Description
Overview of the Cisco N9K-C9372TX-E 48 Ports QSFP+ Layer 4 Switch
In the world of networking, the N9K-C9372TX-E Nexus 9372TX-E is a powerhouse, serving as a Layer 3 modular managed switch with 48 ports, 6 Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable Plus (QSFP+) slots, and a 1U rack-mountable design. This switch is designed to handle the demands of modern data centers and networks, offering a versatile solution with a range of features. In this detailed exploration, we will dissect the key components and functionalities of the Nexus 9372TX-E, shedding light on its capabilities, specifications, and use cases.
Key Specifications of Rack-mountable 1U Modular Managed SwitchPort Configuration
The Nexus 9372TX-E boasts 48 ports, providing a substantial number of connectivity options for various devices. These ports support 10/100/1000Base-TX RJ-45 twisted pair connections, catering to a wide range of networking needs. Additionally, the inclusion of 6 QSFP+ slots enhances the switch’s versatility, allowing for high-speed connections through optical fiber.
Layer 3 Capabilities
At its core, the Nexus 9372TX-E is a Layer 3 switch, offering advanced routing capabilities. This means that the switch can make intelligent decisions based on IP addresses, enabling efficient traffic management and enhanced network performance. The Layer 3 functionality is crucial for large-scale networks, providing the necessary intelligence for optimal data routing.
Rack-Mountable Design
The 1U rack-mountable form factor of the Nexus 9372TX-E contributes to its space-saving design, making it an ideal choice for data center environments where optimizing space is essential. The switch’s compact size doesn’t compromise its performance, and it can be seamlessly integrated into standard server racks.
Modular Architecture
Being a modular managed switch, the Nexus 9372TX-E offers a modular architecture that allows for flexibility and scalability. This means that users can customize and expand the switch’s capabilities by adding or replacing modules as needed. This adaptability ensures that the switch can evolve with the changing requirements of a network.
Connectivity Options10/100/1000Base-TX RJ-45 Ports
The 48 ports on the Nexus 9372TX-E support 10/100/1000Base-TX RJ-45 connections. This means that the switch is compatible with a variety of devices, from computers and servers to other networking equipment, providing a reliable and high-speed connection for data transfer.
Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable Plus (QSFP+) Slots
The inclusion of 6 QSFP+ slots significantly expands the connectivity options of the switch. QSFP+ is a high-speed, compact optical transceiver that supports data rates beyond 40 Gbps. This makes the Nexus 9372TX-E suitable for demanding applications, such as data center interconnectivity and high-performance computing.
Optical Fiber Connectivity
With QSFP+ slots supporting optical fiber connections, the Nexus 9372TX-E ensures not only high-speed data transfer but also long-distance connectivity. Optical fiber is known for its low latency and high bandwidth, making it an excellent choice for scenarios where reliable and fast data transmission is critical.
Management and ControlRack-Mountable Convenience
The 1U rack-mountable design of the Nexus 9372TX-E contributes to the switch’s ease of installation and management. This form factor allows for efficient use of rack space, a crucial consideration in data center environments where space optimization is paramount. The switch can be seamlessly integrated into existing rack configurations, simplifying the deployment process.
Modular Flexibility
The modular architecture of the Nexus 9372TX-E extends beyond physical connectivity to management and control. The switch supports a range of management options, including modular software that can be tailored to specific networking needs. This flexibility empowers administrators to customize the switch’s behavior, ensuring it aligns with the unique requirements of their network infrastructure.
Advanced Management Features
As a managed switch, the Nexus 9372TX-E provides a suite of advanced management features. This includes but is not limited to VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) support, QoS (Quality of Service) prioritization, and multicast support. These features empower network administrators to fine-tune the switch’s behavior, optimizing performance for different types of traffic and applications.
Use CasesData Center Deployment
The Nexus 9372TX-E’s combination of high port density, Layer 3 capabilities, and modular design makes it an ideal choice for data center environments. Its ability to handle large volumes of data traffic, support high-speed connections, and integrate seamlessly into rack configurations aligns with the demands of modern data centers.
High-Performance Computing
In scenarios where high-performance computing is essential, the Nexus 9372TX-E’s QSFP+ slots shine. These slots support ultra-fast data transfer, making the switch suitable for connecting servers and storage units in high-performance computing clusters. The switch’s Layer 3 capabilities further enhance its role in efficiently routing data in such demanding environments.
Campus Networking
The Nexus 9372TX-E’s 48 RJ-45 ports make it well-suited for campus networking environments. It can efficiently handle the diverse connectivity requirements of various devices, from computers to IP phones. The switch’s Layer 3 capabilities come into play for intelligent routing within the campus network, ensuring optimal data flow.
Future-Proofing with the N9K-C9372TX-EScalability and Expansion
As businesses grow, so do their networking needs. The N9K-C9372TX-E is designed with scalability in mind. This section explores how the switch allows for seamless expansion, accommodating the evolving requirements of an organization.
Compatibility with Emerging Technologies
In an ever-evolving technological landscape, it’s crucial for networking equipment to be compatible with emerging technologies. We examine how the N9K-C9372TX-E positions itself as a future-proof solution by supporting the latest networking standards and protocols.
Robust Security and Dynamic Quality
The Cisco Nexus 9372TX is a 48-port, top-of-rack (ToR) Ethernet switch that is designed to provide high performance, flexibility, and scalability for data center networks. It is based on the Cisco Nexus 9000 Series switches, which use the Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) architecture.
One of the key features of the Nexus 9372TX is its robust security, which is provided by the Cisco TrustSec feature set. This includes capabilities such as access control lists (ACLs), Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) integration, and security group tagging (SGT).
The switch also supports dynamic quality of service (QoS) features, which allow network administrators to prioritize different types of network traffic, ensuring that important applications and services have the bandwidth they need to function properly. In terms of the physical interface, it supports 48 SFP+ ports for 10/25G Ethernet (or 4 QSFP+ ports for 40/100G Ethernet)
General Information for the Cisco N9K-C9372TX-E 48-port Switch
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU# N9K-C9372TX-E
- Product Line: Nexus
- Product Series: 9300
- Product Model: 9372TX
- Product Name: Nexus 9372TX Switch
- Product Type: Layer 3 Switch
Interfaces / Ports of Layer 3 Managed Switch
- Total Number of Network Ports: 48
- Uplink Port: Yes
- Modular: Yes
- Stack Port: No
- Port/Expansion Slot Details: 48 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet Network
- Port/Expansion Slot Details: 6 x 40 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slo
Performance for Managed Switch
- 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: 10/100/1000Base-TX
I/O Expansions of Layer 3 Switch
- Number of Total Expansion Slots: 6
- Expansion Slot Type: QSFP+
- Network & Communication
- Layer Supported: 4
Features
- Access Control List (ACL) support
- Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP) support
- IGMP snooping, Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP) support
- Per-VLAN Rapid Spanning Tree (PVRST)
- Quality of Service (QoS), Virtual PortChannel (vPC) technology
- Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF)
- VLAN support, VXLAN tunnel endpoints (VTEP) support
Miscellaneous
- Rack Mounting Kit: Included
- Compliant Standards: AS/NZS 60950-1, AS/NZS CISPR22:2004 Class A, CISPR 22 Class A, CISPR 24, CNS 13438(95) Class A, CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1 Second Edition, EMC, EN 300386, EN 60950-1 Second Edition, EN55024, EN61000-3-2, EN61000-3-3, FCC CFR47 Part 15, GB 4943, ICES-003 Class A, IEC 60950-1 Second Edition, KN22 Class A, RoHS 6/6, UL 60950-1 Second Edition, VCCI Class A
- Height (Rack Units): 1
- Color Category: Gray
Power Device
- Installed Qty: 0
- Max Supported Qty: 2
- Power Redundancy: Yes
- Type: Internal power supply
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature: 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature: 104 °F
- Humidity Range Operating: 5 – 95% (non-condensing)
- Min Storage Temperature: -40 °F
- Max Storage Temperature: 158 °F
Safety
- UL 60950-1 Second Edition
- CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60950-1 Second Edition
- EN 60950-1 Second Edition
- IEC 60950-1 Second Edition
- AS/NZS 60950-1
- GB4943
Finally, the N9K-C9372TX-E Nexus 9372TX-E stands as a versatile and powerful Layer 3 modular managed switch. Its impressive specifications, including 48 ports, 6 QSFP+ slots, and a 1U rack-mountable design, make it suitable for a range of networking scenarios, from data centers to high-performance computing clusters and campus environments. The switch’s modular architecture, advanced management features, and connectivity options contribute to its flexibility and adaptability in the ever-evolving landscape of networking technologies. As organizations continue to demand high-performance, scalable, and manageable networking solutions, the Nexus 9372TX-E proves to be a reliable and forward-looking choice.
