 bus. The Network Analysis Module (NAM) in slot 4 is fabric- enabled, but connects with only one 8 Gbps channel, as do the FWSM and IDS modules in slots 7 and 9: 6509-2#sho fabric status channel speed module fabric status status The lesson here is that it's important to understand how your modules interoperate. Even though a module may be a "fabric blade," it may not perform the same way another fabric-enabled module. Knowing how the different modules operate can help you understand your current setup and design future solutions. Module types 6500-series modules are generally divided into line cards and service modules. A line card offers connectivity, such as copper or fiber Ethernet. Service modules offer func- tionality. Examples of service modules include FWSMs and ACE. Service modules dramatically enhance the usefulness of the 6500 switch. In one chassis, you can have a complete web server architecture, including Ethernet ports, DS3 Internet feeds, firewalls, IDSs, and load balancing. All devices will be configurable from the single chassis, and all will be powered from the same source. For redundancy, two identically configured chassis can be deployed with complete failover functionality that will provide no single point of failure. Ethernet modules. Ethernet modules are available in many flavors and speeds. Some offer simple connectivity, while others offer extreme speed with 40 Gbps or even 80 Gbps connections to the crossbar fabric bus. Connectivity options for Ethernet modules include RJ-45, GBIC, small-form-factor GBIC, XENPAK, SFP and even Amphenol connectors for direct connection to patch panels. Port density ranges from 4-port 10 Gbps XENPAK-based modules to 48-port 1,000 Mbps RJ-45 modules, and even 96-port RJ-21 connector modules supporting 10/100 Mbps. Options include PoE and dCEF capabilities. FWSMs. FWSMs provide firewall services, just as a PIX firewall appliance would. At this time, the FWSM is the only device still current in the PIX product line. All other PIX Chapter 17: Cisco 6500 Multila