Understanding the Cisco Catalyst 4900m Datasheet: What It Is and How It's Used
The Cisco Catalyst 4900m Datasheet is essentially a detailed technical specification document published by Cisco Systems for their Catalyst 4900m series of modular network switches. Think of it as the instruction manual and performance report for the switch, all rolled into one. It's designed to provide engineers, network administrators, and decision-makers with all the crucial information needed to assess the suitability of this hardware for specific network designs and deployment scenarios. This document goes beyond just listing features; it explains the "how" and "why" behind its design and capabilities. The ability to quickly and accurately interpret this datasheet is paramount for making informed purchasing and implementation decisions .
Network professionals utilize the Cisco Catalyst 4900m Datasheet in several key ways. Primarily, it’s used during the planning and design phase of network upgrades or new deployments. They consult it to understand:
- Port configurations and speeds (e.g., Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit Ethernet).
- Module support and compatibility.
- Power consumption and cooling requirements.
- Layer 2 and Layer 3 forwarding capabilities.
- Quality of Service (QoS) features.
- Security functionalities.
This information allows them to match the switch’s capabilities with the network’s demands. For instance, a growing enterprise might compare the port density and uplink speeds detailed in the datasheet against their projected user growth and bandwidth needs.
Furthermore, the datasheet plays a vital role in troubleshooting and ongoing network management. When issues arise, or when administrators are considering adding new services or expanding the network, they can refer back to the Cisco Catalyst 4900m Datasheet to confirm system limits, understand specific command syntax related to hardware features, or verify the supported software versions. Here’s a glimpse into some of the typical data found:
| Feature | Specification Example |
|---|---|
| Switching Capacity | Up to 1.52 Tbps |
| Forwarding Rate | Up to 1.2 bpps |
| Maximum VLANs | 4000 |
These specific figures, directly from the datasheet, enable precise network calculations and capacity planning, ensuring optimal performance and scalability. It’s a reference tool that supports the entire lifecycle of the network device.
To fully grasp the technical prowess and deployment flexibility of the Cisco Catalyst 4900m, we highly recommend reviewing the official Cisco Catalyst 4900m Datasheet. This document is the definitive source for all technical specifications.