​​Understanding the DS-C48S-300AC: Core Functionality​​

The ​​DS-C48S-300AC​​ is a high-density line card designed for Cisco Catalyst 6500 and 6800 series switches. This module provides ​​48x 1Gbps SFP ports​​ with ​​300W AC power redundancy​​, optimized for enterprise and data center environments requiring scalable Layer 2/3 connectivity. Unlike generic line cards, it supports ​​Cisco Enhanced Layer 2 Services (E-LAN)​​ and integrates with ​​Cisco IOS XE​​ for advanced traffic management.

​​Key Technical Specifications​​

• ​​Port Density​​: 48x SFP slots (1Gbps per port, hot-swappable)
• ​​Power Supply​​: 300W AC (dual-input redundancy)
• ​​Forwarding Rate​​: 250 Mpps (million packets per second)
• ​​Compatibility​​: Catalyst 6500-E (Supervisor Engine 2T/6T), 6807-XL chassis
• ​​Software Features​​:
  • ​​NetFlow​​ for traffic analysis
  • ​​QoS​​ policies with 8 queues per port
  • ​​MACsec​​ encryption (optional license)

​​Deployment Scenarios: Where Does the DS-C48S-300AC Excel?​​

​​1. Enterprise Campus Backbone​​

The module’s 48-port design suits campus networks requiring high-density uplinks to access switches. For example, connecting VoIP phones, security cameras, and wireless APs across multiple floors.

​​2. Virtualized Data Centers​​

With ​​VSS (Virtual Switching System)​​ support, the DS-C48S-300AC enables cross-chassis link aggregation, reducing latency in VMware or Hyper-V environments.

​​3. Service Provider Edge​​

Operators use this line card for ​​Metro Ethernet​​ deployments, leveraging its MACsec capabilities to secure customer traffic over public infrastructure.

​​Common User Concerns Addressed​​

​​Q: Is the DS-C48S-300AC backward-compatible with older Catalyst 6500 chassis?​​

​​A​​: No. This module requires ​​Supervisor Engine 2T or newer​​ and ​​Cisco IOS XE 3.6+​​. Legacy chassis with Supervisor Engine 720 won’t recognize it.

​​Q: How does the 300W AC power affect redundancy?​​

​​A​​: The dual power inputs allow failover during AC grid fluctuations. However, total power draw per chassis must not exceed the PSU’s capacity (e.g., 4kW max for 6807-XL).

​​Q: Can SFP+ 10Gbps modules be used?​​

​​A​​: No. The DS-C48S-300AC supports ​​1Gbps SFPs only​​ (e.g., GLC-T, GLC-SX-MM). For 10Gbps, consider the DS-C48S-10GE line card.

​​Performance Limitations and Workarounds​​

• ​​Buffer Congestion​​: With 48 ports, microbursts may overwhelm the 12MB shared buffer. ​​Mitigation​​: Enable ​​Dynamic Buffer Sharing​​ and prioritize critical traffic via QoS.
• ​​License Restrictions​​: MACsec requires a separate ​​Security License​​. Without it, ports default to unencrypted mode.

​​Purchasing and Availability​​

The DS-C48S-300AC is discontinued in Cisco’s official portfolio but remains available through certified resellers. For verified refurbished units with a 3-year warranty, visit [“DS-C48S-300AC=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/).

​​Final Perspective: Is This Line Card Still Relevant?​​

While newer Catalyst 9000 series switches overshadow the 6500/6800 platforms in raw performance, the DS-C48S-300AC remains a cost-effective solution for organizations with legacy infrastructure. Its ​​300W AC redundancy​​ and ​​E-LAN features​​ justify deployment in static environments where forklift upgrades aren’t feasible. However, for SDN-ready architectures, migrating to Cisco’s Nexus or Catalyst 9500 series is advisable.