MEM-C8500L-64GB

Description

The Cisco MEM-C8500L-64GB is a 64 GB DRAM memory upgrade designed specifically for the Cisco Catalyst 8500L Edge Platforms, such as the C8500L-8S4X. This high-capacity memory module upgrades the default 16 GB DRAM, enabling up to 64 GB for enhanced control plane performance. Featuring an Intel x86 CPU with multiple cores allocated to the control plane, it supports high-speed processes critical for advanced routing, SD-WAN, and security services.

Key Benefits for Catalyst 8500L Platforms

• Advanced flow-based forwarding reduces overhead for stateful features
• Dynamic core allocation architecture leverages data plane cores for I/O and service plane based on user configuration
• Higher performance routing and SD-WAN with integrated services, including up to 2.5X higher IPsec throughput compared to ASR1001-X/ASR1002-X (19 Gbps at 1400 bytes clear text)
• Supports interface flexibility with 1G and 1G/10G ports on C8500L-8S4X (4x 1/10GE and 8x 1GE ports)
• Enables software redundancy with dual Cisco IOS processes running on a single device in IOS XE routing mode

Platform Architecture and Performance

The Catalyst 8500L Edge Platform utilizes an x86-based architecture purpose-built to deliver consistent performance akin to ASR1000 platforms. Upgrading to 64 GB DRAM maximizes scalability for demanding environments, including SD-WAN IPsec throughput up to 19 Gbps (1400 bytes clear text) and 10 Gbps (IMIX clear text), with overlay tunnels scaling to 6000 (8000 with enhancements). In autonomous mode, it achieves IPv4 forwarding throughput up to 39 Gbps and IPsec throughput up to 19 Gbps, supporting 4000 IPsec SVTI tunnels.

System scalability includes 4000 ACLs per system, 50K IPv4 ACEs, 4M IPv4/IPv6 routes, 16K queues, 2M NAT sessions, 2M firewall sessions, and 8000 VRFs. Multi-layer security performance in SD-WAN supports up to 5.9 Gbps for 50% IQDF + 50% DIA with NAT, NGFW, IPS, URLF, AMP, and up to 4 Gbps for full DIA protection.

Integrated Security and Resiliency

• Hardware-anchored Secure Boot and Secure Unique Device Identification (SUDI) for Plug and Play verification
• High-efficiency dual power supplies by default for power redundancy
• Compact 1RU form factor with dimensions 1.73 in. x 17.50 in. x 16.25 in. and weight of 17 lbs with 2x AC power supplies and fan tray
• Acoustics: Typical sound pressure 57 dBA, maximum 76 dBA; sound power typical 64 dBA, maximum 82 dBA
• Operating temperature 32 to 104°F (0 to 40°C), storage -40 to 150°F (-40 to 70°C), relative humidity 10 to 85% operating (noncondensing)

Software and Protocol Support

Requires minimum Cisco IOS XE Software Release 17.4.1a for C8500L-8S4X. Supports full IOS XE feature set including IPv4/IPv6, OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, IPsec, QoS, ACLs, NAT, firewall, and more. In controller mode (SD-WAN), features OMP, AAR, traffic engineering, zero-trust segmentation, and service insertion. Programmable architecture with API support facilitates automation and zero-touch IT.

Enhances application visibility with ThousandEyes integration (requires >8 GB DRAM), application optimization for SLAs, and cloud-native agility for multi-cloud access. Cryptographic support includes AES-256, RSA, ECDSA, SHA algorithms. High availability via software redundancy and box-to-box options.