Cisco Systems Inc has announced the immediate availability of a Fast Ethernet Network Processor Module for the Cisco 4500 and Cisco 4700 series routers. The Fast Ethernet Network Processor Module installs into slots in the rear of the routers’ chassis. It conforms to the Fast Ethernet IEEE 802.3u specification, providing 100Base-TX communications via an RJ45 interface and 100Base-FX communications via a Medium Independent Interface. Virtual local network traffic is transported using Cisco’s InterSwitch Link protocol. Once it is ratified, the virtual local network 802.1Q industry standard will also be supported. The module is to cost $4,000.
