WS-X6716-10G-3C Cisco 16-Port 10 Gigabit Ethernet

Cisco WS-X6716-10G-3C 16-Port Ethernet Module

The Cisco WS-X6716-10G-3C is a powerful 16-port 10 Gigabit Ethernet expansion module designed to enhance scalability, throughput, and switching efficiency in enterprise-class networking environments. Built for high-density data centers and core network infrastructures, this module delivers exceptional performance, advanced routing capabilities, and seamless integration with Cisco Catalyst 6500 E-Series chassis systems.

General Information

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: WS-X6716-10G-3C
• Device Type: High-Speed Expansion Module

Technical Specifications

• Port Configuration: 16 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports
• Switch Fabric Connection: 40 Gbps (up to 80 Gbps full duplex)
• Forwarding Capacity: 256,000 routes
• Onboard Memory: 1 GB high-speed buffer memory

Network Expansion Capabilities

• Maximum Port Density (per VSS): up to 260 ports
• Maximum Port Density (per chassis): up to 130 ports in a 9-slot configuration
• Expansion Slots: 16 x X2 interface slots

Transmission Rate and Efficiency

• Data Transmission Rate: 10 Gbps per port
• Optimized for Gigabit Ethernet and high-bandwidth applications

Enhanced Packet Handling

• Jumbo Frame Support: Up to 9216 bytes
• Supports both bridged and routed packet structures
• High-efficiency onboard buffering with 1 GB memory

Supported IEEE Protocols

• IEEE 802.1p for Quality of Service (QoS)
• IEEE 802.1q for VLAN segmentation and tagging

Chassis and Supervisor Compatibility

• Compatible with Cisco Catalyst 6500 E-Series chassis
• Works with Virtual Switching Supervisor Engine 720-10G
• Supports Supervisor Engine 720 with Policy Feature Card (PFC)

Slot and Card Support

• 16 x X2 expansion interface slots
• Supports 1 x DFC3C daughter card for enhanced forwarding performance

Typical Deployment Environments

• Enterprise backbone switching infrastructure
• High-density virtualization environments
• Cloud service provider network cores
• Large-scale campus network aggregation

Enterprise-Grade Network Stability

• High throughput switching fabric for demanding workloads
• Scalable port density for growing enterprise needs
• Robust protocol support for modern network architectures
• Optimized for mission-critical uptime environments

Cisco WS-X6716-10G-3C 10 Gigabit Module Overview

The Cisco WS-X6716-10G-3C 16-Port 10 Gigabit Ethernet switching module represents a high-performance fabric-enabled line card designed for advanced enterprise, data center, and service provider switching environments. As part of the modular switching architecture this module is engineered to deliver scalable 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity with optimized throughput, low latency forwarding, and robust virtualization capabilities for next-generation network infrastructures.

This 16-port 10GbE module is widely deployed in high-density chassis-based switches where flexibility, scalability, and bandwidth aggregation are essential. It is designed to support converged data, voice, and video traffic while maintaining consistent performance across mission-critical applications.

High-Density 10 Gigabit Ethernet Architecture

The Cisco WS-X6716-10G-3C is built around a high-density architecture that supports sixteen independent 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports. Each port is optimized for full line-rate performance, enabling simultaneous high-speed data transmission across all interfaces without bottlenecks. This design is particularly important in enterprise backbones and aggregation layers where bandwidth demand continues to grow exponentially.

Advanced Switching Fabric Integration

This module integrates seamlessly into Cisco’s switching fabric systems, allowing traffic to be distributed efficiently across the chassis backplane. The fabric-enabled design ensures that each port can access high-speed internal pathways, reducing congestion and improving overall switching efficiency in large-scale deployments.

Scalable Backplane Utilization

The backplane utilization strategy implemented in the WS-X6716-10G-3C ensures that traffic distribution remains balanced even under heavy load conditions. This contributes to predictable performance in multi-tenant environments, where consistent throughput is essential for application delivery and service continuity.

Enterprise-Grade Performance and Throughput Optimization

The Cisco WS-X6716-10G-3C is designed for environments where high-throughput performance is a fundamental requirement. It supports aggregated switching capacities that enable seamless handling of data-intensive workloads, including virtualization traffic, cloud computing operations, and large-scale database synchronization.

Optimized Forwarding Mechanisms

Forwarding decisions are handled through high-speed ASIC-based processing units, allowing the module to manage complex routing tables and switching decisions without compromising performance. This is critical in environments where real-time application performance is essential.

Data Center and Enterprise Deployment Scenarios

The Cisco WS-X6716-10G-3C is commonly deployed in data center core and aggregation layers. Its 10 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces provide the necessary bandwidth to support server farms, virtualization clusters, and high-performance storage networks.

Virtualized Infrastructure Support

Modern virtualized environments rely heavily on consistent network throughput. This module is optimized for virtualization technologies such as VM migration, distributed computing, and containerized application environments, ensuring minimal disruption during workload movement.

Cloud Computing Compatibility

Cloud infrastructure deployments benefit significantly from the scalability and redundancy offered by this switching module. It supports high-density server connectivity and ensures smooth traffic flow between compute nodes and storage arrays in private and hybrid cloud architectures.

Network Reliability and Redundancy Features

Reliability is a core design principle of the Cisco WS-X6716-10G-3C module. It incorporates redundant forwarding mechanisms and failover capabilities to ensure continuous network availability even during hardware or link failures.

High Availability Architecture

High availability is achieved through redundant path selection and failover routing techniques. These mechanisms ensure that network traffic can be rerouted instantly in the event of a link disruption, minimizing downtime and maintaining service continuity.

Scalability and Modular Expansion Capabilities

The modular nature of the Cisco WS-X6716-10G-3C enables organizations to scale their network infrastructure efficiently. Additional modules can be installed in compatible chassis systems to expand port density and overall switching capacity without replacing existing infrastructure.

Chassis-Based Expansion Flexibility

This module is designed for seamless integration into Cisco chassis-based switches, allowing network administrators to customize their infrastructure based on evolving bandwidth requirements and organizational growth patterns.

Incremental Network Growth Strategy

Incremental expansion strategies supported by this module allow enterprises to scale gradually, reducing capital expenditure while maintaining high-performance networking capabilities throughout the lifecycle of the infrastructure.

Traffic Management and Quality of Service Optimization

Advanced traffic management features are integrated into the Cisco WS-X6716-10G-3C to ensure that network resources are allocated efficiently. Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms prioritize critical applications, ensuring consistent performance across diverse workloads.

Intelligent Traffic Prioritization

The module supports intelligent traffic classification and prioritization, enabling network administrators to define policies that ensure mission-critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth and low-latency pathways.

Bandwidth Allocation Efficiency

Efficient bandwidth allocation ensures that no single application monopolizes network resources, thereby maintaining balanced performance across all connected devices and services.

Security and Access Control Integration

Security is a fundamental aspect of modern networking, and the Cisco WS-X6716-10G-3C incorporates multiple layers of access control and traffic inspection capabilities. These features help protect the network from unauthorized access and potential threats.

Layered Security Enforcement

Layered security enforcement mechanisms ensure that traffic is inspected and validated at multiple points within the switching architecture. This reduces the risk of malicious traffic entering the network core.

Secure Network Segmentation

Network segmentation capabilities allow administrators to isolate traffic between different departments, applications, or tenants, improving both security and performance isolation.

Hardware Design and Physical Characteristics

The Cisco WS-X6716-10G-3C is engineered with a robust hardware design suitable for enterprise-grade environments. Its physical architecture is optimized for heat dissipation, durability, and long-term operational stability in high-density rack deployments.

Thermal Efficiency Engineering

Thermal management is a critical design consideration, ensuring that the module operates efficiently even under sustained high-load conditions. Heat dissipation pathways are optimized to maintain consistent performance levels.

Compatibility with Cisco Switching Ecosystem

As part of the broader Cisco switching ecosystem, the WS-X6716-10G-3C is compatible with a range of chassis-based platforms and supervisor engines. This compatibility ensures seamless integration into existing network infrastructures without requiring extensive redesign.

Interoperability Across Network Layers

The module supports interoperability across core, distribution, and access layers, making it a versatile component for multi-tier enterprise network architectures.

Performance Optimization for Modern Network Demands

The increasing demand for high-speed connectivity driven by cloud computing, big data analytics, and real-time applications makes the Cisco WS-X6716-10G-3C a critical component in modern infrastructure. Its architecture is designed to support evolving network requirements while maintaining backward compatibility with existing systems.

Support for High-Bandwidth Applications

Applications such as video streaming, large-scale virtualization, and distributed computing benefit from the high-bandwidth capabilities of this module, ensuring consistent performance under heavy workloads.