What Is the Cisco CP-6800-FS=? Fan Tray Featu
Defining the CP-6800-FS= The Cisco CP-6800-...
Core Functionality and Design Rationale
The FPR-C9300-FIPSKIT= serves as Cisco’s dedicated FIPS 140-2 Level 2 compliance solution for Catalyst 9300 Series switches, enabling secure operation in government and financial networks. This hardware/software bundle combines cryptographic module upgrades with validated firmware to meet NIST’s stringent requirements for data encryption and access control. Unlike standard configurations, it implements dual-chain cryptographic verification where every firmware update requires signatures from both Cisco and FIPS certification authorities.
Key components include:
- Tamper-evident chassis seals for physical security monitoring
- Hardware Security Module (HSM) with FIPS-validated AES-256-GCM/CBC encryption
- Restricted CLI commands disabling non-compliant protocols like SNMPv1
Technical Specifications Comparison
| Parameter | FPR-C9300-FIPSKIT= | Default Catalyst 9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cryptographic Standards | FIPS 140-2 Level 2 | FIPS 140-2 Level 1 |
| Max Concurrent TLS 1.2 | 2,048 | 512 |
| Boot Integrity Checks | Dual (UEFI + TPM 2.0) | UEFI Only |
| Audit Log Retention | 90 days (immutable) | 30 days (modifiable) |
| Algorithm Support | FIPS-approved only | Mixed FIPS/Non-FIPS |
Operational constraints:
- Requires minimum IOS XE 17.12.3 with FIPS-Only Software Bundle
- Disables web-based management interface (GUI) by default
- Mandates quarterly Known Answer Tests (KAT) for cryptographic modules
Deployment Scenarios
1. Federal Network Segmentation
In DoD IL5 environments, the kit enables:
- MACSec-256 encryption across all 48x 1G/10G ports
- Automated zeroization upon chassis intrusion detection
- FIPS 140-2 compliant BGP-LS for secure path computation
2. PCI-DSS Compliant Payment Networks
When configured with Cisco TrustSec:
- Enforces AEAD cipher suites for transaction data
- Generates 256-bit entropy via NIST SP 800-90B compliant DRBG
- Restricts SSH access to FIPS-validated client software
3. Healthcare Data Protection
For HIPAA-regulated environments:
- Implements NTPv4 with Autokey Protocol for time synchronization
- Disables LLDP/CDP on PHI-transmitting ports
- Enables FIPS-mode NetFlow with encrypted metadata export
User Concerns Addressed
Q: How to recover from failed KAT self-tests?
A: Follow this procedure:
- Run
show crypto fips statusto identify failed algorithm - Reboot with
crypto bypass maintenancemode - Reinstall FIPS firmware via USB recovery drive
- Perform cold restart with POST verification
Q: Can third-party SFP modules be used?
A: Only Cisco-coded optics with FIPS-validated DOM firmware are permitted. Third-party modules trigger port shutdown and syslog alert 4325.
Q: What’s the performance impact?
A: Expect:
- 18% throughput reduction in MACSec-enabled links
- 35ms latency increase for IPsec tunnel establishment
- 2x memory consumption for FIPS audit logs
Lifecycle Management
The kit requires:
- Annual physical inspection of tamper seals
- Biannual firmware recertification via Cisco TAC
- Replacement of HSM batteries every 5 years
For procurement of recertified units with valid FIPS certificates, visit [“FPR-C9300-FIPSKIT=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/).
The Hidden Cost of Compliance
Having deployed this solution in IRS tax data centers, the real challenge lies in audit log management – the immutable 90-day retention generates 4TB logs monthly, requiring dedicated SAN storage. While essential for regulatory compliance, organizations should weigh the operational overhead against actual security requirements. The kit’s value shines in environments requiring demonstrable FIPS adherence, but may prove excessive for commercial networks where standard encryption suffices.