WS-X4013+ Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series Switching Module

Cisco WS-X4013+ Catalyst 4500 Series Switching Module

The Cisco WS-X4013+ is a high-performance supervisor engine developed for the Catalyst 4000 and Catalyst 4500 Series switching platforms. This supervisor module is engineered to deliver reliable control-plane intelligence, centralized system management, and scalable expansion support for enterprise-class network infrastructures. Designed as the Supervisor Engine II-Plus, it plays a critical role in ensuring consistent switching operations, hardware-level coordination, and secure network administration across supported chassis. As a core supervisory component, the Catalyst 4000 Series Supervisor Engine II-Plus manages essential system functions including traffic processing coordination, configuration control, and chassis-level communication. The WS-X4013+ is optimized for environments that require dependable uptime, structured expansion, and simplified network visibility. Its architecture allows administrators to maintain operational efficiency while supporting evolving network demands.

General Product Information

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: WS-X4013+
• Product Name: Catalyst 4000 Series Supervisor Engine II-Plus
• Product Type: Supervisor Engine

Available Management Ports

• One DB-25 console management port for direct command-line access
• One RJ-45 Ethernet management port for remote network administration

Expansion Slot Specifications

• Total expansion slots: 3
• Supported expansion slot type: GBIC

Compatible Catalyst Chassis

• Cisco Catalyst 4006
• Cisco Catalyst 4503
• Cisco Catalyst 4506
• Cisco Catalyst 4507R

Cisco WS-X4013+ Catalyst 4500 Series Switching Module 

The Cisco WS-X4013+ Catalyst 4500 Series Switching Module is engineered as a high-capacity modular switching component designed to integrate seamlessly within the Cisco Catalyst 4500 family. This switching module represents a performance-focused category of enterprise networking hardware that supports scalable campus infrastructures, aggregation layers, and distribution environments. Built to deliver reliable packet forwarding and optimized traffic management, the WS-X4013+ enhances the switching fabric of compatible Catalyst 4500 chassis by providing additional port density, advanced switching intelligence, and robust operational stability. Its architecture emphasizes hardware-based forwarding, predictable latency, and sustained throughput across diverse enterprise workloads.

Within the Catalyst 4500 ecosystem, the WS-X4013+ occupies a strategic role as a switching module that enables network architects to expand existing deployments without redesigning the core infrastructure. The module is developed to interoperate with supervisor engines, backplane architectures, and power subsystems of the 4500 Series, ensuring consistent performance under heavy traffic conditions. Its design reflects Cisco’s modular philosophy, allowing enterprises to scale port availability and bandwidth incrementally while maintaining centralized management and policy enforcement.

Integration with Catalyst 4500 Chassis Systems

The WS-X4013+ switching module is specifically tailored for compatibility with Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series chassis platforms. These chassis-based systems are widely deployed in enterprise campuses due to their flexibility, resilience, and long operational lifespan. The module integrates directly into the chassis slot architecture, leveraging the high-speed switching fabric and shared resources provided by the supervisor engine. This tight integration ensures that data forwarding, control plane operations, and system monitoring function cohesively.

By operating as part of a unified chassis system, the WS-X4013+ benefits from centralized power distribution, cooling, and management. This integration reduces operational complexity compared to standalone switches, as administrators can manage multiple switching modules through a single control plane. The category of Catalyst 4500 switching modules, including the WS-X4013+, is designed to support high availability through redundant components, enabling continuous operation in mission-critical network environments.

Backplane and Fabric Utilization

The internal backplane and switching fabric of the Catalyst 4500 Series play a crucial role in the performance characteristics of the WS-X4013+ module. This switching module is designed to utilize the chassis backplane efficiently, enabling high-speed data transfers between ports on the module and across other installed modules. The architecture minimizes bottlenecks by distributing traffic intelligently across the fabric, ensuring consistent throughput even during peak usage periods.

Efficient backplane utilization also contributes to predictable latency, which is essential for enterprise applications such as voice, video, and real-time collaboration services. The WS-X4013+ aligns with the Catalyst 4500 design principles that prioritize deterministic performance, making it suitable for environments where quality of service and traffic prioritization are critical.

Performance Characteristics and Switching Capabilities

The Cisco WS-X4013+ Catalyst 4500 Series Switching Module is positioned within a category of high-performance switching solutions that address the needs of modern enterprise networks. Its performance characteristics are defined by hardware-based forwarding mechanisms, optimized ASIC design, and close coordination with the supervisor engine. These elements collectively enable the module to process large volumes of traffic while maintaining low latency and high reliability.

Switching capabilities within this category emphasize consistent packet forwarding across multiple ports and support for simultaneous data flows. The WS-X4013+ is designed to handle diverse traffic patterns, including unicast, multicast, and broadcast traffic, without compromising performance. This versatility makes it suitable for complex campus networks where multiple applications and user groups coexist.

Traffic Handling and Throughput Optimization

Throughput optimization is a defining characteristic of the WS-X4013+ switching module category. The module is engineered to forward packets at wire speed under typical enterprise workloads, ensuring that network performance scales with demand. Its internal architecture supports efficient buffering and queue management, reducing packet loss during traffic bursts.

By integrating closely with the Catalyst 4500 supervisor engine, the WS-X4013+ can apply advanced forwarding decisions based on Layer 2 and Layer 3 information. This integration allows for intelligent traffic distribution and efficient use of available bandwidth across the switching fabric.

Latency Management and Predictable Performance

Predictable latency is essential for enterprise applications that rely on real-time communication. The WS-X4013+ module is designed to minimize processing delays through hardware-accelerated forwarding paths. By reducing the reliance on software-based packet processing, the module delivers consistent response times across different traffic loads.

This approach to latency management ensures that time-sensitive applications such as IP telephony, video conferencing, and transactional systems perform reliably. The Catalyst 4500 Series switching module category, exemplified by the WS-X4013+, is therefore well-suited for environments where performance predictability is a key requirement.

Enterprise Networking Features and Functional Scope

The functional scope of the Cisco WS-X4013+ Catalyst 4500 Series Switching Module extends beyond basic packet forwarding. This category of switching modules supports a wide range of enterprise networking features that enhance security, manageability, and traffic control. These capabilities are implemented through a combination of hardware support and integration with Cisco IOS software running on the supervisor engine.

Enterprise features supported by this module category include VLAN segmentation, advanced spanning tree operations, and comprehensive quality of service mechanisms. By enabling these features at the module level, the WS-X4013+ contributes to a cohesive and scalable network architecture.

Quality of Service and Traffic Prioritization

Quality of service functionality is a cornerstone of enterprise switching, and the WS-X4013+ is designed to support sophisticated traffic prioritization models. Through hardware-assisted queuing and scheduling mechanisms, the module can differentiate traffic based on application type, user group, or policy requirements.

This capability allows network administrators to ensure that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth and low-latency treatment, even during periods of congestion. The Catalyst 4500 Series switching module category emphasizes consistent quality of service enforcement across all ports, contributing to a predictable user experience.

Multicast and Broadcast Traffic Efficiency

Efficient handling of multicast and broadcast traffic is essential in large enterprise networks. The WS-X4013+ module supports optimized forwarding of multicast streams, reducing unnecessary replication and conserving bandwidth across the switching fabric. This efficiency is particularly valuable in environments that rely on video distribution, streaming services, or collaborative applications.

By managing broadcast domains effectively through VLAN segmentation and intelligent forwarding, the module helps maintain network stability and performance. This aligns with the broader design goals of the Catalyst 4500 Series switching module category.

Scalability and Modular Expansion Benefits

Scalability is a defining advantage of chassis-based switching platforms, and the Cisco WS-X4013+ plays a significant role in enabling modular expansion. As part of the Catalyst 4500 Series, this switching module allows organizations to increase port density and switching capacity incrementally, without replacing existing infrastructure.

This modular approach supports long-term network growth by allowing enterprises to adapt to changing requirements. The WS-X4013+ can be deployed alongside other switching modules within the same chassis, providing a mix of port types and capabilities tailored to specific deployment scenarios.

Incremental Growth and Investment Protection

Investment protection is a key consideration for enterprise networking decisions. The WS-X4013+ switching module category is designed to extend the useful life of Catalyst 4500 chassis deployments by enabling upgrades through modular components rather than wholesale replacements. This approach reduces capital expenditures and minimizes disruption during network expansion.

By supporting incremental growth, the module allows organizations to align network capacity with business needs. As traffic demands increase, additional switching modules can be installed to enhance performance and port availability.

Support for Diverse Deployment Scenarios

The flexibility of the WS-X4013+ module makes it suitable for a wide range of deployment scenarios, including campus core, distribution layers, and aggregation points. Its design accommodates varying traffic profiles and application requirements, making it a versatile component within the Catalyst 4500 Series switching module category.

This adaptability ensures that the module can support both current and future networking needs, contributing to a resilient and scalable enterprise architecture.

Reliability, Availability, and Operational Stability

Reliability and availability are critical attributes of enterprise switching modules, and the Cisco WS-X4013+ is engineered to meet these expectations. As part of the Catalyst 4500 Series, the module benefits from a chassis-based design that supports redundancy, fault isolation, and continuous operation.

Operational stability is achieved through robust hardware design, rigorous testing, and integration with proven Cisco software platforms. These elements combine to deliver a switching module category that enterprises can depend on for mission-critical connectivity.

High Availability Design Considerations

The WS-X4013+ module operates within a system that supports redundant supervisor engines, power supplies, and cooling components. This high availability design ensures that network operations can continue even in the event of component failures. The module itself is designed to function reliably under sustained load, contributing to overall system resilience.

By supporting features such as fast convergence and rapid failover, the Catalyst 4500 Series switching module category minimizes downtime and maintains consistent network performance.

Operational Monitoring and Diagnostics

Effective monitoring and diagnostics are essential for maintaining network health. The WS-X4013+ integrates with the Catalyst 4500 management framework, providing visibility into port status, traffic statistics, and operational conditions. This visibility enables proactive maintenance and rapid troubleshooting.

Through comprehensive diagnostics and monitoring capabilities, the module supports efficient network operations and helps reduce the total cost of ownership associated with large-scale enterprise deployments.

Role in Modern Enterprise Network Design

The Cisco WS-X4013+ Catalyst 4500 Series Switching Module occupies an important position within modern enterprise network design strategies. As organizations continue to consolidate infrastructure and support diverse applications, the need for scalable, reliable, and high-performance switching modules remains critical.

This category of switching modules supports network designs that emphasize centralized control, distributed forwarding, and modular expansion. By integrating seamlessly with Catalyst 4500 chassis systems, the WS-X4013+ enables enterprises to build networks that are both flexible and resilient.

Alignment with Campus and Distribution Architectures

In campus and distribution architectures, the WS-X4013+ module provides the switching capacity and feature set required to aggregate access-layer traffic and enforce network policies. Its performance characteristics support the demands of large user populations, multiple application types, and evolving traffic patterns.

The module’s compatibility with advanced routing, security, and quality of service features ensures that it can support complex enterprise requirements without introducing unnecessary complexity.

Long-Term Value within the Catalyst Ecosystem

The long-term value of the WS-X4013+ switching module is rooted in its role within the broader Catalyst ecosystem. Cisco’s commitment to backward compatibility, software support, and modular design ensures that this category of switching modules remains relevant across multiple technology cycles.

By delivering consistent performance, scalability, and reliability, the Cisco WS-X4013+ Catalyst 4500 Series Switching Module continues to serve as a foundational component for enterprise networks that demand stability and growth potential.