Description
Understanding the N3K-C3132Q-XL Nexus 3000 Series Switch
The N3K-C3132Q-XL Nexus 3000 Series switch is an advanced networking device designed to meet the demands of modern data centers and enterprise networks. With its impressive features and capabilities, it offers a robust solution for managing network traffic efficiently. In this detailed description, we will explore the key specifications, functionalities, and benefits of the N3K-C3132Q-XL 32-ports switch.
Overview of the N3K-C3132Q-XL Nexus 3000 Series 32 Ports Managed Switch
The Nexus 3000 Series 3132Q-XL is part of Cisco’s Nexus family, known for its high-performance networking solutions. It is specifically engineered to provide efficient and reliable connectivity within data center environments. The device stands out for its combination of 32 x 40 Gigabit Ethernet QSFP+ Expansion Slots and 4 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slots with SFP+ Optical Fiber connectivity, making it a versatile and scalable solution.
Key Features
- 32 x 40 Gigabit Ethernet QSFP+ Expansion Slot: This feature allows for high-speed connectivity with support for up to 32 QSFP+ (Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus) modules, enabling a total of 128 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports or 32 40 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
- 4 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot SFP+: In addition to the QSFP+ expansion slots, the switch also includes four SFP+ (Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus) expansion slots, each capable of supporting 10 Gigabit Ethernet connections.
- Layer 3 Managed Switch: The N3K-C3132Q-XL is a layer 3 managed switch, meaning it can perform routing functions at the network layer, allowing for efficient routing of traffic based on IP addresses.
Detailed SpecificationsSwitching Capacity
The N3K-C3132Q-XL offers a high switching capacity, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted data transmission across the network.
Forwarding Rate
With its high forwarding rate, the switch can process and forward data packets at a rapid pace, minimizing latency and ensuring optimal network performance.
Layer 3 Routing
The switch supports advanced layer 3 routing protocols such as OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) and BGP (Border Gateway Protocol), enabling efficient routing of traffic within complex network environments.
Virtualization Support
It also provides support for virtualization technologies, allowing for the creation and management of virtual network environments with ease.
Redundancy and Reliability
Cisco is renowned for its commitment to reliability and redundancy in networking solutions. The Nexus 3000 Series 3132Q-XL is no exception, featuring redundant power supplies and fans to ensure continuous operation even in the event of a hardware failure. This reliability is crucial for maintaining uninterrupted service in mission-critical environments.
Management and Control Capabilities
The device comes equipped with comprehensive management and monitoring capabilities. It supports industry-standard management protocols, allowing network administrators to efficiently monitor and control the device. Additionally, features like SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) support enable integration with network management systems for centralized control.
Use Cases
The N3K-C3132Q-XL switch is suitable for various use cases across different industries:
Data Center Networking
The Nexus 3000 Series 3132Q-XL is tailor-made for data center networking. Its high-speed QSFP+ ports make it suitable for connecting servers, storage systems, and other networking equipment within the data center. The Layer 3 capabilities enhance the efficiency of data traffic, ensuring seamless communication between different segments of the network.
High-Performance Computing (HPC)
In environments where high-performance computing is essential, such as scientific research and simulations, the Nexus 3000 Series 3132Q-XL excels. Its low-latency data forwarding and high-speed connectivity make it a preferred choice for HPC applications that demand rapid data processing.
Virtualization
With the increasing adoption of virtualization technologies, the Nexus 3000 Series 3132Q-XL caters to the demands of virtualized environments. The device’s scalability and flexibility make it well-suited for connecting virtual machines and managing the dynamic nature of virtualized workloads.
Enterprise Networks
In large enterprises, the switch can serve as a core or distribution switch, connecting multiple departments and locations while ensuring reliable and secure network communication.
Service Providers
For service providers, the switch offers the flexibility and scalability required to support a wide range of customer requirements, from small businesses to large enterprises.
Benefits
- Scalability: The N3K-C3132Q-XL offers scalability, allowing for the expansion of network capacity as the requirements grow. Its multiple expansion slots provide flexibility in adding more ports or modules as needed.
- High Performance: With its high switching capacity and forwarding rate, the switch delivers excellent performance, ensuring smooth and efficient operation of network applications and services.
- Reliability: Built with robust hardware components and advanced features, the switch offers high reliability, minimizing downtime and ensuring continuous availability of network resources.
- Advanced Management Features: As a layer 3 managed switch, the N3K-C3132Q-XL provides advanced management features such as VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) support, Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities, and SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) integration, allowing for efficient network administration and monitoring.
Performance and Scalability
The N3K-C3132Q-XL Cisco Nexus 3132Q-XL Layer 3 Managed Switch is a high-performance and scalable switch designed for data center deployments. It offers 32 fixed 40 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) QSFP+ ports, which can be used for both 40 GbE and 4×10 GbE connectivity.
Performance
The N3K-C3132Q-XL switch has a switching capacity of up to 2.56 Tbps, allowing it to handle high volumes of data traffic. It also supports line-rate Layer 2 and Layer 3 forwarding of up to 1.44 billion packets per second (bps), which makes it suitable for bandwidth-intensive applications such as virtualization, cloud computing, and big data analytics.
In terms of latency, the switch offers a low-latency architecture with a typical latency of less than 1 microsecond (us) for 10 GbE and 40 GbE traffic. This makes it suitable for applications that require low latency and high throughput.
Scalability
The N3K-C3132Q-XL switch is highly scalable, with support for up to 32 40 GbE QSFP+ ports. It also supports a range of advanced features such as virtual PortChannel (vPC) technology, which allows for increased network redundancy and bandwidth, and FabricPath, which enables multipath forwarding and scalability in large data center networks.
In addition, the switch supports hot-swappable power supplies and fans, which can be replaced without disrupting network operations. This makes it easy to scale up or maintain the switch without downtime.
General Information for the Cisco N3K-C3132Q-XL 36 Ports Managed Switch
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU# N3K-C3132Q-XL
- Product Line: Nexus
- Product Series: 3000
- Product Model: 3132Q
- Product Name: Nexus 3132Q Switch
- Product Type: Layer 3 Switch
Interfaces/Ports of Layer 3 Switch
- Uplink Port: No
- Modular: Yes
- Stack Port: No
- Port/Expansion Slot Details:
- 32 x 40 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
- 4 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
Performance
- Media Type Supported: Optical Fiber
- Ethernet Technology:
- 10 Gigabit Ethernet
- 40 Gigabit Ethernet
- Network Technology:
- 40GBase-X
- 10GBase-X
- Switching Capacity: 2.5 Tbps
- Forwarding Performance: 1.4 Bpps
I/O Expansions
- Number of Total Expansion Slots: 36
- Expansion Slot Type:
- SFP+
- QSFP+
- Shared SFP Slot: No
- Number of SFP+ Slots: 4
Network & Communication
- Layer Supported: 3
Management & Protocols
- Manageable: Yes
- Routing Protocol:
- Rip-2
- BGP
- EIGRP
- VRRP
- OSPFv2
- PIM-SM
- Static IP Routing
- PIM-SSM
- MSDP
- Policy-based Routing (PBR)
Power Description
- Power Source: Internal Power Supply – Hot-plug
- Installed Qty: 1 (installed) / 2 (max)
- Power Redundancy: Optional
- Redundant Power Supply Supported: Yes
- Voltage Required: AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz)
Compliant Standards
- IEEE 802.3z
- IEEE 802.1d
- IEEE 802.1q
- IEEE 802.1p
- IEEE 802.3ad (LACP)
- IEEE 802.1w
- IEEE 802.3ae
- IEEE 802.1s
- IEEE 802.1ab (LLDP)
In short, the N3K-C3132Q-XL Nexus 3000 Series switch is a powerful networking solution designed to meet the demands of modern data centers and enterprise networks. With its advanced features, high performance, and scalability, it offers a reliable and efficient platform for managing network traffic and supporting critical applications and services. Whether deployed in data centers, enterprise networks, or service provider environments, the N3K-C3132Q-XL switch provides the flexibility and capabilities needed to adapt to evolving network requirements and ensure seamless connectivity for users and applications alike.
