WS-C4503-E= Cisco 3 Slot Switch Chassis Fan Layer 3 Catalyst 4500 E-Series

Cisco WS-C4503-E= 3-Slot Switch Chassis Overview

The Cisco WS-C4503-E= is a high-performance 3-slot switch chassis designed for enterprise-grade networking. Part of the Catalyst 4500 E-Series, this switch chassis combines robust Layer 3 capabilities with flexible expansion options, making it ideal for scalable and reliable network infrastructure.

Key Product Details

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number / SKU: WS-C4503-E=
• Product Type: Switch
• Chassis Subtype: Modular Chassis

Technical Specifications

• Line: Catalyst
• Series: 4500E
• Model: 4503-E
• Type: Switch Chassis

Expansion & Slots

• Total Expansion Slots: 3
• Supported Slot Types:
  • Line Card Slots
  • Supervisor Engine Slots

Network & Layer Capabilities

• Supported Layer: Layer 3
• VLAN Support: Yes
• Management Interfaces:
  • Command Line Interface (CLI)
  • SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
  • MIB (Management Information Base)
  • Quality of Service (QoS)

Reliability & Power Features

• Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF): 1,064,279 hours
• PoE (RJ-45) Support: Yes
• Power Source: Dedicated Power Supply Unit

Cisco WS-C4503-E= 3 Slot Switch Chassis

The Cisco WS-C4503-E= 3 Slot Switch Chassis is a highly versatile and robust networking solution designed to meet the demands of modern enterprise environments. This 3-slot chassis belongs to the prestigious Catalyst 4500 E-Series family, renowned for its modular design, reliability, and Layer 3 capabilities. The Catalyst 4500 E-Series chassis provides a scalable infrastructure for organizations seeking high-performance switching solutions, offering seamless integration with existing Cisco network environments. With its ability to support advanced routing protocols and high-density connectivity, the WS-C4503-E= chassis is ideal for medium to large-scale enterprise networks.

Advanced Layer 3 Routing Capabilities

The Cisco WS-C4503-E= chassis supports full Layer 3 routing, enabling enterprises to deploy sophisticated network designs with optimized traffic flow. This switch chassis supports multiple dynamic routing protocols, including OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, and RIP, ensuring that network administrators can implement resilient and efficient routing architectures. Layer 3 features such as VLAN routing, policy-based routing, and multicast routing provide enhanced network performance and flexibility. The Catalyst 4500 E-Series is particularly suited for campus core and distribution layer deployments, where routing performance, redundancy, and scalability are crucial factors.

High Performance Switching Fabric

The switch fabric of the WS-C4503-E= chassis is designed to handle high-throughput networking demands with minimal latency. This architecture enables simultaneous high-speed data transmission across all slots, ensuring that enterprise applications, voice, and video traffic operate seamlessly. Each line card inserted into the 3-slot chassis benefits from the full bandwidth of the switching fabric, allowing the deployment of high-density 10 Gigabit Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, or multi-gigabit interfaces depending on the line card specifications. The high-performance switching fabric ensures low-latency forwarding for mission-critical applications, making the Catalyst 4500 E-Series chassis suitable for demanding network environments.

Modular Architecture and Scalability

One of the key strengths of the Cisco WS-C4503-E= chassis is its modularity, which allows organizations to scale their network infrastructure efficiently. The 3-slot design supports a range of line cards, supervisor engines, and power supplies, providing a flexible solution that grows with organizational needs. Enterprises can start with a minimal configuration and expand as traffic demands increase, ensuring long-term investment protection. The modular architecture also simplifies maintenance and upgrades, allowing line cards or supervisor engines to be replaced without impacting network uptime. This level of scalability is particularly beneficial for dynamic enterprise environments where rapid growth or network changes are anticipated.

Redundant Power and Cooling Systems

Reliability is a cornerstone of the Catalyst 4500 E-Series chassis, and the WS-C4503-E= model incorporates redundant power and fan systems to maintain continuous operation. Redundant power supplies provide uninterrupted power during failures or maintenance, while hot-swappable fan trays ensure optimal thermal management even under heavy workloads. These redundant systems are designed to maximize uptime and minimize network disruptions, making the WS-C4503-E= chassis suitable for mission-critical enterprise applications. Intelligent power management features enable energy efficiency by dynamically adjusting fan speeds based on system requirements, reducing operational costs and improving overall sustainability.

Comprehensive Security Features

The Cisco WS-C4503-E= chassis is equipped with advanced security features to protect enterprise networks against unauthorized access, malware, and network attacks. It supports IEEE 802.1X port-based access control, ensuring that only authorized devices and users can connect to the network. Role-based access control (RBAC) enables administrators to define granular access policies, while Cisco TrustSec integration provides end-to-end network segmentation and secure communication across multiple sites. The Catalyst 4500 E-Series also offers features such as Dynamic ARP Inspection, IP Source Guard, and DHCP Snooping, which protect against common Layer 2 threats and maintain network integrity. Combined, these security capabilities ensure that the WS-C4503-E= chassis meets the stringent security requirements of modern enterprise networks.

Enhanced Management and Automation

Management of the Cisco WS-C4503-E= chassis is simplified through Cisco’s comprehensive suite of network management tools. Cisco DNA Center provides centralized management, automation, and analytics, enabling IT teams to monitor network performance, configure devices, and troubleshoot issues efficiently. The Catalyst 4500 E-Series supports Cisco IOS XE software, offering a unified and programmable interface for network automation, policy-based management, and software-defined network deployments. Additionally, the chassis supports SNMP, NetFlow, and syslog for detailed monitoring, reporting, and logging, allowing administrators to proactively maintain network health and performance. Automation capabilities reduce operational complexity and increase consistency across enterprise deployments.

Integration with Enterprise Network Architecture

The WS-C4503-E= chassis is engineered for seamless integration into existing Cisco enterprise network architectures. It supports advanced features such as VLAN segmentation, Quality of Service (QoS), multicast optimization, and IP routing, ensuring that the switch chassis aligns with both campus and data center deployments. Its compatibility with Cisco StackWise Virtual technology allows for logical stacking, providing a single point of management and enhanced redundancy. The Catalyst 4500 E-Series can function as a distribution layer switch in hierarchical network designs, aggregating access layer switches and providing high-speed uplinks to the core network. This integration capability ensures that organizations can deploy the WS-C4503-E= chassis without compromising existing network design or performance standards.

High-Density Connectivity Options

The WS-C4503-E= chassis supports a wide variety of line cards that offer high-density connectivity, enabling enterprises to accommodate growing network demands. Depending on the chosen line cards, the chassis can provide multiple Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, or even 40 Gigabit Ethernet ports. This flexibility allows organizations to optimize port density and connectivity based on specific deployment requirements. High-density configurations are especially beneficial in environments with heavy traffic from cloud applications, video conferencing, and IoT devices. With the ability to mix and match line cards, enterprises can create a tailored network solution that maximizes both performance and cost-efficiency.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Considerations

Cisco has designed the WS-C4503-E= chassis with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind. The Catalyst 4500 E-Series chassis includes intelligent power management features that optimize energy consumption based on system load. Advanced thermal design and efficient fan modules minimize heat output while maintaining reliable operation. These features not only reduce operational expenses but also contribute to a smaller environmental footprint, aligning with corporate sustainability initiatives. Energy-efficient design ensures that enterprises can deploy high-performance networking solutions without incurring unnecessary power costs or compromising environmental goals.

Support for Advanced Applications

The WS-C4503-E= chassis is capable of supporting a wide range of enterprise applications, from cloud computing and virtualization to real-time collaboration and multimedia streaming. With robust Layer 3 capabilities, high-speed connectivity, and intelligent traffic management, the Catalyst 4500 E-Series ensures that applications operate smoothly even under high network load. Quality of Service (QoS) features allow administrators to prioritize critical traffic such as VoIP, video conferencing, and mission-critical data flows. Additionally, the chassis supports multicast routing, which is essential for video distribution, IP television, and enterprise-wide content delivery, ensuring high-quality user experiences across multiple applications.

Future-Proof Networking Investment

Investing in the Cisco WS-C4503-E= 3 Slot Switch Chassis represents a long-term, future-proof solution for enterprise networking. Its modular design, Layer 3 capabilities, high-density connectivity, and robust security features ensure that organizations can adapt to evolving networking requirements. The Catalyst 4500 E-Series is continuously supported by Cisco’s software updates, which provide new features, security enhancements, and performance improvements over time. This ongoing support protects the investment while enabling organizations to leverage the latest technologies without replacing hardware. The WS-C4503-E= chassis is therefore a strategic choice for enterprises seeking a reliable, scalable, and versatile switching solution for years to come.

Comprehensive Service and Support Options

Cisco offers extensive service and support options for the WS-C4503-E= chassis, including Cisco SMARTnet, which provides technical support, hardware replacement, and ongoing software updates. These services ensure maximum network uptime, quick problem resolution, and access to Cisco’s vast knowledge base. Additionally, professional services such as network design, implementation, and optimization are available, allowing enterprises to deploy the Catalyst 4500 E-Series chassis efficiently and with minimal risk. With Cisco’s global support infrastructure, organizations can confidently maintain and expand their network without worrying about operational interruptions or obsolescence.