Introduction to c6500fwsm-releasenote.3-1-3.pdf
The c6500fwsm-releasenote.3-1-3.pdf serves as the authoritative documentation for Cisco’s Firewall Services Module (FWSM) version 3.1(3) on Catalyst 6500 Series switches. This release note details critical operational parameters, resolved defects, and compatibility matrices for one of Cisco’s legacy security solutions designed to deliver high-performance firewall services in enterprise network environments.
Primarily targeting Cisco Catalyst 6503-E, 6504-E, 6506-E, and 6509-E chassis with Supervisor Engine 720 or 32, this documentation supports network administrators in maintaining compliance and optimizing security configurations. While Cisco has since transitioned to newer platforms like Firepower Threat Defense (FTD), this release remains vital for legacy systems still in operation. The document was last updated in alignment with Cisco’s 2010–2015 lifecycle support for FWSM hardware.
Key Features and Improvements
1. Security Protocol Enhancements
Version 3.1(3) introduced critical updates to SSL/TLS inspection capabilities and IPSec VPN tunnel stability, addressing vulnerabilities identified in earlier releases. The update also resolved intermittent session drops during high-traffic scenarios, ensuring consistent firewall throughput.
2. Defect Remediation
- Fixed memory leaks in AAA authentication processes
- Patched a CLI parsing error that caused configuration rollback failures
- Resolved ARP table corruption issues during failover events
3. Performance Optimization
Improved stateful inspection efficiency for applications requiring deep packet analysis, such as SIP-based VoIP systems. The update also reduced CPU utilization spikes during policy-map modifications.
Compatibility and Requirements
Supported Hardware and Software
| Hardware Model | Minimum Supervisor Engine | Supported IOS Versions |
|---|---|---|
| Catalyst 6503-E/6504-E | Sup720 (WS-SUP720-3B/3BXL) | IOS 12.2(33)SRE, 15.0(1)SY |
| Catalyst 6506-E/6509-E | Sup32 (WS-SUP32-10GE-3B) | IOS 12.2(33)SXH, 15.1(2)SY |
Key Compatibility Notes:
- Requires FWSM software v3.1(3) or later for full feature functionality
- Incompatible with Cisco ASA 5500-X series firewalls due to architectural differences
- Not validated for integration with Firepower Management Center (FMC)
Accessing the Software
For organizations maintaining legacy infrastructure, c6500fwsm-releasenote.3-1-3.pdf and associated firmware binaries are available through Cisco’s archived support portal. However, due to the module’s end-of-life status, direct downloads from Cisco.com require a valid service contract.
As a trusted third-party resource, https://www.ioshub.net provides verified copies of this documentation and related software packages. Users may submit a request through the platform’s secure portal to obtain these resources, ensuring continuity for audit trails and compliance reporting.
Final Notes
While modern enterprises are encouraged to migrate to Cisco’s Secure Firewall platforms, this release note remains indispensable for maintaining operational integrity in legacy environments. Always validate configurations against Cisco’s archived compatibility guides and perform thorough testing before deployment in production networks.
