# Modular switch

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Electrical network switch which can use field-replaceable units

A **modular switch** or **chassis switch** is a type of [network switch](/source/Network_switch) which can be configured using field-replaceable units. These units, often referred to as blades, can add more ports, bandwidth, and capabilities to a switch.[1] These blades can be heterogenous, and this allows for a network based on multiple different protocols and cable types. Blades can typically be configured in a parallel or failover configuration, which can allow for higher bandwidth, or redundancy in the event of failure.[2] Modular switches also typically support hot-swap of switch modules,[3] this can be very important in managing [downtime](/source/Downtime). Modular switches also support additional line cards which can provide new functions to the switch that would previously have been unavailable, such as a [firewall](/source/Firewall_(computing)).[4] An example of a modular computer network switch is the [Cisco Catalyst 6500](/source/Cisco_Catalyst_6500), which can be configured with up to 13 slots, and supports connections from RJ45 to QSFP+.

## See also

- [Stackable switch](/source/Stackable_switch)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Different Types of Network Switches"](https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/small-business/resource-center/networking/understanding-the-different-types-of-network-switches.html). *Cisco*. Retrieved 2022-03-31.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-networktigers.com_2-0)** ["Modular switches: advantages and disadvantages"](https://news.networktigers.com/industry-news/modular-switches-advantages-and-disadvantages/). *NetworkTigers News*. 2021-02-13. Retrieved 2022-03-31.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-cisco-switch-types_3-0)** ["Understanding the Different Types of Network Switches & Ethernet Switches"](https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/small-business/resource-center/networking/understanding-the-different-types-of-network-switches.html). Retrieved 18 March 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Cisco Catalyst 9400 Supervisor Engine-1"](https://www.vtkt.ru/upload/iblock/6d7/C9400-SUP-1_DS.pdf) (PDF). Retrieved 18 March 2019.

## Further reading

- [Examples of Network Equipment](https://erg.abdn.ac.uk/users/gorry/course/equip-pages/lan-example-equip.html), University of Aberdeen Internet Communications Engineering Course, 2019.

- [Introducing Backpack: Our second-generation modular open switch](https://code.fb.com/data-center-engineering/introducing-backpack-our-second-generation-modular-open-switch/), Facebook Backpack introduction

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Modular switch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modular_switch) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modular_switch?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.