N3K-C3172PQ-10GE Cisco Nexus Managed Switch - 48 Ports

Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-10GE Nexus Managed Switch Overview

The Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-10GE is a high-performance Layer 3 managed switch designed for enterprise-grade networks. With robust hardware, multiple uplinks, and comprehensive management features, this switch delivers unmatched network efficiency and reliability.

Key Features of Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-10GE

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number or SKU: N3K-C3172PQ-10GE
• Switch Type: Layer 3 Managed Switch
• Port Count: 48 high-speed 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports
• Ideal for high-density data center environments and enterprise networks

High-Speed Network Connectivity

• 48x 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ ports for seamless network integration
• 6x 40 Gigabit Ethernet QSFP+ uplinks for superior aggregation and backbone performance
• Flexible port management to optimize traffic flow and network scalability

Management and Control Options

• 1x RJ45 serial console for direct device configuration
• 1x Gigabit Ethernet management port for remote administration
• 1x USB 2.0 port for firmware upgrades and local storage

Efficient Cooling and Power Management

• Front-to-back airflow with port-side intake and reversed airflow support
• Equipped with 4x NXA-FAN-30CFM-B fan modules for consistent cooling
• Dual redundant power supplies: 2x N2200-PAC-400W-B for uninterrupted operation

Performance and Reliability

• Switching capacity of 1.4 Tbps for high-volume data transfers
• Forwarding rate up to 1 Bpps to support intensive network workloads
• Advanced Layer 3 features for optimized routing and reduced latency

Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-10GE Nexus Layer 3 Managed Switch

The Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-10GE Nexus Layer 3 Managed Switch with 48 ports represents a significant advancement in enterprise networking solutions, offering high-performance, scalability, and advanced Layer 3 routing capabilities. Designed for data centers and high-demand network environments, this switch provides robust connectivity options, low latency, and reliable throughput for modern IT infrastructures. Its 48 ports allow for extensive network expansion, supporting a wide range of applications, from virtualization to cloud computing, making it an ideal solution for organizations requiring high-speed, reliable, and manageable network performance.

Advanced Layer 3 Capabilities

The Cisco Nexus N3K-C3172PQ-10GE switch is engineered to handle complex Layer 3 routing with efficiency and precision. With support for dynamic routing protocols including OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP, network administrators can ensure seamless connectivity and optimized traffic flow across multiple network segments. The switch’s Layer 3 features extend beyond basic routing, offering advanced capabilities such as static and dynamic route configurations, route redistribution, and policy-based routing. These functionalities make the Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-10GE a reliable backbone component for data center networks, ensuring low-latency communication and optimal path selection for critical enterprise applications.

Scalability and Performance

Scalability is a core feature of the Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-10GE. The 48-port configuration provides ample capacity for connecting servers, storage systems, and other network devices while maintaining high throughput and low latency. With support for up to 10 Gigabit Ethernet connections, the switch ensures high-speed data transfer, suitable for bandwidth-intensive applications such as video streaming, big data analytics, and high-performance computing. Cisco’s Nexus series also supports port-channeling and link aggregation, enabling administrators to combine multiple physical interfaces into a single logical link to maximize bandwidth utilization and redundancy.

Energy Efficiency and Form Factor

The N3K-C3172PQ-10GE is designed with energy efficiency in mind, leveraging Cisco’s innovative power management features to reduce energy consumption without compromising performance. Its compact form factor fits standard 1U or 2U rack configurations, making it suitable for dense data center deployments. The efficient cooling system and modular power supply options provide redundancy and reliability, ensuring that network operations continue uninterrupted even in high-demand environments. These features make it an ideal choice for enterprises seeking to balance performance, space, and energy efficiency.

Comprehensive Security Features

Security is a critical consideration in any modern network, and the Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-10GE switch delivers robust protection against unauthorized access and network threats. The switch supports advanced security protocols such as 802.1X authentication, access control lists, and dynamic ARP inspection. In addition, it integrates seamlessly with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) for centralized policy management and threat monitoring. These security features ensure that sensitive enterprise data is protected while maintaining high network performance and flexibility.

Ease of Management and Automation

Managing a high-performance switch like the N3K-C3172PQ-10GE is simplified through Cisco’s comprehensive management tools. The switch supports Cisco NX-OS, providing a flexible command-line interface, powerful automation capabilities, and programmability for efficient network operations. With support for REST APIs, Python scripting, and automation frameworks like Ansible, network administrators can reduce manual configuration, streamline deployment processes, and implement consistent policies across large-scale networks. This level of automation not only saves time but also reduces the risk of configuration errors that could impact network stability.

Integration with Modern Data Centers

The Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-10GE is designed to integrate seamlessly with contemporary data center architectures, including virtualization platforms, storage area networks, and cloud-based infrastructures. Its high port density and low-latency switching capabilities make it ideal for connecting virtual machines, storage nodes, and high-speed servers in a unified network environment. By supporting technologies such as VXLAN and overlay networks, this switch enables network virtualization and segmentation, providing the flexibility needed for multi-tenant environments and hybrid cloud deployments. Integration with Cisco’s Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) further enhances visibility, automation, and network programmability.

Reliability and Redundancy

Reliability is a hallmark of the Cisco Nexus series, and the N3K-C3172PQ-10GE is no exception. The switch offers redundant power supplies and fans, ensuring continuous operation even in the event of a hardware failure. It supports features such as Virtual PortChannel (vPC) for link redundancy and high availability, providing uninterrupted connectivity for mission-critical applications. With built-in monitoring, diagnostics, and error detection mechanisms, network administrators can quickly identify and resolve potential issues before they impact network performance, contributing to an overall increase in uptime and operational efficiency.

High Availability and Disaster Recovery

For organizations that cannot tolerate network downtime, the N3K-C3172PQ-10GE provides high availability and disaster recovery options. Its support for hot-swappable components, combined with intelligent failover mechanisms, ensures that network services remain available even during maintenance or unexpected hardware issues. The switch’s integration with Cisco’s broader ecosystem, including data center orchestration and monitoring tools, allows for proactive planning and rapid response to network events, minimizing business disruption and maintaining service continuity across critical operations.

Application Performance Optimization

Optimizing application performance is a key requirement for modern enterprises, and the Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-10GE facilitates this through intelligent traffic management and Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities. Administrators can prioritize traffic based on application type, ensuring that latency-sensitive workloads such as voice, video, and real-time analytics receive preferential treatment. The switch’s extensive buffering, congestion management, and flow control mechanisms allow for smooth data transmission even under heavy network load, resulting in improved user experience and consistent application performance across the enterprise network.

Future-Proof Networking Solution

The Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-10GE is built to support evolving networking needs, offering a future-proof solution for growing enterprises. With its modular architecture, support for the latest networking protocols, and high-speed 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports, this switch can adapt to increasing bandwidth demands and emerging technologies. Organizations can confidently deploy this switch knowing that it will continue to meet performance, scalability, and management requirements for years to come, making it a strategic investment in their IT infrastructure.