Race introduces the new Cisco Supervisor Engine 32 system module.

Race Communications introduces a new Cisco Supervisor Engine 32 (SUP32) switching and management system module for Cisco Catalyst 6500 series switches.

The main purpose of the new system module is to organize the access level in large corporate networks or the distribution level/branch cores, as well as providing advanced access control capabilities at the port/user level with the ability to limit traffic levels to prevent DoS attacks (denial of service). Module support is implemented in all chassis modifications of Cisco Catalyst 6500 series switches (including the new Cisco Catalyst 6504E model) and Cisco 7600 series routers, with some restrictions on the options of power supplies and ventilation modules. All classic expansion modules and modules with the CEF256 architecture are supported as line cards.

Cisco Supervisor Engine 32 is a new generation module built on the same architecture as the SUP720-3B and comes with a PFC3B child card installed. The PFC3B card is responsible for hardware switching (L2/L3/L4), packet filtering through access lists (ACLs), implements quality of service (QoS) mechanisms and performs other packet switching functions. Thus, advanced services previously available when using the Cisco Supervisor Engine 720 system module are now provided at the network access level. The MSFC2A card is also installed on the module, but the functionality that provides traffic routing will be used in the future. For comparison, the SUP720-3B uses an MSFC3 card. Moreover, unlike the SUP720, the system module is connected only to the common switching bus of the chassis with a capacity of 32 Gbit/s. The maximum number of processed packets is 15M per second.

There are two models of modules that differ in the type and number of modular interfaces: SUP32-GE with 8 Gigabit Ethernet SFP interfaces and SUP32-10GE with two 10GE interfaces (XENPAK). In addition to the modular interfaces, the system module has 1 10/100/1000 Ethernet interface for management. On the front panel of the module there are two high-speed USB 2.0 ports, through which the switch can be controlled, software updates, as well as security when using USB keys. It is worth noting that support for USB ports in the software will be implemented later.

The cost of modules according to the GPL price list is $15,000 and $20,000 for SUP32-GE and SUP32-10GE, respectively. Deliveries from the Race Communications warehouse in Moscow or within 6-8 weeks.

August 2005