Why do we use Catalyst 7600 instead of 6500 ?

[eigrpy]

Hi Catalyst 7600 is similar with Catalyst 6500. I notice that some network use 7600 instead of 6500, while other network use 6500 instead of 7600. Any one can give the main reasons ? Thank you.

[Jon Marshall · Accepted solution]

Not really the right forum for this but basically they are both based on the same architecture it's just that the 6500 is labelled as a L3 switch and the 7600 as a router.

Because they share the same basic architecture they can use a lot of the same modules but the 7600 also supports more types of WAN interface and the features supported differ because of the purpose of each platform.

That said there is still a lot of similarity between the two platforms.

Jon

[eigrpy]

Thank you so much for your reply. 

Can I say that 6500 usually is used as switch core layer, but it has layer 3 function, while 7600 is usually used as edge router or CPE with switch functions ? or 7600 has some roles that ASR has, or is used in ISP？

[Jon Marshall]

That's a pretty good description.

There is a fair amount of common ground between the platforms so you may find them being used in different scenarios but essentially yes to what you say.

Bear in mind also that both these platforms have been around a while now and are gradually being replaced by other platforms but they will be around for a while yet especially the 6500 as it has such a large installed user base.

Not sure how the 7600 compares to an ASR to be honest so I can't give much information there.

Jon