Cisco Catalyst 6500/6800 WS-C6503-E Cisco Catalyst switch
Brand: Cisco | Category: Network Switches
SKU: CSC-WS-C6503-E | Part #: WS-C6503-E | MPN: WS-C6503-E
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About the Cisco Catalyst 6500/6800 WS-C6503-E Cisco Catalyst switch
The Cisco Catalyst 6500/6800 WS-C6503-E delivers enterprise-grade switching performance with dual redundant power supply bays, enabling network engineers and IT infrastructure teams to build highly available core and distribution layer architectures. This fixed 3-slot modular chassis occupies 7U of rack space and supports Supervisor Engine 720 (VS-S720-10G) or Supervisor Engine 2T (VS-S2T-10G), scaling switching fabric capacity from 720 Gbps up to 2 Tbps depending on supervisor selection. The WS-C6503-E accommodates Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, and Fast Ethernet line card interfaces via compatible 6500-E series modules, delivering forwarding rates up to 400 Mpps with Supervisor Engine 720-class configurations.
Built for mission-critical deployments, this Cisco platform runs Cisco IOS and Cisco IOS-XE (supervisor-dependent) and incorporates comprehensive Layer 2 services including IEEE 802.1Q VLANs, STP, RSTP, MSTP, EtherChannel, and LACP. Advanced Layer 3 routing protocols—static routing, OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, IS-IS, PIM multicast, and MPLS (supervisor and license dependent)—enable complex network topologies. Security features encompass ACLs, 802.1X port authentication, DHCP snooping, Dynamic ARP Inspection, and IP Source Guard. High availability is reinforced through redundant power supply support, ISSU capability (with supported supervisor and IOS version), and NSF/SSO. Management options include Cisco IOS CLI, SNMP v1/v2c/v3, RSPAN, SPAN, and NetFlow (supervisor dependent). Operating temperature range spans 0°C to 40°C.
Deployment Scenarios
- Core layer switching for large enterprise data centers requiring 720 Gbps to 2 Tbps fabric capacity
- Multi-protocol backbone networks running BGP, OSPF, and MPLS simultaneously across distributed sites
- High-availability mission-critical environments leveraging redundant supervisors and non-stop forwarding
- Converged network infrastructures integrating voice, video, and data over Gigabit and 10 Gigabit interfaces
- Secure access control deployments combining 802.1X authentication with ACLs and Dynamic ARP Inspection
For detailed specifications, compatibility matrices, and procurement of the WS-C6503-E, contact Omnixon Global to request a formal quotation.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Cisco |
| Category | Network Switches |
| SKU | CSC-WS-C6503-E |
| Part Number | WS-C6503-E |
| Condition | New |
| Form Factor | 3U |
| Manufacturer Part Number | WS-C6503-E |
| Product Series | Cisco Catalyst 6500 Enhanced (6500-E) |
| Chassis Form Factor | Fixed 3-slot modular chassis |
| Rack Units | 7U |
| Total Module Slots | 3 |
| Supported Supervisor Engines | Supervisor Engine 720 (VS-S720-10G), Supervisor Engine 2T (VS-S2T-10G) |
| Switching Fabric Capacity | Up to 720 Gbps (with Supervisor Engine 720); up to 2 Tbps (with Supervisor Engine 2T) |
| Forwarding Rate | Up to 400 Mpps (Supervisor Engine 720-class) |
| Supported Line Card Interfaces | Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, Fast Ethernet (via compatible 6500-E series line cards) |
| Power Supply Bays | 2 (supports redundant power supply configuration) |
| Supported Power Supplies | Cisco Catalyst 6500-E series AC and DC power supply modules |
| Software Support | Cisco IOS, Cisco IOS-XE (supervisor-dependent) |
| Layer 2 Features | IEEE 802.1Q VLANs, STP, RSTP, MSTP, EtherChannel, LACP |
| Layer 3 Features | Static routing, OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, IS-IS, PIM multicast, MPLS (supervisor and license dependent) |
| Security Features | ACLs, 802.1X port authentication, DHCP snooping, Dynamic ARP Inspection, IP Source Guard |
| High Availability Features | Redundant power supply support, ISSU (with supported supervisor and IOS version), NSF/SSO |
| Management | Cisco IOS CLI, SNMP v1/v2c/v3, RSPAN, SPAN, NetFlow (supervisor dependent) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F) |
| Storage Temperature | -25°C to 70°C (-13°F to 158°F) |
| Relative Humidity (Operating) | 10% to 85% non-condensing |
| Regulatory Compliance | UL, CE, FCC Class A |
Frequently Asked Questions about Cisco Catalyst 6500/6800 WS-C6503-E Cisco Catalyst switch
What does the Cisco Catalyst 6500/6800 WS-C6503-E Cisco Catalyst switch do?
The Cisco Catalyst 6500/6800 WS-C6503-E Cisco Catalyst switch is enterprise networking hardware for data-center, campus, and branch deployments. Common roles include core/distribution switching, server uplinks, top-of-rack fabric, and edge connectivity in mixed Cisco/Juniper/Arista environments.
Is the Cisco Catalyst 6500/6800 WS-C6503-E Cisco Catalyst switch compatible with my infrastructure?
The Cisco Catalyst 6500/6800 WS-C6503-E Cisco Catalyst switch interoperates with standard switching protocols (LACP, MLAG/VPC, 802.1Q, OSPF/BGP). For specific cross-vendor scenarios — Cisco-to-Arista MLAG peering, fabric integration with Cumulus/SONiC, or migration from legacy Catalyst — our network engineers map a compatibility plan as part of the RFQ.