The exponential growth in IP data traffic is forcing service providers to upgrade their point of presence (POP) with higher-performance, scalable Layer 3 backbone switch routers. In order to keep costs down for their network expansions, Internet service providers (ISPs) are looking for low cost intra-POP connectivity between the multigigabit backbone routers and edge routers using high port density Fast Ethernet interfaces. This low-cost solution will also be compelling for ISPs with large server farms who are looking at a low-cost Fast Ethernet links between the servers and the POP's gigabit switch routers (GSRs).The eight-port Fast Ethernet line card provides an enhancement to the Ethernet-based line cards. The new card offers high-density and low-cost intra-POP connectivity between the Cisco 12000 GSR and other lower-end switches and routers (such as Catalyst 5000, 6000, and 7500 router). Service providers will benefit from this high-density Fast Ethernet card by eliminating or reducing the need to implement and operate an intermediate layer of networking equipment between the Cisco 12000 GSR and other switches and routers.