What Is the Cisco 8608-SC0-128= and How Does It Scale High-Density Networks?
Technical Profile of the Cisco 8608-SC0-128=
The Cisco 8608-SC0-128= is a high-density line card engineered for the Cisco 8608 Router, part of the Catalyst 8500 Series. Designed for hyperscale data centers and service providers, this module supports 128x10GbE ports or 32x40GbE ports (via breakout cables), delivering 3.2 Tbps of bidirectional throughput. Its architecture leverages Cisco’s Q200 ASIC for hardware-accelerated forwarding, ensuring line-rate performance even under full load.
Key features include:
- Flexible port configuration (10GbE, 40GbE, or mixed modes).
- MACsec encryption for secure Layer 2 traffic.
- Dynamic buffer allocation to minimize packet loss during traffic spikes.
Compatibility and Integration
Is the 8608-SC0-128= backward-compatible? Yes. It operates in all Cisco 8608 chassis running IOS XE 17.6.1 or later. However, power and cooling requirements must align with:
- Minimum 2x3000W PSUs for full port utilization.
- Front-to-back airflow configurations to prevent thermal throttling.
This card is ideal for:
- Cloud providers needing to aggregate thousands of server connections.
- 5G mobile cores requiring low-latency backhaul.
- AI/ML workloads dependent on lossless Ethernet.
Performance Benchmarks and Use Cases
How does it compare to older line cards? The 8608-SC0-128= triples port density compared to the Cisco 8608-SC0-64=, while reducing per-port power draw by 22%. Real-world applications include:
- Replacing four 32-port 10GbE switches with a single card, cutting rack space by 75%.
- Hosting distributed Kubernetes clusters with microsecond-level latency consistency.
- Enabling SONiC-based network operating systems for open networking stacks.
Procurement and Licensing
The “8608-SC0-128=” is available at itmall.sale, though orders require a Cisco Enterprise Agreement (EA) for software licensing. Ensure your chassis has Slot 0 or Slot 1 available, as this card occupies a full slot.
Final Evaluation
The Cisco 8608-SC0-128= is a game-changer for networks prioritizing density and energy efficiency. While its upfront cost is significant, the ROI from reduced hardware sprawl and simplified management justifies the investment. One caveat: ensure your team is prepared to handle the complexity of high-scale configurations—this card’s potential is wasted in modest deployments. Always pair it with redundant power and a robust monitoring stack to maximize uptime.