Cisco WS-X4306-GB
Catalyst 4000 Gigabit Ethernet Module, 6-Ports (GBIC)
Product Highlights
When your Cisco Catalyst 4000 or 4500 series chassis needs dedicated Gigabit Ethernet uplinks for backbone connectivity or server farm aggregation, the Cisco WS-X4306-GB delivers exactly that — six hot-swappable GBIC ports in a single line card slot.
This 6-port 1000BASE-X Gigabit Ethernet module is purpose-built for high-speed switch-to-switch backbone applications and small server farm environments. Each port accepts a standard GBIC transceiver, giving you the flexibility to mix and match 1000BASE-SX (multimode), 1000BASE-LX/LH (single-mode), 1000BASE-ZX (extended reach), and CWDM optics to suit your exact fiber infrastructure. All six ports support Gigabit EtherChannel, enabling link aggregation for increased throughput and path redundancy.
The WS-X4306-GB is compatible with the Cisco Catalyst 4003, 4006, 4503, 4506, and 4507R chassis. Its hot-swappable form factor allows non-disruptive installation and replacement, minimizing maintenance windows. With jumbo frame support up to 9,216 bytes, this module handles large-payload workloads efficiently — ideal for storage, backup, and data-intensive applications.
Note: This product has reached Cisco End-of-Life status. It remains a cost-effective option for maintaining or expanding existing Catalyst 4000/4500 deployments where budget or compatibility requirements preclude a platform migration.
Features & Benefits
Flexible GBIC Transceiver Support
Each of the six ports accepts a standard GBIC transceiver, supporting 1000BASE-SX, 1000BASE-LX/LH, 1000BASE-ZX, and CWDM optics. This lets you tailor each port to your fiber type and distance requirements — from intrabuilding multimode runs to long-distance campus single-mode connections — without replacing the line card itself.
Hot-Swappable Line Card
The WS-X4306-GB is designed for hot-swap installation in Catalyst 4000/4500 chassis. You can add, remove, or replace the module without shutting down the switch, reducing planned downtime and keeping your network available during maintenance windows.
Gigabit EtherChannel Aggregation
All six GBIC ports support Gigabit EtherChannel, allowing you to bundle multiple physical links into a single logical channel. This delivers higher aggregate bandwidth for backbone interconnects and provides automatic failover if an individual link goes down.
Jumbo Frame Support
With jumbo frame support up to 9,216 bytes, the module reduces per-packet overhead for large data transfers. This is particularly beneficial in storage networking, backup, and virtualization environments where maximizing throughput efficiency matters.
Broad Chassis Compatibility
The WS-X4306-GB is compatible with the Cisco Catalyst 4003, 4006, 4503, 4506, and 4507R chassis. This broad compatibility protects your investment across multiple generations of the Catalyst 4000 family, making it easy to standardize on a single uplink module across your infrastructure.
Deployment Scenarios
High-Speed Backbone / Switch-to-Switch Uplinks
Deploy the WS-X4306-GB as a dedicated Gigabit Ethernet uplink module connecting distribution and core layer switches. With six GBIC ports and EtherChannel support, you can build resilient, high-bandwidth backbone links between Catalyst chassis across campus buildings.
Small Server Farm Aggregation
Use the module to provide Gigabit Ethernet connectivity to servers in a small data center or server closet. Each GBIC port delivers a dedicated 1 Gbps link, and EtherChannel aggregation enables higher throughput to critical application and database servers.
Service Provider GE Aggregation
Service providers can leverage the WS-X4306-GB for Gigabit Ethernet small aggregation in DSLAM, PON, or mobile data backhaul scenarios. The flexible GBIC optics support various reach requirements from short-haul multimode to extended single-mode distances.
Legacy Network Maintenance & Sparing
For organizations running existing Catalyst 4000/4500 deployments, the WS-X4306-GB serves as a cost-effective spare or replacement module. Maintaining a stock of these line cards ensures rapid recovery from hardware failures without requiring a full platform migration.
General
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Compatibility
Compatibility Notes
Compatible Chassis
- Cisco Catalyst 4003 (WS-C4003)
- Cisco Catalyst 4006 (WS-C4006)
- Cisco Catalyst 4503 (WS-C4503)
- Cisco Catalyst 4506 (WS-C4506)
- Cisco Catalyst 4507R (WS-C4507R)
Supported GBIC Transceiver Types
- 1000BASE-SX (multimode fiber)
- 1000BASE-LX/LH (single-mode fiber)
- 1000BASE-ZX (extended-reach single-mode fiber)
- CWDM GBICs
End-of-Life Notice
This product has reached Cisco End-of-Sale (last order date: July 28, 2013). Cisco recommends migrating to the WS-X4612-SFP-E or WS-X4624-SFP-E E-Series line cards for continued support and enhanced performance.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| WS-X4418-GB | Catalyst 4500 18-Port GBIC GbE Module | 18 GBIC ports vs. 6 — ideal for larger server farm or fiber-to-the-desktop deployments requiring more ports per slot. |
| WS-X4448-GB-SFP | Catalyst 4500 48-Port 1000BASE-X SFP Module | 48 SFP ports (not GBIC) for high-density Gigabit Ethernet; suited for large-scale fiber deployments. |
| WS-X4612-SFP-E | Catalyst 4500E 12-Port GE SFP Line Card | Cisco-recommended E-Series replacement for WS-X4306-GB with SFP optics and E-Series chassis support. |
| WS-X4624-SFP-E | Catalyst 4500E 24-Port GE SFP Line Card | Cisco-recommended E-Series migration path with 24 SFP ports and higher per-slot bandwidth on E-Series chassis. |
