cts with one 8 Gbps channel, as do the FWSM and IDS modules in slots 7 and 9: Chapter 17: Cisco 6500 Multilayer Switches 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 as another fabric-enabled module. Knowing how the different modules operate can help you understand your current setup and design future solutions. Module types Modules are generally divided into line cards and service modules. A line card offers connectivity, such as copper or fiber Ethernet. Service modules offer functionality. Examples of service modules include Firewall Services Modules and Content Switch Modules. Service modules dramatically enhance the usefulness of the 6500 switch. In one chas- sis, 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 could be deployed with complete failover functional- ity that would 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 connec- tions to the crossbar fabric bus. Connectivity options for Ethernet modules include RJ-45, GBIC, small-form-factor GBIC, and Amphenol connectors for direct connection to patch panels. Port density ranges from 4-port 10 Gbps XENPAK-based modules to 48-port 1000 Mbps RJ-45 modules, and even 96-port RJ-21 connector modules supporting 10/100 Mbps. Options include PoE and dCEF capabilities. Firewall Services Modules. Firewall Services Modules provide firewall services, just as a PIX firewall appliance would. The difference is that all connections are internal to the switch, resulting in very high throughput. Because the inter