cisco Catalyst 6500 Catalyst 6509-E
The Cisco Catalyst 6509-E is the benchmark 9-slot enterprise core chassis switch that powered global enterprise networks, internet exchange points, and datacenter cores for nearly two decades. Offering dual supervisor engine slots and seven payload line card slots in a 15U frame, the 6509-E delivered high availability, massive module variety, and rock-solid routing stability across thousands of mission-critical deployments.
Specifications
| Brand | cisco |
|---|---|
| Family | Catalyst 6500 |
| Form factor | modular chassis |
| Released | Oct 2004 |
| End of sale | Oct 2017 |
| End of support | Oct 2022 |
| Chassis slots | 9 |
| Supervisor slots | Slots 5 and 6 (redundant supervisors) |
| Line card slots | 7 payload line card slots (Slots 1-4, 7-9) |
| Chassis height | 15U rack mount |
| System bandwidth | Up to 2 Tbps with Supervisor 2T |
| Power supplies | Dual hot-swappable power supplies up to 6000W each |
| Legacy | One of the most widely deployed modular chassis in networking history |
Generations
- Next generation: cisco Catalyst 9600 Catalyst 9606R
Check compatibility with Cisco
Before you buy, confirm the exact configuration against the vendor's own lists: firmware levels, operating systems, adapters and optics that Cisco has tested with the cisco Catalyst 6500 Catalyst 6509-E.
- Compatibility Cisco UCS Hardware Compatibility List
- Compatibility Cisco Optics-to-Device Compatibility Matrix
- Support Cisco Support and Downloads
Equivalent models from other brands
FAQ
Why is the Catalyst 6509-E legendary in enterprise networking?
Introduced in the early 2000s, it provided continuous backward and forward module compatibility across multiple generations of supervisors (Sup32, Sup720, Sup2T) for over 15 years.
What is the modern migration destination for the 6509-E?
Cisco recommends migrating 6509-E chassis networks to the Catalyst 9606R or Catalyst 9500 fixed-core series.
Buying or selling Catalyst 6509-E?
New, refurbished or used. Tell us the quantity and condition and we connect you with a vetted reseller in your region, usually within one working day.
Sources
- Cisco Catalyst 6509-E Product Documentation, checked 2026-10-27
- Cisco Catalyst 6509-E Data Sheet and Technical Specifications, checked 2026-10-27