A new processor module for Cisco Catalyst 4000/4500 series switches.

14 October 2002

Race Communications begins deliveries of a new high-performance processor module for the Catalyst 4000/4500 series switches.

The Supervisor Engine IV processor module, as well as Supervisor Engine III, provides non-blocking switching of 2, 3, 4 levels at a speed of 64 Gbit/s using new intelligent traffic processing mechanisms. Supervisor Engine IV uses a more productive central processor, there are 2 slots for gigabit media converters GBIC and, in addition to this, the amount of RAM has been increased.

In addition, Supervisor Engine IV can interact with optional NetFlow Service Modules (NetFlow Services Modules), the release of which is planned for the near future. NetFlow-enabled maps collect statistics on traffic flows in virtual local area networks (VLANs) and thus allow you to monitor and evaluate network performance parameters. The received information can be exported using NetFlow Data Export (NDE) versions 1 and 5.

Comparative characteristics of processor modules Supervisor Engine IV and Supervisor Engine III.

SpecificationsSupervisor Engine III	Supervisor Engine IV	Supported platforms
	4006, 4503, 4506	4006, 4503, 4506, 4507R
Possibility of reservation	No	Yes (for C4507R)
Supported minimum software version	Cisco IOS 12.1(8a)EW or higher	Cisco IOS 12.1(12c)EW or higher
Central Processing Unit	300 MHz	333 MHz
Memory Speed (SDRAM)	100 MHz	133 MHz
Memory Capacity (SDRAM)	256 MB	512 MB
Child card support NetFlow	No	Yes

Like the previous model, Supervisor Engine IV operates under the control of a single Cisco IOS management software. This ensures high compatibility with other network devices manufactured by Cisco Systems.

The new processor module is already available for order. Its cost according to the Cisco GPL price list is $13,495. Supply it is carried out from the Race Communications warehouse in Moscow or within 4-6 weeks.