WS-X4424-GB-RJ45 Cisco Switching Module 24 Ports

Cisco WS-X4424-GB-RJ45 Catalyst Ethernet Switching Module

The Cisco WS-X4424-GB-RJ45 Catalyst Gigabit Ethernet Switching Module is designed to expand network capacity with reliable, high-performance Ethernet connectivity. This switching module integrates seamlessly into compatible Cisco Catalyst chassis, delivering scalable port density, stable throughput, and enterprise-grade performance suitable for campus, branch, and data center aggregation environments.

General Product Details and Identification

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: WS-X4424-GB-RJ45
• Product Name: Catalyst Gigabit Ethernet Switching Module
• Product Type: Network Switching Module

Total Network Ports

• 24 x 10/100/1000Base-T LAN ports
• Optimized for copper-based Ethernet connections
• Ideal for end-user devices, access switches, and servers

Port Type and Connector Design

• RJ-45 connectors for universal Ethernet compatibility
• Supports standard twisted-pair cabling
• Designed for fast installation and maintenance

Maximum Cable Distance Support

• Supports cable lengths up to 328 feet (100 meters)
• Complies with standard Ethernet distance limitations
• Ensures consistent signal integrity across the network

Ethernet Data Rates

• Ethernet: 10 Mbps (Half and Full Duplex)
• Fast Ethernet: 100 Mbps (Half and Full Duplex)
• Gigabit Ethernet: 1 Gbps (Full Duplex)

Scalability and Network Expansion

• Expands switching capacity without replacing existing chassis
• Supports growing network demands with Gigabit speeds
• Suitable for enterprise, education, and commercial deployments

Typical Applications

• Enterprise access layer switching
• Departmental and campus network expansion
• Server and workstation connectivity
• Migration from Fast Ethernet to Gigabit Ethernet

Cisco WS-X4424-GB-RJ45 Switching Module Category 

The Cisco WS-X4424-GB-RJ45 24 Ports Switching Module belongs to a specialized category of high-performance network expansion modules designed for Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series switches. This category focuses on scalable Ethernet switching modules that enhance port density, bandwidth efficiency, and operational flexibility within modular enterprise switching platforms. Products in this category are engineered to integrate seamlessly into existing chassis-based architectures, enabling organizations to extend network capacity without replacing core infrastructure. The WS-X4424-GB-RJ45 module represents a key solution within this category by delivering reliable Gigabit Ethernet connectivity through copper RJ45 interfaces, supporting demanding enterprise access and distribution layer requirements.

Role of Switching Modules in Modular Network Architectures

Switching modules such as the Cisco WS-X4424-GB-RJ45 play a central role in modular network design, where scalability and adaptability are primary considerations. In contrast to fixed-configuration switches, modular platforms rely on interchangeable modules to provide connectivity, forwarding capacity, and specialized features. This category of switching modules enables network administrators to align hardware capabilities with evolving business needs. By installing or replacing modules within a Catalyst 4500 chassis, organizations can respond to growth in user count, device density, or application bandwidth requirements without significant downtime or architectural redesign.

Category Focus on Gigabit Ethernet Copper Connectivity

The category encompassing the Cisco WS-X4424-GB-RJ45 is specifically oriented toward Gigabit Ethernet over copper cabling. Copper-based Gigabit Ethernet remains widely deployed due to its cost efficiency, compatibility with existing structured cabling, and support for standard Ethernet devices. Modules in this category are optimized for environments where RJ45 connectivity is essential, including office floors, campus access layers, and mixed-use enterprise networks. The emphasis on copper interfaces allows organizations to maintain legacy cabling investments while benefiting from high-speed network performance.

Design Characteristics of the WS-X4424-GB-RJ45 Category

Switching modules within this category are designed with a focus on reliability, performance consistency, and seamless chassis integration. The Cisco WS-X4424-GB-RJ45 exemplifies these design principles through its standardized form factor, robust port implementation, and alignment with Catalyst 4500 Series backplane architectures. Each module is engineered to operate as an integral component of the switch rather than a peripheral add-on, ensuring predictable behavior and simplified management.

Port Density and Physical Interface Considerations

The defining characteristic of the WS-X4424-GB-RJ45 category is its 24-port RJ45 configuration. This port density strikes a balance between maximizing connectivity and maintaining manageable thermal and power profiles within the chassis. The physical RJ45 interfaces are designed for repeated connection cycles, ensuring durability in environments where network changes are frequent. This category prioritizes standardized Ethernet pinouts and signaling, allowing straightforward integration with a wide range of endpoint devices, including desktop computers, printers, IP phones, and networked industrial equipment.

Integration with Catalyst 4500 Backplane Architecture

Switching modules in this category are engineered to leverage the Catalyst 4500 Series backplane for high-speed data forwarding and control plane communication. The WS-X4424-GB-RJ45 is designed to align with the internal switching fabric, ensuring that traffic entering or leaving the module benefits from the chassis’s aggregate bandwidth and forwarding intelligence. This integration allows the module to participate fully in the overall switching system, supporting consistent latency, predictable throughput, and unified configuration across all installed modules.

Performance Expectations Within This Switching Module Category

The performance profile of the Cisco WS-X4424-GB-RJ45 category is defined by its ability to deliver stable Gigabit Ethernet throughput across all ports under typical enterprise workloads. Modules in this category are optimized for sustained data transfer rather than burst-only performance, making them suitable for environments where continuous application traffic, file transfers, and real-time communications coexist. The architecture ensures that each port can operate at its intended speed while maintaining overall system stability.

Traffic Handling and Forwarding Efficiency

Within this category, switching modules are expected to handle Layer 2 Ethernet frames efficiently, forwarding traffic based on MAC address tables maintained by the Catalyst switch. The WS-X4424-GB-RJ45 aligns with these expectations by providing consistent forwarding behavior that supports large numbers of connected devices. Efficient traffic handling minimizes packet loss and retransmissions, contributing to a responsive network experience for end users and applications.

Support for Enterprise Application Workloads

The category is designed to support a wide range of enterprise application workloads, including data-intensive business systems, collaboration platforms, and networked storage access. Gigabit Ethernet connectivity over copper provides sufficient bandwidth for most access-layer applications while maintaining compatibility with common endpoint hardware. The WS-X4424-GB-RJ45 module supports these workloads by delivering predictable performance that aligns with enterprise service level expectations.

Deployment Scenarios for the WS-X4424-GB-RJ45 Category

Switching modules in this category are deployed across diverse enterprise environments, from corporate campuses to educational institutions and healthcare facilities. The Cisco WS-X4424-GB-RJ45 is particularly well suited for scenarios where a high number of wired devices must be connected reliably within a modular switching framework. The flexibility of the Catalyst 4500 platform allows this category of modules to be used at the access layer, distribution layer, or in specialized aggregation roles.

Enterprise Campus Network Expansion

In campus network environments, this category supports incremental expansion by adding additional Gigabit Ethernet ports as new buildings, departments, or floors come online. The WS-X4424-GB-RJ45 allows network teams to scale port capacity without deploying separate standalone switches, centralizing management and reducing operational complexity. This approach aligns with enterprise strategies focused on long-term scalability and simplified infrastructure management.

Data Center Edge and Aggregation Use Cases

Although primarily associated with campus and enterprise access layers, the WS-X4424-GB-RJ45 category can also be applied at the data center edge or aggregation points. In these scenarios, copper Gigabit Ethernet ports are used to connect servers, appliances, or legacy systems that do not require fiber-based connectivity. The modular nature of the category allows organizations to mix copper and fiber modules within the same chassis, optimizing connectivity based on device requirements.

Operational Management Characteristics of This Category

Operational simplicity and centralized management are core attributes of the Cisco WS-X4424-GB-RJ45 category. By integrating fully with Catalyst 4500 Series management frameworks, modules in this category are configured, monitored, and maintained using the same tools and processes as the rest of the switch. This consistency reduces training requirements and minimizes the risk of configuration errors.

Compatibility and Ecosystem Alignment

Compatibility within the Cisco ecosystem is a defining feature of the WS-X4424-GB-RJ45 category. These switching modules are designed to operate in harmony with other Catalyst 4500 Series components, including supervisor engines, power supplies, and additional line cards. This alignment ensures predictable behavior and validated performance across a wide range of deployment configurations.

Interoperability with Other Switching Modules

Within a single Catalyst chassis, modules from this category can coexist with fiber-based Ethernet modules, higher-speed interfaces, and specialized service cards. The WS-X4424-GB-RJ45 complements these modules by providing copper-based access connectivity, allowing a heterogeneous mix of interfaces tailored to specific network needs. This interoperability enhances the overall versatility of the modular switching platform.

Support for Standard Ethernet Devices

The category emphasizes broad compatibility with standard Ethernet devices, ensuring that endpoints from different vendors can connect without specialized configuration. The RJ45 interfaces supported by the WS-X4424-GB-RJ45 adhere to established Ethernet standards, facilitating seamless integration into existing network environments. This standards-based approach reduces deployment risk and simplifies troubleshooting.

Security and Network Control Implications

While the primary focus of the WS-X4424-GB-RJ45 category is connectivity and performance, security and control considerations are also integral. Switching modules in this category support the enforcement of network policies at the port level, allowing organizations to maintain secure and segmented network environments. By leveraging the Catalyst platform’s capabilities, the category contributes to a comprehensive network security posture.

Port-Level Policy Enforcement

Modules in this category allow administrators to apply port-level controls that regulate access to network resources. The WS-X4424-GB-RJ45 enables consistent policy application across all connected devices, supporting enterprise requirements for access control and traffic segmentation. These capabilities help prevent unauthorized access and limit the impact of potential security incidents.

Contribution to Network Stability and Reliability

Stable operation is a hallmark of the WS-X4424-GB-RJ45 category. By delivering predictable performance and integrating tightly with the Catalyst control plane, these modules contribute to overall network reliability. Consistent link behavior and standardized interfaces reduce the likelihood of unexpected disruptions, supporting mission-critical enterprise operations.

Strategic Value of the WS-X4424-GB-RJ45 Switching Module Category

The strategic value of this category lies in its ability to extend the lifespan and adaptability of modular switching platforms. By providing a reliable source of Gigabit Ethernet copper connectivity, the WS-X4424-GB-RJ45 category enables organizations to continue supporting a wide range of devices and applications within a unified infrastructure. This approach aligns with cost-effective network modernization strategies that prioritize incremental upgrades over wholesale replacement.

Alignment with Long-Term Network Planning

Organizations adopting this category benefit from its alignment with long-term network planning objectives. The ability to add or replace modules as requirements change allows for gradual evolution rather than disruptive transitions. The WS-X4424-GB-RJ45 supports this model by offering consistent functionality and predictable integration within the Catalyst ecosystem.