What additional feature do larger chassis models like the Cisco 6500 series provide?

Larger chassis models like the Cisco 6500 series provide multiple slots for redundant power supplies, which is a critical feature in enterprise environments. Redundant power supplies enhance the reliability and uptime of the network infrastructure. In scenarios where one power supply fails, the other can take over seamlessly, ensuring that there is no interruption in the operation of the network devices housed within the chassis. This is particularly important for mission-critical applications where downtime can lead to significant disruptions or financial losses.

In contrast, while multiple WAN ports may be useful, redundancy in power supply is a more defining characteristic for larger chassis like the Cisco 6500, as it directly contributes to the device’s operational resilience. Wireless capabilities and built-in firewalls are generally features found in different types of devices rather than a function specific to larger chassis models, which focus primarily on scalability and redundancy within their architecture.