Service modules and Sup engines

[ajay kondapalli]

Hi,

I have some confusion about some hardware components. I watched the video datasheet of cisco routers and switches.

In cisco 2901  and 2911 models of routers there is service module . What is meant by service module. what does it do ?

If we buy a new 6500 switch, what are the components we get bydefault.  Is there any special configuraton to be done for 6500 . like Sup engine config etc. What is the difference between ASIC and Sup engine ?

In which slots, we need to insert Supervisor Engine ? does it vary with the model . (6503, 6505, 6509, 6513 etc). 

Please explain.

Thanks,

Ajay

[mvsheik123]

What is meant by service module. what does it do ?

In general it is an add on hardware to the routers to provide support for additional services like -Terminating your T1/T3 links, Voice ports etc (in the case of 29xx). Check the below link to get more idea.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/routers/access/interfaces/nm/hardware/installation/guide/OvrNetM.html

Different hardware supports different kind of service modules.

If we buy a new 6500 switch, what are the components we get bydefault.

If I remember correct - Chassis+Power supply. The supervisor and modules modules you need to order based on your requirement/budget.

In which slots, we need to insert Supervisor Engine ?

Depends on Sup. check the below link.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/switches/lan/catalyst6500/hardware/Module_Installation/Sup_Eng_Guide/03instal.html#wp1043678

hth

MS

[ajay kondapalli]

Thank you,

How many Sup engines we can use maximum on a switch ?  Can we use more than 2?

Regards,

Ajay

[Leo Laohoo]

How many Sup engines we can use maximum on a switch ?  Can we use more than 2?

Maximum is 2.  And WHY would you want to use more than 2?  It doesn't make any sense.

That would be like flying a Piper Cherokee with a pilot, a co-pilot and a flight attendant. 

[Joseph W. Doherty]

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That would be like flying a Piper Cherokee with a pilot, a co-pilot and a flight attendant.  

Laugh - well in a Piper Cherokee there can be a reason.  Suppose two of the flight crew are trying to qualify for the MHC, someone needs to fly the plane (as many smaller Piper Cherokees don't have auto pilots).

You're right about the limitation of 2 sups in a 6500 but some large chassis designs can use more than 2 sups or processing engines to increase forwarding performance.

[ajay kondapalli]

  Thanks,

Can we call service modules as Daughter cards.  like WIC cards in routers.

[Leo Laohoo]

Can we call service modules as Daughter cards.

No.  Daughter card is like an "add-on" card for a line card.