Other line cards include advanced integrated services modules (AISMs) that include firewall services, content switching, Intruder Detection System (IDS), and Wireless and Network Analysis Modules (WNAM).

Cisco N1KV uses local VEM instances to switch the traffic between VMs. Each VEM also interconnects the local VM with the rest of the network through the upstream access-layer network switch. VSM never forwards the packets. It runs the control plane protocols and configures the state of each VEM accordingly.