C6800-32P10G-XL Cisco Catalyst 6800 Series 32 Ports Expansion Module

High-Density 10 Gigabit Expansion for Enterprise Switching

The Cisco Catalyst 6800 Series 32-Port 10 Gigabit Expansion Module is engineered to extend switching capacity with dense optical connectivity. Designed for large-scale data networking environments, this module delivers consistent throughput, enhanced forwarding intelligence, and seamless integration with Catalyst 6800 Series switches. Its architecture supports demanding workloads where high-speed fiber connectivity and predictable performance are essential.

Main Information

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Manufacturer Part Number: C6800-32P10G-XL
• Product Type: Expansion Module
• Product Name: Catalyst 6800 32 Port 10GE Integrated Dual DFC4-XL

Technical Specification

• Ethernet Technology: 10 Gigabit Ethernet
• Network Standard: 10GBASE-X
• Media Support: Optical Fiber
• Expansion Slots: 32 x SFP+

Key Architectural Highlights

• Advanced distributed forwarding for improved traffic efficiency
• Consistent performance across all 32 high-speed interfaces
• Seamless compatibility with Catalyst 6800 chassis-based switches
• Optimized data paths for large enterprise and service provider networks

Benefits of Optical Fiber Deployment

• Higher bandwidth capacity compared to copper-based solutions
• Improved signal integrity for long-distance connections
• Reduced electromagnetic interference
• Enhanced suitability for high-density network cores

Physical Specifications

• Height: 1.7 inches
• Width: 15.4 inches
• Depth: 16.4 inches

Common Deployment Scenarios

• Enterprise backbone and aggregation switching
• Data center interconnects using fiber optics
• Service provider edge and distribution layers
• High-density server and storage networking

Operational Efficiency and Reliability

• Lower latency for packet processing
• Improved scalability as networks grow
• Enhanced reliability during peak traffic periods
• Better utilization of switching resources

Summary of Core Capabilities

• 32 SFP+ expansion slots supporting 10 Gigabit Ethernet
• Optical fiber media compatibility for high-speed links
• Dual integrated DFC4-XL for advanced forwarding
• Designed exclusively for Cisco Catalyst 6800 Series switches

Overview of the Cisco C6800-32P10G-XL Expansion Module

The Cisco C6800-32P10G-XL Catalyst 6800 Series 32 Ports Expansion Module is designed to deliver high-density 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity for enterprise, service provider, and large-scale campus networks. This expansion module integrates seamlessly into the Cisco Catalyst 6800 Series chassis, enabling organizations to extend network capacity, improve data throughput, and maintain consistent performance across demanding environments. Built to support advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 services, the module aligns with modern networking requirements where scalability, reliability, and operational efficiency are critical.

This expansion module supports a broad range of enterprise use cases, including data aggregation, core switching, and high-performance distribution layers. With thirty-two 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports, it enables network architects to consolidate uplinks, reduce hardware complexity, and simplify cabling strategies. Its architecture is optimized for high-speed data forwarding, ensuring that latency-sensitive applications and bandwidth-intensive workloads can operate without disruption.

Role Within the Catalyst 6800 Series Ecosystem

The Cisco Catalyst 6800 Series is recognized for its modular design and long-term investment protection. The C6800-32P10G-XL module plays a strategic role within this ecosystem by expanding port density while preserving the flexibility of the chassis-based architecture. Organizations deploying Catalyst 6800 switches can add or upgrade modules as network demands evolve, allowing infrastructure to scale without a complete replacement.

This expansion module integrates with the Catalyst 6800 backplane, leveraging high-capacity switching fabrics to ensure non-blocking performance. It supports consistent policy enforcement, quality of service mechanisms, and security features that are native to the Catalyst 6800 platform. This tight integration ensures operational consistency and simplifies management across the switching environment.

High-Density 10 Gigabit Ethernet Connectivity

The primary value of the Cisco C6800-32P10G-XL lies in its ability to deliver thirty-two 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports within a single module. This high-density configuration allows organizations to connect a large number of servers, aggregation switches, or high-performance network devices without consuming excessive chassis slots. The result is an efficient use of space and power within the data center or campus core.

By supporting 10 Gigabit Ethernet, the module addresses the growing demand for faster data transmission driven by virtualization, cloud computing, and real-time collaboration tools. High-speed connectivity reduces bottlenecks at the aggregation and core layers, enabling smoother data flows and improved application responsiveness.

Performance Architecture and Switching Capacity

The C6800-32P10G-XL module is engineered to deliver consistent, wire-speed performance across all ports. Its internal forwarding architecture supports high packet-per-second rates, ensuring that traffic bursts and peak usage periods are handled efficiently. This capability is essential in environments where large volumes of data traverse the network simultaneously.

The module benefits from the Catalyst 6800 Series switching fabric, which is designed to provide ample bandwidth and low-latency forwarding. This architecture supports advanced traffic engineering, allowing organizations to optimize data paths and maintain predictable network behavior even under heavy load.

Advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 Capabilities

The Cisco C6800-32P10G-XL supports a comprehensive set of Layer 2 features that enhance network segmentation, resiliency, and control. These capabilities are essential for building scalable and secure network designs that can adapt to changing business requirements.

Layer 3 functionality further extends the module’s value by enabling high-performance routing at the core or distribution layer. This allows organizations to consolidate routing and switching functions within a single platform, reducing complexity and improving operational efficiency.

Layer 2 Switching Features

At the Layer 2 level, the expansion module supports advanced switching mechanisms that help maintain network stability and prevent loops. These features enable administrators to design resilient topologies that can recover quickly from link or device failures.

Support for VLAN segmentation allows traffic to be logically separated, improving security and performance. This capability is particularly valuable in multi-tenant environments or large enterprises where different departments or applications require isolated network segments.

Layer 3 Routing Capabilities

The C6800-32P10G-XL module supports robust Layer 3 routing features that enable efficient inter-VLAN communication and dynamic routing across the network. These capabilities are essential for large-scale deployments where traffic must be routed quickly and reliably between multiple subnets.

Dynamic routing protocol support allows the network to adapt automatically to changes in topology, improving resiliency and reducing manual configuration overhead. This ensures that traffic continues to flow efficiently even when links or devices become unavailable.

Security Integration and Network Protection

Security is a critical consideration in modern network design, and the Cisco C6800-32P10G-XL expansion module integrates with the Catalyst 6800 Series security framework to provide comprehensive protection. This integration allows organizations to enforce security policies consistently across the network infrastructure.

The module supports features that help detect and mitigate threats, protect sensitive data, and ensure compliance with organizational security standards. These capabilities are essential for maintaining trust and reliability in enterprise and service provider networks.

Access Control and Policy Enforcement

Access control mechanisms enable administrators to define who and what can connect to the network. By enforcing policies at the port level, the module helps prevent unauthorized access and reduce the risk of security breaches.

Policy enforcement capabilities ensure that security rules are applied consistently across all ports, simplifying management and improving overall security posture.

Integration with Network Security Services

The C6800-32P10G-XL integrates with broader Cisco security services, allowing organizations to leverage centralized monitoring and threat detection tools. This integration enhances visibility into network activity and supports rapid response to potential security incidents.

By combining high-performance switching with advanced security features, the module helps organizations build resilient networks that can withstand evolving threats.

Scalability and Investment Protection

Scalability is a defining characteristic of the Cisco Catalyst 6800 Series, and the C6800-32P10G-XL expansion module contributes significantly to this capability. Its modular design allows organizations to add capacity incrementally, aligning network growth with business needs.

This approach provides long-term investment protection by enabling upgrades and expansions without replacing the entire switching platform. Organizations can adapt to new technologies and increased traffic demands while preserving existing infrastructure.

Modular Expansion Flexibility

The expansion module can be deployed alongside other Catalyst 6800 Series modules, allowing customized configurations that meet specific performance and connectivity requirements. This flexibility supports a wide range of deployment scenarios, from campus cores to data center aggregation layers.

By choosing the appropriate combination of modules, organizations can optimize their network architecture for both current and future demands.

Support for Evolving Network Technologies

The C6800-32P10G-XL is designed to support evolving networking standards and technologies, ensuring compatibility with modern applications and devices. This forward-looking design helps organizations stay competitive and responsive to changing business requirements.

As network technologies continue to advance, the module provides a stable foundation that can accommodate new capabilities through software updates and complementary hardware upgrades.

Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

The Cisco C6800-32P10G-XL expansion module is suitable for a wide range of deployment scenarios, reflecting its versatility and performance capabilities. It can be deployed in enterprise campuses, data centers, and service provider environments where high-speed connectivity and scalability are essential.

Its high port density and advanced features make it an ideal choice for organizations seeking to consolidate network infrastructure while maintaining flexibility and performance.

Enterprise Campus Core and Distribution

In enterprise campus networks, the module can be used at the core or distribution layer to aggregate traffic from multiple access switches. Its high-speed ports ensure efficient data flow between network segments, supporting large numbers of users and devices.

This deployment supports centralized policy enforcement and simplifies network design by reducing the number of required devices.

Data Center Aggregation and Interconnect

Within data centers, the C6800-32P10G-XL can serve as an aggregation point for server racks and access switches. Its 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports provide the bandwidth needed to support virtualization, storage traffic, and high-performance computing workloads.

The module’s reliability and performance characteristics make it well-suited for mission-critical data center environments.

Service Provider and High-Demand Networks

Service providers and organizations with high-demand networks can leverage the module’s scalability and performance to support large volumes of customer or application traffic. Its advanced features enable efficient traffic management and service differentiation.

By deploying the C6800-32P10G-XL, these organizations can build robust networks that meet stringent performance and availability requirements.

Compatibility and Integration with Existing Infrastructure

The Cisco C6800-32P10G-XL expansion module is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing Catalyst 6800 Series infrastructure. This compatibility ensures that organizations can enhance their networks without disrupting current operations.

Integration with existing hardware and software platforms simplifies deployment and reduces the learning curve for network administrators.

Chassis and Supervisor Compatibility

The module is compatible with supported Catalyst 6800 Series chassis and supervisor engines, ensuring optimal performance and feature availability. This compatibility allows organizations to select the appropriate combination of components based on their specific requirements.

By maintaining consistent hardware and software standards, the module supports stable and predictable network behavior.

Interoperability with Network Devices

The C6800-32P10G-XL interoperates with a wide range of network devices, including servers, storage systems, and other switches. This interoperability ensures seamless connectivity across heterogeneous environments.

Support for industry-standard protocols and interfaces enables smooth integration with both Cisco and third-party equipment.

Reliability, Availability, and Service Continuity

Reliability and availability are essential attributes of enterprise-grade networking equipment, and the Cisco C6800-32P10G-XL expansion module is designed to meet these expectations. Its robust construction and integration with the Catalyst 6800 Series redundancy features help ensure continuous operation.

These characteristics make the module suitable for environments where downtime can have significant operational or financial impacts.

High Availability Features

The module supports high availability configurations that minimize the impact of hardware or link failures. Redundant components and fast convergence mechanisms help maintain network connectivity during unexpected events.

This focus on availability supports business continuity and enhances user confidence in the network infrastructure.