Cisco WS-X6582-2PA
Enhanced FlexWAN Module, Fabric-enabled
Product Highlights
As enterprise networks grow in complexity, the need to consolidate WAN, MAN, and LAN functions into a single scalable chassis becomes critical. The Cisco WS-X6582-2PA Enhanced FlexWAN Module addresses this challenge by delivering high-performance, intelligent WAN and MAN service scalability for the Cisco Catalyst 6500 and 7600 Series platforms.
This fabric-enabled line card features two port adapter bays that accept Cisco 7200/7500 Series WAN port adapters, supporting a wide variety of clear-channel and channelized WAN interfaces — including T1/E1, T3/E3, HSSI, ATM OC-3, and Packet over SONET (POS) OC-3. By reusing existing port adapters from Cisco 7200 and 7500 deployments, the WS-X6582-2PA provides a cost-effective migration path to the Catalyst 6500 and 7600 Series while preserving your hardware investment.
The Enhanced FlexWAN module offers increased performance and memory over the original FlexWAN module (WS-X6182-2PA), adds switch fabric connectivity for higher throughput, and supports advanced features targeted at Metro Ethernet markets. Rich QoS capabilities and distributed processing make it a cornerstone of highly scalable WAN aggregation solutions. Compatible with Supervisor Engine 2 and Supervisor Engine 720, this module is ideal for enterprises and service providers consolidating WAN edge infrastructure.
Note: This product is part of the Cisco Catalyst 6500 family, which has reached End-of-Life (EOL). It remains a reliable and cost-effective option for maintaining and extending existing Catalyst 6500/7600 deployments.
Features & Benefits
Flexible WAN Port Adapter Support
The WS-X6582-2PA accepts up to two Cisco 7200/7500 WAN port adapters, enabling support for a broad range of WAN interfaces including T1/E1, T3/E3, HSSI, ATM OC-3, and POS OC-3. This flexibility allows network engineers to tailor WAN connectivity to exact requirements without replacing the entire chassis.
Fabric-Enabled Performance
Unlike the original FlexWAN module, the Enhanced FlexWAN module is fabric-enabled, adding switch fabric connectivity for increased forwarding performance. It also offers enhanced memory and processing power, supporting advanced features targeted at Metropolitan Ethernet markets.
WAN Aggregation & Protocol Support
Consolidate diverse WAN link types — Point-to-Point circuits, PPP, Frame Relay, HDLC, ATM, and POS — into a single Catalyst 6500 or 7600 chassis. The module provides multiprotocol routing support with full Internet route connectivity for speeds ranging from serial RS-232 to OC-3 when paired with a multilayer switch feature card.
Quality of Service & Traffic Management
Rich QoS features and distributed processing attributes make the Enhanced FlexWAN module a cornerstone of scalable WAN aggregation. Granular traffic management capabilities extend across WAN segments, enabling converged data, voice, and video transport with per-flow control.
Investment Protection & Migration Path
By accepting the same WAN port adapters used in Cisco 7200 and 7500 Series Routers, the WS-X6582-2PA provides a seamless migration path to the Catalyst 6500/7600 platform. Existing port adapter inventory can be redeployed immediately, reducing capital expenditure and accelerating service delivery.
Deployment Scenarios
Enterprise WAN Edge Consolidation
Deploy the WS-X6582-2PA in a Catalyst 6509 chassis to consolidate multiple WAN link types — T1/E1, T3/E3, and serial — into a single platform. This eliminates standalone WAN routers, simplifies management, and reduces rack space and power consumption at the WAN edge.
Service Provider MAN/WAN Aggregation
Service providers can leverage the Enhanced FlexWAN module's ATM OC-3 and POS OC-3 support to aggregate metropolitan and wide-area traffic into Cisco 7600 Series routers. Distributed processing and rich QoS enable scalable, multi-service delivery across the provider network.
Migration from Cisco 7500 Series
Organizations retiring Cisco 7500 Series routers can reuse their existing WAN port adapters by installing them in the WS-X6582-2PA on a Catalyst 6500 or 7600 chassis. This preserves hardware investment while gaining the benefits of a modern, fabric-enabled switching platform.
General
Interfaces & Protocols
Physical
Environmental
Compliance
Compatibility
Compatibility Notes
Compatible Chassis
- Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series: 6503, 6506, 6509, 6509-NEB, 6513
- Cisco 7600 Series: 7603, 7606, 7609
Supervisor Engine Compatibility
- Supervisor Engine 2
- Supervisor Engine 720
Port Adapters
Accepts up to two Cisco 7200/7500 Series WAN port adapters (WAN PAs only; LAN port adapters are not supported). Compatible PA families include ATM PA-A3 (except PA-A3-OC12), channelized T1/E1 and T3/E3 adapters, HSSI, and POS OC-3 adapters.
Predecessor Module
- WS-X6182-2PA (original FlexWAN module, non-fabric-enabled)
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| WS-X6182-2PA | Cisco FlexWAN Module (Original) | Non-fabric-enabled predecessor with lower performance and memory; same 2 PA bay form factor |
| WS-X6582-2PA= | Cisco Enhanced FlexWAN Module (Spare/New) | Same module sold as a new spare unit with '=' suffix — identical functionality |
| WS-X6708-10GE | Cisco Catalyst 6500 10GbE Module | 10 Gigabit Ethernet line card for high-speed LAN/data center use rather than WAN aggregation |
| 7600-SIP-200 | Cisco 7600 SPA Interface Processor-200 | Next-generation SPA-based WAN module for 7600 Series; uses SPAs instead of legacy port adapters |
