WS-X4019 Cisco Switching Accelerator Module

Cisco WS-X4019 Switching Accelerator Module 

The Cisco WS-X4019 Switching Accelerator Module is a high-performance plug-in switching component engineered to enhance backplane throughput and internal traffic processing within compatible Cisco Catalyst modular switches. Designed as an original Cisco hardware module, this unit delivers reliable packet forwarding, optimized load distribution, and scalable switching acceleration for enterprise and campus network environments.

General Product Information

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: WS-X4019
• Product Type: Switching Accelerator Module
• Module Name: Catalyst 4006 Backplane Switching Module

Form Factor and Physical Integration

• Form Factor: Plug-in module
• Slot Requirement: Occupies one expansion slot
• Design: Precision-engineered for Catalyst modular systems

Supported Cisco Catalyst Platforms

• Cisco Catalyst 4006 chassis
• Cisco Catalyst 4503 Switch
• Cisco Catalyst 4506 Switch

Hardware Build Standards

• Original Cisco hardware component
• Enterprise-class materials and assembly
• Designed for long-term deployment

Included Software Support

• Pre-validated drivers
• Utility tools for management and diagnostics
• Compatibility with supported Cisco switch software

Common Deployment Environments

• Enterprise campus networks
• Data center access and aggregation layers
• High-traffic modular switch deployments

Cisco WS-X4019 Switching Accelerator Module 

The Cisco WS-X4019 Switching Accelerator Module is a high-performance enhancement component designed specifically for the Catalyst 4000 series switches. Engineered by Cisco, this module significantly improves the data throughput and overall switching efficiency of the network infrastructure. By integrating seamlessly into the Catalyst 4006 backplane, the WS-X4019 module delivers advanced packet forwarding capabilities, ensuring low-latency and high-speed network performance for enterprise-scale deployments.

High-Performance Switching Capabilities

The WS-X4019 module is optimized for accelerating Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching operations within large-scale enterprise networks. It enhances the switching fabric by offloading packet processing from the central switch processor, allowing for faster data handling and reduced congestion on critical network links. This ensures that even high-volume traffic, including multimedia streams, large file transfers, and real-time communications, is managed efficiently.

Optimized Backplane Integration

Designed to integrate seamlessly with the Catalyst 4006 chassis, the WS-X4019 module connects directly to the backplane, providing high-bandwidth interconnectivity for all installed line cards. This integration ensures consistent data transfer rates across all ports, minimizing bottlenecks and optimizing network performance. The module's design also supports redundant configurations, enhancing network reliability and uptime.

Advanced Packet Forwarding

The module leverages Cisco's proprietary hardware acceleration technology to deliver high-speed packet forwarding, including support for multicast, broadcast, and unicast traffic. It allows for dynamic handling of complex routing and switching protocols, including VLAN segmentation, QoS prioritization, and security filtering. By reducing the processing burden on the main switch processor, the WS-X4019 module ensures rapid data delivery and superior network responsiveness.

Enterprise-Grade Reliability and Scalability

Cisco WS-X4019 is engineered for enterprise environments where uptime and network resilience are critical. The module supports hot-swappable installation, allowing network administrators to upgrade or replace modules without interrupting network services. Its robust design withstands continuous operation under heavy workloads, making it suitable for high-traffic data centers, corporate campuses, and service provider environments.

Seamless Integration with Catalyst 4000 Series

The module is fully compatible with the Catalyst 4006 backplane and is designed to support the full range of Cisco line cards. This ensures that network administrators can expand network capacity incrementally without requiring major infrastructure changes. The WS-X4019 module enhances the existing switching capabilities, providing scalable performance improvements that accommodate growing business demands.

Enhanced Quality of Service (QoS)

Quality of Service is a critical feature of the WS-X4019 module, allowing administrators to prioritize traffic based on business requirements. By supporting differentiated traffic handling, the module ensures that mission-critical applications such as VoIP, video conferencing, and real-time analytics receive the necessary bandwidth and minimal latency. This capability enables organizations to maintain high service quality across all network applications.

Advanced Security and Traffic Management

The Cisco WS-X4019 module incorporates advanced traffic management and security features to protect sensitive network communications. It supports features such as Access Control Lists (ACLs), VLAN segregation, and traffic rate limiting. These features provide granular control over data flows, prevent network abuse, and ensure compliance with organizational security policies.

Support for VLAN and Network Segmentation

VLAN support allows the module to segment network traffic logically, improving both security and performance. By isolating specific types of traffic within distinct VLANs, administrators can reduce broadcast storms and limit the impact of potential network threats. This capability is essential for multi-tenant environments, data center operations, and enterprise networks requiring strict separation between departments or applications.

Redundant and High-Availability Configurations

The WS-X4019 module supports redundancy mechanisms that enhance network resilience. By pairing multiple modules or integrating with redundant power supplies and supervisors within the Catalyst 4006 chassis, organizations can maintain continuous network operation even during hardware failures. This high-availability design ensures minimal downtime and aligns with enterprise-level service-level agreements (SLAs).

Energy Efficiency and Thermal Management

Designed with energy efficiency in mind, the WS-X4019 module consumes minimal power relative to the performance benefits it delivers. Cisco's thermal management technologies optimize airflow and heat dissipation within the Catalyst 4006 chassis, reducing the risk of overheating and extending the operational lifespan of the module. This efficiency is critical for data centers and large networks where energy management and cooling are significant operational concerns.

Compatibility and Upgradability

The module maintains broad compatibility with existing Catalyst 4000 series infrastructure, ensuring that organizations can leverage their current investment in Cisco hardware. It also provides a clear upgrade path, allowing network engineers to deploy advanced switching capabilities without replacing the entire chassis or line card configuration. This compatibility ensures long-term flexibility and scalability for evolving network requirements.

Comprehensive Network Management Support

Integrated with Cisco's management platforms, including Cisco IOS and Cisco Prime, the WS-X4019 module offers full visibility into network performance and health. Administrators can monitor traffic patterns, detect anomalies, and implement configuration changes in real-time. These management tools simplify operations, improve troubleshooting, and enable proactive network optimization.

Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

The WS-X4019 Switching Accelerator Module is ideal for organizations requiring high-performance switching in complex network environments. Typical deployment scenarios include enterprise campuses, data centers, and service provider networks. It excels in situations demanding low-latency processing, high throughput, and scalable connectivity. By leveraging the module's advanced features, organizations can optimize network efficiency, ensure consistent application performance, and support future growth.

Data Center and Enterprise Networking

In data center environments, the WS-X4019 module accelerates internal traffic between servers, storage arrays, and external networks. Enterprise campuses benefit from enhanced network speed and reliability, supporting large numbers of users and devices without performance degradation. The module’s features ensure smooth operation of business-critical applications and enable rapid response to changing network demands.

Service Provider and Multi-Tenant Networks

Service providers and multi-tenant environments gain particular advantages from the WS-X4019 module's VLAN support, traffic management, and high-availability features. It allows providers to isolate client traffic, maintain service quality, and minimize disruptions caused by high-volume traffic bursts. The module also supports scaling to accommodate growing subscriber bases without compromising performance.