Description
Scalable and Reliable
The N3K-C3172-BD-L3 is a high-performance switch from Cisco Systems that is designed for use in large data centers and enterprise environments. It offers both scalability and reliability, making it a popular choice for organizations that need to support large numbers of users and applications.
Scalability
The N3K-C3172-BD-L3 is highly scalable, thanks to its support for up to 72 10-Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) ports or 48 1/10GbE ports, along with four 40GbE uplink ports. This allows organizations to easily expand their network capacity as their needs grow, without having to invest in additional hardware.
Reliability
The N3K-C3172-BD-L3 is also highly reliable, thanks to a number of features that are designed to minimize downtime and ensure data integrity. For example, it features redundant power supplies and hot-swappable fans, which allow for non-disruptive maintenance and upgrades. Additionally, it offers support for advanced features such as virtual PortChannels (vPCs) and FabricPath, which provide high availability and improved resiliency.
Configuration and Deployment
The N3K-C3172-BD-L3 is a high-performance Cisco Systems Nexus switch designed for data center environments. This switch supports Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching and is ideal for both traditional and cloud-based applications. It is designed to provide the flexibility and scalability required for today’s complex and dynamic IT environments.
Configuration and deployment of the N3K-C3172-BD-L3 switch involve several key steps, including:
- Initial setup: This involves connecting the switch to power, console, and network cables. Once the switch is powered on, you can use the console cable to access the command line interface (CLI) and perform basic configuration tasks.
- Network configuration: This involves configuring the switch for Layer 2 or Layer 3 switching, as well as configuring VLANs, interfaces, and routing protocols. The CLI provides a range of commands for configuring these settings, and you can also use the web-based management interface to configure the switch.
- Security configuration: This involves configuring the switch for access control, authentication, and authorization. This can include configuring port security, 802.1X authentication, and access control lists (ACLs).
- Monitoring and troubleshooting: Once the switch is configured, you can use various tools to monitor and troubleshoot the network. This can include using the CLI to view logs and statistics, as well as using tools like SNMP and NetFlow to monitor network traffic.
Deployment of the N3K-C3172-BD-L3 switch involves physically installing the switch in a rack or cabinet, connecting it to power and network cables, and configuring it for the specific network environment. This can involve working with network engineers and other IT professionals to ensure that the switch is deployed correctly and meets the requirements of the network.
Supported Interfaces and Protocols
The N3K-C3172-BD-L3 Cisco Nexus 3172PQ switch supports various interfaces and protocols that enable it to connect to different network devices and provide reliable and secure network communication.
Supported Interfaces:
- Ethernet Interfaces: The switch supports 48 SFP+ (10 Gbps) Ethernet interfaces and 6 QSFP+ (40 Gbps) Ethernet interfaces.
- Fiber Channel Interfaces: The switch supports 16 Gbps Fiber Channel interfaces.
- Console Interfaces: The switch supports a console interface that is used for initial configuration and troubleshooting purposes.
- Management Interfaces: The switch supports a management interface that enables remote configuration and monitoring.
- USB Interfaces: The switch supports USB interfaces that can be used to connect external storage devices.
Supported Protocols:
- Layer 2 Protocols: The switch supports various layer 2 protocols such as VLAN, STP, BPDU guard, LACP, and LLDP.
- Layer 3 Protocols: The switch supports various layer 3 protocols such as IPv4, IPv6, OSPF, BGP, EIGRP, and PIM.
- Multicast Protocols: The switch supports various multicast protocols such as IGMP, PIM-DM, and PIM-SM.
- Security Protocols: The switch supports various security protocols such as ACLs, SSH, SNMPv3, and RADIUS.
- Quality of Service (QoS) Protocols: The switch supports various QoS protocols such as traffic shaping, policing, and marking.
General Information
- Manufacturer Cisco Systems, Inc
- Manufacturer Part Number N3K-C3172-BD-L3
- Brand Name Cisco
- Product Line Nexus
- Product Series 3000
- Product Model 3172PQ
- Product Name Nexus 3172PQ Layer 3 Switch
- Product Type Layer 3 Switch
Interfaces/Ports
- Uplink Port No
- Modular Yes
- Stack Port No
- Port/Expansion Slot Details 48 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
- Port/Expansion Slot Details 6 x 40 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
Performance
- Media Type Supported Twisted Pair
- Media Type Supported Optical Fiber
- Ethernet Technology 40 Gigabit Ethernet
- Ethernet Technology 10 Gigabit Ethernet
- Network Technology 40GBase-X
- Network Technology 10GBase-X
I/O Expansions
- Number of Total Expansion Slots 54
- Expansion Slot Type SFP+
- Expansion Slot Type QSFP+
- Number of SFP+ Slots 48
Network & Communication
- Layer Supported 3
- Management & Protocols
- Manageable Yes
Power Description
- Power Source Power Supply
- Redundant Power Supply Supported Yes





