The EtherSwitch options include a 16-port network module (NM) and a 36-port high density service module (HDSM) version. The 36-port HDSM utilizes the extra capacity from the wider interface form factor available only on the Cisco 2851, 3660, 3700, and 3800 series routers to increase the maximum possible port densities. The 16-port EtherSwitch NM is available for the Cisco 2600, 2800, 3600, 3700, and 3800 series routers.

The combination of Cisco 2600, 2800, 3600, 3700, and 3800 Series routers and the EtherSwitch modules utilize the powerful features available in both Cisco IOS® software and Catalyst switching. The EtherSwitch module hardware supports 802.1p Layer 2 prioritization, while Cisco IOS software supports Layer 3 DiffServ and Class of Service (CoS) markings for critical business data. Coupling Layer 2/3 prioritization techniques, with the QoS for the WAN, this integrated routing and switching combination ensures low latency for critical business applications. The Cisco EtherSwitch modules includes 10/100 switched Ethernet ports with options for Cisco pre-standard power over ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet. Features such as port autosensing, QoS and VLAN support from 802.1p and 802.1Q standards, and 802.1D Spanning Tree protocols are standard on the EtherSwitch modules.

The Cisco 16- and 36-port EtherSwitch modules are available with optional Cisco pre-standard Power over Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet support. EtherSwitch bundles are available with these options pre-installed for easy ordering. The integrated power over ethenet supports Cisco IP phones and Cisco Aironet wireless access points. An external power supply is needed for this feature in Cisco 2600/3600 platforms. An Internal power supply option is available on the Cisco 2800, 3700, and 38001 Series. For 802.3af power over Ethernet support one of the newer EtherSwitch Service Modules (NME-16ES-1G-P, NME-23ES-1G-P, or NME-XD-48ES-2S-P) or one of the EtherSwitch HWICs (HWIC-4ESW-POE or HWIC-D-9ESW-POE) are recommended.