The Cisco ME 3600X Series of Ethernet Access Switches are Cisco's first series of switches built specifically for the convergence of wireless and wired network services. A natural evolution to Cisco's Carrier Ethernet portfolio, the Cisco ME 3600X Series extends the portfolio's transport speed to 10 Gbps in the access layer for business and mobile applications. It also enables service providers to initiate Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)-based VPN services from within the access layer. Designed around important Carrier Ethernet features that simplify network operation, the Cisco ME 3600X Series enables premium services with enhanced service-level agreement (SLA) capabilities. An optional "pay-as- you-grow" feature and service activation model gives service providers a flexible, cost-effective solution.

Key Hardware Features and Options

• 1-rack-unit (1RU), fixed-form-factor platforms available in copper and fiber hardware-optimized configurations

• 24 Gigabit Ethernet port and two 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports

• Hot-swappable and field-replaceable integrated power supply and fan tray

• AC or DC power supply with DC input ranging from 18V to 32 VDC and 36V to 72 VDC

• Ethernet and console port for manageability

• Secure digital (SD) flash card slot for additional external storage

• One external timing input (BITS)

• Stratum 3 network clock

• Line-rate performance with 65-mpps forwarding rate

• Support for dying gasp on loss of power

• Support for a variety of small form-factor pluggable (SFP) and SFP+ with support for digital optical monitoring (DOM)

• Generic on-line diagnostics (GOLD) and onboard failure logging (OBFL) help prevent system issues before they occur