6509 monitor session limitation? (2nd try with correct info)

[jkeeffe]

I want to set up more then two monitor sessions on a 6509 sup720 (IOS = 12.2(18)SXD3) and am running into limitations that are not specified in the documentation.

Here is what I have and the error message after I try to add a third session:

ENGLAB-6513-Native#sh run | begin monitor

monitor session 1 source interface Gi2/11

monitor session 1 destination interface Gi2/12

monitor session 2 source interface Gi2/14

monitor session 2 destination interface Gi2/15

ENGLAB-6513-Native#sh mon

ENGLAB-6513-Native#sh monitor

Session 1

---------

Type : Local Session

Source Ports :

Both : Gi2/11

Destination Ports : Gi2/12

Session 2

---------

Type : Local Session

Source Ports :

Both : Gi2/14

Destination Ports : Gi2/15

ENGLAB-6513-Native#config t

Enter configuration commands, one per line. End with CNTL/Z.

ENGLAB-6513-Native(config)#monitor session 3 source int g2/1

% Local Session limit has been exceeded

Is there truly a 2 session limit on these powerful switches?

[glen.grant]

Simple answer is yes , 2 spans...

[johansens]

And we hate it...

Especially if you put a FWSM into the chassis and want to run multicast through it (and switched on the way out).. then one span-session is taken by the system and you are left with only one for your own troubleshooting/monitoring.

I consider this a major flaw in the all-in-one-box solution Cisco is touting....