A List of the Best Cisco® Nexus Data Center Switches

Cisco, as you are probably aware, is a behemoth in the world of networking switches. And when it comes to data center switches, Cisco has some very efficient and cost-effective equipment on its hands. Consider the Nexus Family of data center switches if you’re in the market for a Cisco switch that is dependable and reasonably priced in terms of ongoing maintenance costs. We offer a selection of compatible optical transceiver replacements and DAC cables at discounted prices to provide diversity.

The Cisco Nexus Family of devices has been immensely popular in small and big data centers due to their ability to combine storage, data, and networking services. They can support all of these services and deliver a rock-solid programmable platform that completely supports any virtualized environment thanks to the Cisco Fabric Interconnect. The Cisco Nexus series contains a wide range of Nexus models designed to fulfill the needs of any Data Center scenario. Let’s see what the Nexus Family has to offer!

Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Switches

A modular switch (the Cisco Nexus 9500 switch) and a fixed-port switch (the Cisco Nexus 9000 switch) are included in the Cisco Nexus 9000 product family, which is designed to address both present and emerging requirements for several stages of network transformation (Nexus 9300 switches).

The Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Switches are the next generation of data center switching infrastructure, with two modes of operation. In NXOS mode, the Nexus 9000 may be utilized for traditional 3-tier systems, Spine-Leaf (CLOS) architectures, or Generation 1 SDN solutions like OpenFlow. The Nexus 9000 in ACI mode provides the industry’s leading architecture for the next generation of data center networking. ACI offers sophisticated capabilities and an operational approach centered on the application to propel the business ahead.

Cisco Nexus 5000 Series Switches

This Cisco Nexus 5000 Series is suited for the DC access layer (End of Row), supporting virtualization and Unified Fabric systems. The Cisco Nexus 5000 Series (N5k) can handle VXLAN and complete Layer 2 and 3 functionality for data center networking scalability. It is compatible with Native Fibre Channel, Ethernet, and FCoE interfaces. Most Cisco Nexus 5000 Platform capabilities, including Layer 2 security and administration, are included in the default system software. Layer 3 routing, IP multicast, and improved Layer 2 are licensed capabilities (Cisco Fabric Path).

The Nexus 5000 series switches are offered on two platforms: 10 Gbps and 40 Gbps. The 5600 Series 10 Gbps platform can give up to 2.56 Tbps switching capacity, while the 5600 Series 40 Gbps platform can supply up to 7.68 Tbps.

Except for the Nexus 5696Q (40 Gbps), all units need 1 to 2 RUs of rack space, but the Nexus 5696Q requires a generous 4 RU of rack space.

Cisco Nexus 3000 Series Switches

Cisco Nexus 3000 Series Switches are intended for top-of-rack data center installations, with 24 to 128 ports delivering flexible connectivity, excellent performance, and a complete feature set. Get flexible Top-of-Rack, Layer 2, and 3 switching with low latency, great programmability, and high density in a set compact form factor.

Cisco Nexus 3000 series merchant silicon-based switches provide low-latency, high-density performance for general deployments, high-performance computing, data centers, and cloud computing. The 3500 systems are feature-rich and suited for deployments with ultra-low latency.

How to save with this switch: Use third-party compatible transceivers replacement, DAC cables and save* as much as 75% over original Cisco optics.

*Savings based on price comparison between compatible optics and DAC cable prices on www.1cabling.com/ and OEM optics prices from the listed retailers: Amazon. All products are reviewed independently. All prices are effective as of November 30, 2021. OEM names are registered trademarks of their respective owners, are not affiliated with, and do not endorse Optcore.