Description
Overview of the Cisco N3K-C3548P-10GX Managed Switch
In the world of information technology and networking, Cisco is a name that resonates with excellence and innovation. Cisco has consistently delivered cutting-edge networking solutions to meet the ever-evolving needs of businesses and data centers. One such remarkable offering is the Cisco N3K-C3548P-10GX Nexus 3548X, a powerful managed switch with 48 ports Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus (SFP+) designed for optical fiber connections. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the Cisco N3K-C3548P-10GX Nexus 3548X, exploring its features, capabilities, and how it can benefit your networking infrastructure.
Cisco N3K-C3548P-10GX Nexus 3548X
The Cisco N3K-C3548P-10GX Nexus 3548X is a high-performance, Layer 3, rack-mountable managed switch designed to provide robust and flexible networking solutions. This switch is part of the Cisco Nexus 3500 Series, which is renowned for its advanced features and scalability. To understand the significance of the Cisco N3K-C3548P-10GX Nexus 3548X, let’s break down its key attributes:
Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus (SFP+) Ports
At the core of the Cisco N3K-C3548P-10GX Nexus 3548X are its 48 Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus (SFP+) ports. SFP+ ports are essential for connecting various networking devices using optical fiber. These ports provide high-speed data transfer capabilities and are indispensable for modern data centers and businesses that rely on rapid and secure data communication.
Optical Fiber Connectivity
The inclusion of optical fiber connectivity is a crucial feature of the Cisco N3K-C3548P-10GX Nexus 3548X. Optical fiber offers several advantages over traditional copper cabling, including greater bandwidth, longer transmission distances, and resistance to electromagnetic interference. With this switch, businesses can ensure reliable and high-speed connections within their network infrastructure.
Layer 3 Capabilities
The Cisco N3K-C3548P-10GX Nexus 3548X is not just a standard Layer 2 switch but a Layer 3 switch, which means it can perform routing functions. This capability is particularly valuable in complex network environments where routing and traffic management are essential. Layer 3 switches enable efficient routing of data packets and support features like VLANs and inter-subnet routing.
Rack-Mountable Design
The switch is designed to be rack-mounted, making it a space-efficient solution for data centers and server rooms. Its compact form factor allows for easy installation in standard network racks, saving valuable floor space and ensuring efficient organization of networking equipment.
Managed Switch
Being a managed switch, the Cisco N3K-C3548P-10GX Nexus 3548X offers administrators a high degree of control and monitoring over their network. It can be configured and managed remotely, providing flexibility and scalability in network administration.
Network Scalability and Performance
The Cisco Nexus 3548X switch (N3K-C3548P-10GX model) is designed for high-performance, high-density 10 Gigabit Ethernet environments. Some of the features and capabilities that contribute to its scalability and performance include:
48 ports of 10 Gigabit Ethernet
The switch has 48 ports of 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, which allows for a high-speed, high-bandwidth network that can support a large number of devices and applications.
Non-Blocking architecture
The switch is built on a non-blocking architecture, which means that all of the ports can work at full-duplex simultaneously. This eliminates any performance bottlenecks and allows for maximum throughput.
Low Latency
The switch has a low latency, which means that it can quickly process and forward packets, reducing delays and improving overall network performance.
High-Density VXLAN
The switch supports VXLAN, a network virtualization technology that enables the creation of virtual Layer 2 networks on top of existing Layer 3 infrastructure. This allows for the creation of thousands of virtual networks, which can be used to segment traffic and isolate different types of workloads.
Rapid Per-VLAN Spanning Tree (RPVST+)
RPVST+ is a Cisco-proprietary version of the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) that allows for faster convergence and improved scalability in large Layer 2 networks. This helps to ensure that the network remains stable and resilient in the event of link failures or other disruptions.
Cisco Network Assurance Engine
This feature provides automated network verification and troubleshooting. It uses a combination of telemetry data, machine learning, and analytics to provide real-time visibility into network performance, identify potential issues, and recommend actions to resolve them.
All of these features and capabilities help to ensure that the Cisco Nexus 3548X switch can scale to meet the demands of high-performance data center environments, while also maintaining a high level of network performance and reliability.
Power and Energy Efficiency
The Cisco Nexus 3548X switch (N3K-C3548P-10GX model) is designed with power and energy efficiency in mind. Some of the features and capabilities that contribute to its power and energy efficiency include:
Energy Efficient Ethernet
The switch supports Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE), which is a set of IEEE standards that reduce the power consumption of Ethernet devices. EEE allows network devices to enter a low-power idle state when there is no network traffic, reducing power consumption without impacting performance.
Power over Ethernet
The switch supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), which allows power to be delivered to devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and cameras over the Ethernet cables. This eliminates the need for separate power sources, reducing the amount of energy required to power these devices.
Power Management
The switch allows for the management of power usage by monitoring the power consumption of the switch and its ports, allowing for more granular control over power usage.
Temperature-Based Fan Speed Control
The switch has a temperature-based fan speed control which adjusts the fan speed according to the internal temperature, this feature helps to conserve energy by reducing the speed of the fans when the switch is running cool, and increasing it when the switch is running hot.
Power-efficient components
The switch is designed with power-efficient components such as power supply units, processors, and memory to minimize power consumption. All of these features and capabilities help to ensure that the Cisco Nexus 3548X switch is designed to be energy efficient, with the ability to conserve energy without impacting performance and also allowing for better power management. This can help organizations to reduce energy costs and minimize their environmental impact.
Benefits of the N3K-C3548P-10GX Nexus 3548X Managed Switch
Now that we understand how the N3K-C3548P-10GX Nexus 3548X Managed Switch works, let’s explore the benefits it brings to organizations.
High-Speed Data Transmission
One of the most significant advantages of the N3K-C3548P-10GX is its high-speed data transmission capabilities. With 48 SFP+ ports, this switch can handle large volumes of data traffic at incredibly fast speeds. This is particularly beneficial for organizations that rely on data-intensive applications, such as video streaming, large file transfers, and real-time communication.
Low Latency
Low latency is crucial for applications that require real-time data transmission, such as voice and video calls, online gaming, and financial transactions. The use of optical fiber and the switch’s efficient routing capabilities contribute to minimal latency, ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience.
Scalability
The N3K-C3548P-10GX is a scalable solution that can adapt to the growing needs of an organization. With 48 SFP+ ports, it provides room for expansion by accommodating additional devices and connections. This scalability is particularly valuable for businesses experiencing growth and increased network demands.
Network Segmentation
The switch’s support for VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) allows for network segmentation. Network administrators can isolate different segments of the network for enhanced security and management. For example, sensitive data can be placed on a separate VLAN to protect it from unauthorized access.
Efficient Traffic Routing
The Layer 3 routing capabilities of the N3K-C3548P-10GX Nexus 3548X are essential for efficient traffic routing within a network. This functionality ensures that data takes the most optimal path to its destination, reducing congestion and improving overall network performance.
General Information about the Cisco AIR-CAP3502I-C-K9
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU# N3K-C3548P-10GX
- Product Type: Managed Switch
Technical Information of the Cisco AIR-CAP3502I-C-K9
- Modular No
- Stack Port No
- Port/Expansion Slot Details 48 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
- Media Type Supported Optical Fiber
- Ethernet Technology 10 Gigabit Ethernet
- Network Technology 10GBase-X
- Number of Total Expansion Slots 48
- Expansion Slot Type SFP+
- Number of SFP+ Slots 48
Network & Communication
- Layer Supported 3
Management & Protocols
- Manageable Yes
Power Description
- Power Source Power Supply
- Redundant Power Supply Yes
Miscellaneous
- Green Compliant Yes
- Green Compliance Certificate/Authority RoHS-5
In summary, the N3K-C3548P-10GX Nexus 3548X Managed Switch is a powerful and versatile networking device designed to meet the high demands of modern organizations. Its features, including SFP+ ports, optical fiber connectivity, Layer 3 routing, rack-mountable design, and managed switch capabilities, make it an ideal choice for data centers, enterprises, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, manufacturing, government organizations, and financial institutions.
