enabling you to tailor port density and performance to match evolving business needs. The chassis accommodates growth without forklift upgrades, preserving investment and reducing downtime during expansion.
• High availability and resilience built into the architecture, including hot-swappable components, redundant power options, and fan trays. This design minimizes planned and unplanned outages, keeps critical services online, and simplifies failover during maintenance windows or power events.
• Security-first architecture that helps protect borderless networks. Features such as access control lists, DHCP snooping, IP source guard, and secure management pathways safeguard users and devices at the edge and across campuses, while enabling centralized policy enforcement and threat containment.
• Mobility-ready and application-optimized performance with quality of service (QoS), multicast support, voice and video readiness, and scalable routing capabilities. The platform supports policy-based routing, traffic shaping, and deep visibility to ensure smooth experiences for collaboration tools, streaming media, and real-time applications.
• Energy efficiency and sustainability focused design, employing Cisco’s energy management approach to reduce power consumption per port and to optimize cooling. This helps lower total cost of ownership while maintaining performance and reliability for day-to-day operations.

Technical Details of Cisco Catalyst WS-C4510R+E Chassis

• Form factor: Modular chassis from the Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series, designed for 19-inch racking and scalable port expansion.
• Slot count: 10-slot chassis that accommodates a range of supervisor engines and line cards to meet diverse enterprise requirements.
• Power and cooling: Supports redundant, hot-swappable power supplies and fan modules to maximize uptime and maintain stable temperatures under load.
• Supervisor and modularity: Flexible support for multiple supervisor engines, enabling redundant control planes and simplified maintenance without service disruption.
• Management and control: Cisco IOS Software-based management with CLI access; supports centralized network management practices and standard monitoring protocols.
• Connectivity and growth: Wide compatibility with a broad library of line cards and modules to meet evolving port density, speed, and feature needs.
• Architecture and efficiency: Designed to deliver strong performance across Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching, with emphasis on reliability, security, and energy-conscious operation.

How to install Cisco Catalyst WS-C4510R+E Chassis

• Plan your installation by reviewing rack space, airflow, and cable management requirements. Ensure you have a clear path for expansion and a secure mounting area in a standard 19-inch rack.
• Mount the chassis in the rack and secure it with appropriate hardware. Verify that there is adequate clearance for ventilation and cable routing to avoid heat build-up and obstruction.
• Install the appropriate supervisor engine(s) and any required line cards into their designated slots. Follow Cisco’s guidance for slot order and compatibility to maximize performance and redundancy.
• Install and connect redundant power supplies and cooling fans. Use properly rated power sources and route power cables to prevent accidental disconnections or airflow blockages.
• Connect management interfaces and consoles. Establish initial access through the console port or a designated management network, configure basic device parameters (hostname, domain, management IP), and ensure time sync via NTP where applicable.
• Power up the chassis and verify hardware status. Use show commands (e.g., show version, show inventory, show module, show environment all) to confirm successful recognition of installed modules and healthy hardware health indicators.
• Configure foundational network features. Define VLANs, set up trunking on appropriate interfaces, and enable Layer 3 routing if needed. Implement QoS and security policies consistent with your network design to ensure reliable service levels for critical applications.
• Implement redundancy and high-availability settings. Enable features such as standby supervisors, hot-swappable components, and rapid failover mechanisms to minimize disruption if a component fails.
• Perform validation and testing. Verify connectivity across core, distribution, and access layers; validate routing, policy enforcement, and performance under typical workloads. Document configuration and create a baseline for future updates.
• Plan ongoing maintenance. Schedule software updates, monitor for hardware health, and establish change management procedures to ensure network stability as you scale.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Cisco Catalyst WS-C4510R+E Chassis used for?

The WS-C4510R+E is a modular chassis designed to support the Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series. It provides a scalable, secure, and high-performance platform for building borderless networks across campus cores, distribution layers, and edge deployments. It enables reliable Layer 2 and Layer 4 switching, supports mobility and video-ready applications, and facilitates efficient management and energy-conscious operation.

How many slots does it have?

This chassis offers ten switch slots, allowing a flexible mix of supervisor engines and line cards. The ten-slot architecture supports growth and the deployment of a wide range of port densities and speeds as network needs evolve over time.

Does it support redundant power supplies?

Yes. The Cisco Catalyst WS-C4510R+E supports hot-swappable redundant power supplies and cooling fans, which help maximize uptime and minimize maintenance-related downtime. This redundancy is key for critical campus and data-center edge deployments.

Is it suitable for campus core or data center edge deployments?

Absolutely. The chassis is designed for versatile deployment across campus core, distribution layers, and edge environments. Its modularity, security features, and application-focused capabilities make it a strong choice for organizations seeking borderless networks with reliable performance and security.

Does it include energy-saving features?

Yes. The WS-C4510R+E incorporates Cisco energy-management concepts to optimize power usage, reduce energy waste, and improve overall efficiency. This helps lower operating costs while maintaining the performance and reliability required by modern networks.