Datasheet

Data Sheet

Figure 2. Cisco EtherSwitch Service Module with a Cisco 2821 Integrated Services Router

Features and Benefits

Architecture Feature and Benefits

The new Cisco EtherSwitch service modules help ensure maximum availability, high performance,

ease of upgrade, and expandability. The modules have their own processors, switching engines,

and Flash memory that run independent of the host router resources, helping to ensure maximum

concurrent switching and routing performance as well as providing integrated PoE, security, and

increased ease of management. Additionally, Cisco EtherSwitch service modules run their own

Cisco IOS

Software, independent of the router's Cisco IOS Software image, allowing for easy

upgrades and ongoing software and feature commonality with Cisco Catalyst 3750 and 3750-E

Series Switches. Table 1 lists some of the features and benefits of this advanced architecture.

Table 1. Cisco EtherSwitch Service Module Architecture Features and Benefits

Feature Benefit

Increased Switch

Port Density

●

The new Cisco EtherSwitch service modules are the first enhanced network modules (NMEs)

to take advantage of the NME-X and NME-XD form factors; the NME allows for up to a 1-Gb

backplane connection to the host router.

●

The new NME-X and NME-XD form factors allow for new higher-density switch modules, such

as the 24-port NME-X and 48-port NME-XD switch modules (Table 10).

Independent

Software Image

●

The Cisco EtherSwitch service module runs its own Cisco IOS Software image and can be

upgraded independent of the host router's Cisco IOS Software release.

●

The Cisco EtherSwitch service module uses the same software images as the Cisco Catalyst

3750 Series, helping to ensure software feature parity and compatibility.