Description
Robust Network Performance of Fabric Extender Expansion Module
The N2K-C2332TQ4F Cisco Nexus 2332TQ Fabric Extender Expansion Module is designed to extend the Cisco Nexus 2000 series fabric extenders, which are used to provide connectivity between servers and switches in a data center network.
The N2K-C2332TQ4F module supports 32 fixed 10GBase-T ports and 4 QSFP+ uplink ports, which can support either 40 Gigabit Ethernet or 4x 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity. This module is designed to offer high-density connectivity for servers, storage devices, and other network devices in a data center.
In terms of network performance, the N2K-C2332TQ4F module offers robust performance capabilities. It supports features such as virtual PortChannel (vPC), FabricPath, and Cisco Fabric Extender Technology (FEX Technology) that can enhance network performance and resiliency.
The virtual PortChannel (vPC) feature enables the creation of a loop-free topology by allowing multiple upstream switches to appear as a single logical switch to downstream switches. This feature provides redundancy and load-balancing capabilities, which can improve network performance and availability.
The FabricPath feature provides a scalable and efficient alternative to traditional Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) for building large Layer 2 networks. FabricPath can support up to 16 switches in a single domain, which can help to reduce network complexity and improve network performance.
The Cisco Fabric Extender Technology (FEX Technology) allows the N2K-C2332TQ4F module to be managed as a remote line card of a parent Cisco Nexus switch, which can simplify management and configuration tasks. Additionally, FEX Technology supports features such as virtual machine visibility (VM-FEX), which can improve network performance for virtualized environments.
Installation and Setup
The N2K-C2332TQ4F is a Cisco Nexus 2332TQ Fabric Extender Expansion Module, designed to extend the capabilities of a Cisco Nexus switch by providing additional ports. Here are the steps to install and set up the module:
- Plan the installation: Before you start installing the module, make sure you have a clear plan for where the module will be located and how it will be connected to the network.
- Power off the switch: Turn off the power to the Cisco Nexus switch that the module will be connected to.
- Install the module: Insert the module into an available slot on the Cisco Nexus switch. Make sure that the module is properly aligned and securely seated in the slot.
- Connect the module: Connect the module to the network by plugging in the Ethernet cables. There are four uplink ports on the module that can be used to connect to the Cisco Nexus switch.
- Power on the switch: Turn on the power to the Cisco Nexus switch and wait for it to boot up. The module will automatically be detected and initialized.
- Configure the module: Once the module is installed and connected, you will need to configure it to work with your network. This can be done through the Cisco Nexus switch’s command-line interface (CLI) or web-based management interface.
- Verify the configuration: After the module is configured, you should verify that it is working properly by testing the network connections and monitoring the performance of the network.
Configuration and Management
The N2K-C2332TQ4F Cisco Nexus 2332TQ Fabric Extender Expansion Module is a device designed to extend the fabric between Cisco Nexus switches and end devices such as servers and storage arrays. It is a 1-rack-unit (RU) device that can be mounted in a standard 19-inch rack.
Here are some key points regarding the configuration and management of this expansion module:
- Configuration: The N2K-C2332TQ4F is managed through the parent Nexus switch, which is responsible for configuring and managing all fabric extenders. The switch must be running Cisco NX-OS software version 6.2 or later. Configuration is performed through the switch’s command-line interface (CLI) or through the Cisco Nexus Data Center Network Manager (DCNM) graphical user interface (GUI).
- Upstream connectivity: The N2K-C2332TQ4F connects to the parent switch using four 40 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) uplink ports, which can be configured as either 40 GbE or 4 x 10 GbE. The module supports both Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) and Fibre Channel Protocol (FCP) traffic.
- Downstream connectivity: The N2K-C2332TQ4F provides 32 10 GbE ports for downstream connectivity to end devices. These ports can be configured in groups of 8 as 10 GbE or 1 GbE, or in groups of 4 as 10 GbE, 2 GbE, or 1 GbE.
- Management: The N2K-C2332TQ4F can be managed through the parent switch using SNMP, CLI, or the DCNM GUI. The module supports Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP) and Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) for network discovery and topology management.
- Virtual PortChannel (vPC): The N2K-C2332TQ4F supports vPC, which allows for a dual-homed topology to provide redundancy and load balancing. The module can be configured with two uplink switches for high availability and can participate in vPC domains with other Nexus switches.
- Fabric Extender Technology: The N2K-C2332TQ4F uses Fabric Extender Technology (FEX) to extend the fabric from the parent switch to end devices. FEX allows for a distributed architecture, where the parent switch manages the control plane and the fabric extender manages the data plane.
General Information
- Manufacturer: Cisco Systems, Inc
- Manufacturer Part Number: N2K-C2332TQ4F
- Brand Name: Cisco
- Product Line: Nexus
- Product Series: 2000
- Product Model: 2332TQ
- Product Name: Nexus 2332TQ Fabric Extender
- Product Type: Fabric Extender
Miscellaneous
- Package Contents-
- Nexus 2332TQ Fabric Extender
- 4/8 x Fabric extender transceivers (FET 10G/FET 40G) or QSFP-Bidi
- Additional Information-
- Host Interfaces: 32
- Host Interface Type: 32 100M/1/10GBASE-T ports: RJ-45 connectors
- Interfaces: 4 x 40 Gigabit Ethernet QSFP (16 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet)
- Fabric speed: Up to 160 Gbps in each direction (320-Gbps full duplex)
- Oversubscription: Up to 2:1
- Performance: Hardware forwarding at 960 Gbps or 1440 mpps
- FCoE: FCoE support up to 30m with Category 6a and 7 cables
- Power Supply: 2
- Fan Module: 3
- Application/Usage: Switch
Compatibility:
- Cisco Parent Switch:
- Cisco Nexus 5500 and 5600 platforms
- Cisco Nexus 6000 Series
- Environmentally Friendly: Yes
- Environmental Certification: RoHS-6
Dimensions & Weight
- Height: 1.7 Inch
- Width: 17.3 Inch
- Depth: 14.1 Inch
- Weight: 14.99 Lbs





