Description
More Information on the Ethernet Switch
In the fast-paced world of networking, having reliable and robust equipment is crucial for seamless operations. Cisco, a renowned leader in the networking industry, introduces the Cisco N9K-C9364C Nexus 9364C ACI & NX-OS Spine Switch, a cutting-edge solution designed to meet the demands of modern networks. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the features, specifications, and benefits of this powerhouse device, unraveling its potential for businesses seeking high-performance networking solutions.
Understanding the BasicsCisco N9K-C9364C Overview
- The Cisco N9K-C9364C is a Spine Switch designed for Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) and the Nexus Operating System (NX-OS). It stands as a testament to Cisco’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions for the evolving needs of today’s networks.
Gigabit Connectivity
- With a total of 64 100 Gigabit Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable (QSFP) 28/40 ports, this switch ensures high-speed connectivity, making it ideal for data-intensive applications and large-scale network environments.
Versatility with 10Gb Ethernet
- The inclusion of 2 ports for 10Gb Ethernet Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus (SFP+) provides added flexibility, catering to various networking requirements and allowing for seamless integration with existing infrastructure.
Diving Deeper into SpecificationsQuad Small Form-Factor Pluggable (QSFP) Technology
- The 100 Gigabit QSFP ports leverage cutting-edge technology to deliver superior data transfer rates. This ensures that the Cisco N9K-C9364C is well-equipped to handle the increasing data demands of modern applications.
NX-OS Operating System
- The Nexus Operating System (NX-OS) empowers the switch with a robust and scalable operating environment. It brings advanced features for network automation, security, and troubleshooting, enhancing overall network efficiency.
ACI Integration
- The switch is designed to seamlessly integrate with Cisco’s Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI), a comprehensive and policy-driven automation solution. This integration simplifies network management, accelerates application deployment, and enhances overall agility.
Unlocking PerformanceHigh Port Density
- The 64 QSFP ports contribute to a high port density, enabling the switch to handle large amounts of data traffic concurrently. This is particularly advantageous in data centers and enterprise environments with demanding networking requirements.
Scalability
- Businesses experiencing growth can rely on the scalability of the Cisco N9K-C9364C. The switch is capable of accommodating expanding network needs, making it a future-proof investment for organizations with evolving infrastructure demands.
Redundancy and Reliability
- Cisco places a strong emphasis on the reliability of its networking equipment. The N9K-C9364C incorporates redundancy features, ensuring uninterrupted operation even in the face of hardware failures. This enhances the overall resilience of the network.
Enhanced Connectivity Options
- 10Gb Ethernet for Varied Requirements: – The inclusion of 2 ports dedicated to 10Gb Ethernet with Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus (SFP+) allows for greater flexibility in network design. Businesses can use these ports for specific applications or connect to devices that operate at lower speeds.
- Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable (QSFP) 28/40 Ports: – The 64 QSFP ports support both 28 and 40 Gigabit data rates, providing adaptability to different network configurations. This versatility ensures that the switch can cater to a wide range of applications, from high-speed data transfers to optimized connectivity.
Integration with Existing Infrastructure
- Seamless Integration: – The Cisco N9K-C9364C is designed to seamlessly integrate into existing network architectures. Its compatibility with industry-standard protocols and technologies facilitates a smooth transition for organizations looking to upgrade their networking equipment without undergoing significant disruptions.
- Interoperability: – Ensuring interoperability with a wide range of devices and systems, the switch facilitates a cohesive networking environment. This is particularly advantageous for businesses with diverse hardware and software components in their network infrastructure.
Advanced Security Features
The N9K-C9364C Cisco Nexus 64 Ports Ethernet Switch provides advanced security features to protect the network and its resources. These features include:
Access Control Lists (ACLs)
- Define and enforce security policies based on source and destination IP addresses, protocols, and port numbers.
Advanced Malware Protection (AMP)
- Continuously monitors and detects threats and provides a full scope of the attack, including its origin and target.
Cisco TrustSec
- Enables security policies to be applied consistently across the network, providing identity-aware network access control.
IPv6 Security
- Protects against IPv6-based security threats, such as IPv6-based attacks and rogue routers.
Zone-Based Firewall
- Provides stateful firewall protection and security policies based on the location of devices on the network.
DHCP Snooping
- Prevents unauthorized DHCP servers from providing incorrect IP addresses to clients, leading to network security breaches.
802.1X Authentication
- Verifies the identity of devices and users before granting network access, ensuring only authorized access.
These security features provide a comprehensive security solution to protect against network threats, unauthorized access, and data breaches, ensuring a secure and reliable network environment.
Traffic Management and Quality of Service (QoS)
The N9K-C9364C is a 64-port Ethernet switch from Cisco’s Nexus series, which supports advanced traffic management and Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities.
Traffic management features of the N9K-C9364C include:
- Traffic shaping: regulates incoming and outgoing bandwidth to ensure fair distribution of bandwidth
- Class of Service (CoS): assigns priority levels to different types of traffic to ensure that critical traffic is not dropped during congestion
- Access control lists (ACLs): defines and enforces security policies for incoming and outgoing traffic
Quality of Service (QoS) features of the N9K-C9364C include:
- Priority queuing: assigns different priority levels to traffic, allowing the switch to prioritize certain types of traffic during congestion
- Traffic classification: categorizes traffic into different classes based on attributes such as source IP address or port number
- Weighted Random Early Detection (WRED): dynamically adjusts the drop probability of low-priority traffic during periods of congestion to prevent network starvation.
These advanced traffic management and QoS features allow the N9K-C9364C to provide predictable and consistent network performance, even under heavy load.
Energy Efficiency and Green Technologies
The N9K-C9364C Cisco Nexus 64-port Ethernet switch is designed with energy efficiency and green technologies in mind. Some of the key features include:
Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE)
- This feature reduces energy consumption by putting the switch into low-power mode when there is no traffic on the port.
Power saving modes
- The switch supports various power-saving modes, such as deep sleep mode, which can significantly reduce power consumption during periods of low activity.
Energy tracking
- The switch can track the energy consumption of individual modules and ports, allowing administrators to monitor energy usage and make informed decisions about power optimization.
Cooling optimizations
- The switch features advanced cooling optimizations, such as variable speed fans, to reduce energy consumption and minimize the carbon footprint of the switch.
By incorporating these energy-efficient features, the N9K-C9364C can help organizations reduce their carbon footprint and lower energy costs, while still providing robust networking capabilities.
Specification about this Cisco N9K-C9364C
- Manufacturer Cisco Systems, Inc
- Part Number or SKU# N9K-C9364C
- Brand Name Cisco
- Type: Networking
- Product Line Nexus
- Product Model 9364C
- Product Name Nexus 9364C Ethernet Switch
- Product Type Ethernet Switch
Interfaces/Ports
- Uplink Port No
- Modular Yes
- Stack Port No
- Port/Expansion Slot Details 2 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
- Port/Expansion Slot Details 64 x 100 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
Performance
- Media Type Supported Optical Fiber
- Ethernet Technology 10 Gigabit Ethernet
- Ethernet Technology 100 Gigabit Ethernet
- Network Technology 100GBase-X
- Network Technology 10GBase-X
I/O Expansions
- Number of Total Expansion Slots 66
- Expansion Slot Type QSFP28
- Expansion Slot Type SFP+
- Shared SFP Slot No
- Number of SFP+ Slots 2
Network & Communication
- Layer Supported 2
Management & Protocols
- Manageable Yes
Power Description
- Power Source Power Supply
- Redundant Power Supply Supported No
In summary, the Cisco N9K-C9364C Nexus 9364C Spine Switch is a powerhouse in the realm of networking hardware. This guide has provided an in-depth exploration of its features, technical specifications, use cases, management capabilities, and security features. Whether you’re planning to upgrade your data center infrastructure or exploring options for a new network deployment, the Cisco Nexus 9364C deserves serious consideration for its performance, scalability, and advanced capabilities.
