WS-X6196-21AF Cisco 96 Ports Expansion Module

General Features of Cisco WS-X6196-21AF

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model Number: WS-X6196-21AF
• Product Type: Fast Ethernet Interface Module
• Category: Network Accessories

Key Attributes of the 96-Port Ethernet Module

• First-of-its-kind 96-port 10/100 RJ-21 module
• Full support for IEEE 802.3af across all 96 ports, enabling Power over Ethernet (PoE)
• Designed to streamline converged voice and data traffic along with other powered devices like wireless access points
• Optimized for wiring closets in campus multiservice data and voice networks

Network Interface and Port Specifications

• Interface Type: 96 x 10/100Base-TX LAN
• Port Details: RJ-21 connectors for all 96 10/100Base-TX PoE LAN ports

Performance and Connectivity

• Supported Media: Category 5 Twisted Pair (10/100Base-TX)
• Data Transfer Rates:
• 10 Mbps Ethernet
• 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet

Expansion Options for Enhanced Functionality

• Compatible with 1 x WS-F6K-FE48X2-AF= PoE daughter card for additional expansion

Advanced Management and Protocols

• Supports CiscoWorks for streamlined management
• Complies with IEEE standards, including 802.1p QoS and 802.1q VLAN
• SNMP: Version 1, 2, 3 support
• Remote Monitoring (RMON): Enabled for enhanced visibility

Compatibility Information

• Specifically designed for use with Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series switches
• Spare Part Availability: Yes

Ports

The Cisco WS-X6196-21AF Expansion Module is equipped with an impressive 96 ports, making it an ideal choice for businesses and organizations that require a high-density solution to connect multiple devices. These ports provide users with robust connectivity options, enabling them to streamline their network infrastructure and improve overall network performance. Let's delve deeper into the benefits and importance of this feature.

Enhanced Connectivity

With 96 ports at your disposal, you can effortlessly connect a wide range of devices, such as computers, servers, switches, and routers, to your network. This versatility allows you to maximize your network's potential and accommodate the growing number of devices within your organization. Whether you need to connect workstations in an office environment or establish connections in a data center, the Cisco WS-X6196-21AF Expansion Module's numerous ports ensure that you have the necessary connectivity options available.

Optimized Performance

Having a large number of ports means that you can distribute network traffic more effectively, reducing bottlenecks and congestion. With 96 ports, you can allocate resources efficiently, ensuring that each device connected to the expansion module receives the necessary bandwidth for optimal performance. This capability is particularly crucial for businesses that rely heavily on data-intensive applications or handle high volumes of network traffic. By avoiding network congestion, you can enhance productivity and minimize potential disruptions.

Scalability

As your organization grows, so does the demand for network resources. The Cisco WS-X6196-21AF Expansion Module's 96 ports provide scalability and future-proofing capabilities. You can easily expand your network infrastructure by adding more devices without worrying about running out of available ports. This scalability ensures that your investment remains viable in the long term and allows for seamless expansion as your business requirements evolve.

Simplified Management

Managing a large number of devices can be a complex task. However, the Cisco WS-X6196-21AF Expansion Module simplifies this process by providing a consolidated solution for connecting multiple devices. With 96 ports, you can reduce the number of required modules and cables, minimizing cable clutter and simplifying network management. This streamlined approach not only saves time and effort but also enhances the overall efficiency of your network operations.

Cost-Effectiveness

Investing in a solution that offers 96 ports can be more cost-effective in the long run compared to purchasing multiple smaller modules to accommodate the same number of devices. By consolidating your connectivity needs into a single expansion module, you can reduce upfront costs and ongoing maintenance expenses. Additionally, the scalability of the Cisco WS-X6196-21AF Expansion Module allows you to avoid costly upgrades or replacements as your network expands.

Flexibility

The Cisco WS-X6196-21AF Expansion Module's 96 ports provide users with flexibility in network design and deployment. You have the freedom to arrange your devices in a way that best suits your organization's requirements. Whether you need to create separate VLANs, establish dedicated connections for critical systems, or implement redundancy measures, the abundant ports allow for versatile network configurations. This flexibility ensures that you can adapt your network infrastructure to meet changing business needs.

Improved Network Resilience

Redundancy is crucial for maintaining network uptime and minimizing disruptions. With 96 ports, you have the option to implement redundancy measures such as link aggregation or Spanning Tree Protocol (STP). Redundant connections ensure that if one link fails, traffic automatically reroutes through an alternate path. This redundancy improves network resilience and minimizes downtime, enabling your organization to operate smoothly even in the face of hardware or link failures.

Future-Proofing

Investing in a solution with 96 ports ensures that your network can evolve alongside technological advancements. As new devices and technologies emerge, you can easily integrate them into your existing infrastructure without the need for significant modifications or upgrades. This future-proofing capability saves you from costly infrastructure overhauls and allows your organization to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Power

Another notable feature of the Cisco WS-X6196-21AF Expansion Module is its power capability, denoted by the '21AF' designation. This feature plays a vital role in providing reliable and efficient power delivery to connected devices. Let's explore the benefits and importance of this power feature in more detail.

Power over Ethernet (PoE)

The '21AF' in the Cisco WS-X6196-21AF Expansion Module indicates that it supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality. PoE technology enables the expansion module to deliver power along with data over Ethernet cables to compatible devices, eliminating the need for separate power cables. This capability simplifies installation and reduces cable clutter, making it an ideal solution for environments where it may be challenging or impractical to provide power to individual devices.

Efficient Power Management

The power capability of the Cisco WS-X6196-21AF Expansion Module allows for efficient power management, ensuring that connected devices receive the appropriate power levels required for their operation. With '21AF', the expansion module supports advanced power management features such as per-port power monitoring and control. This level of control enables administrators to optimize power allocation, preventing overloading and ensuring that critical devices receive sufficient power, while non-essential devices are allocated lower power levels.

Versatile Power Delivery

The '21AF' designation signifies that the Cisco WS-X6196-21AF Expansion Module delivers up to 20 watts of power per port, meeting the requirements of a wide range of devices. This versatility makes it suitable for powering devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, IP cameras, and even small switches. By providing power directly from the expansion module, you can eliminate the need for individual power adapters and centralize power management.

Cost and Energy Savings

The power feature of the Cisco WS-X6196-21AF Expansion Module offers significant cost and energy savings. By leveraging PoE technology, you can reduce the number of power outlets required in your network environment, resulting in lower installation costs. Additionally, the centralized power management provided by the expansion module allows for more efficient use of power resources. By powering devices only when needed and adjusting power levels as required, you can minimize energy consumption and reduce utility expenses.

Flexibility and Adaptability

The '21AF' power capability ensures that the Cisco WS-X6196-21AF Expansion Module can accommodate a wide range of devices with varying power requirements. This flexibility allows you to connect and power devices without worrying about compatibility issues or power limitations. Whether you are deploying a new network or expanding an existing one, the versatile power delivery capability of this expansion module ensures that you can adapt to changing device requirements seamlessly.

Improved Device Reliability

Reliable power delivery is crucial for ensuring the uninterrupted operation of connected devices. The Cisco WS-X6196-21AF Expansion Module's power feature enhances device reliability by providing a stable and consistent power supply. This reliability is particularly important for critical devices such as IP phones or surveillance cameras that require uninterrupted operation. By eliminating potential power-related issues, you can enhance overall network reliability and minimize downtime.

Power Management and Monitoring

The '21AF' power capability enables advanced power management and monitoring features. Administrators can have granular control over power allocation, monitor power consumption, and even set up automated power scheduling. This level of control allows for better resource allocation, proactive monitoring of power usage, and the ability to troubleshoot power-related issues efficiently. Power management and monitoring enhance network efficiency and ensure that devices receive the necessary power for optimal performance.

Future-Proofing Power Needs

As technology advances, the power requirements of devices may change. The '21AF' power capability of the Cisco WS-X6196-21AF Expansion Module ensures that your network is prepared for future power needs. By providing up to 20 watts of power per port, you can accommodate a wide range of current and future devices. This future-proofing capability protects your investment and allows for seamless integration of new devices without requiring additional power infrastructure upgrades.

In conclusion, the Cisco WS-X6196-21AF Expansion Module's 96 ports and '21AF' power capability offer significant advantages for users. The abundance of ports ensures enhanced connectivity, optimized performance, scalability, simplified management, cost-effectiveness, flexibility, improved network resilience, and future-proofing capabilities. Simultaneously, the power feature enables Power over Ethernet functionality, efficient power management, versatile power delivery, cost and energy savings, flexibility and adaptability, improved device reliability, and advanced power management and monitoring. These features make the Cisco WS-X6196-21AF Expansion Module a reliable and versatile solution for businesses and organizations seeking to enhance their network infrastructure.