N7K-F248XT-25E Cisco 10 Gigabit Expansion Module L3 Rack-mountable

Cisco 7000 F2-Series 48-Port 10 Gigabit Expansion Module

Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E Nexus 7000 Expansion Module Overview

The Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E Nexus 7000 F2-Series 48 Ports Expansion Module is a high-performance line card designed to deliver exceptional scalability, throughput, and efficiency for enterprise and data center networks. This expansion module integrates seamlessly into the Cisco Nexus 7000 chassis, offering forty-eight ports of 1/10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity with advanced features that support modern workloads, virtualization, and cloud-ready infrastructures. Its architecture is optimized for low latency, high density, and energy efficiency, making it a cornerstone for organizations seeking to build resilient and future-proof network environments.

Design and Architecture of the Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E

The design of the Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E Nexus 7000 F2-Series module emphasizes modularity and flexibility. Each port supports both copper and fiber connections, enabling diverse deployment scenarios across enterprise and service provider networks. The module leverages Cisco’s advanced switching fabric, ensuring non-blocking throughput and consistent performance even under heavy traffic loads. Its hardware is engineered with redundancy and reliability in mind, incorporating hot-swappable components and intelligent cooling systems to maintain optimal operation in demanding environments.

High-Density Port Configuration

With forty-eight ports available, the Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E provides unmatched density within a single expansion module. This configuration allows network administrators to consolidate multiple connections, reducing the need for additional hardware while maximizing rack space efficiency. Each port supports 1/10 Gigabit Ethernet, enabling seamless migration from legacy speeds to modern high-speed connectivity without requiring a complete infrastructure overhaul.

Advanced Switching Fabric Integration

The module integrates directly into the Nexus 7000 switching fabric, which is designed to deliver high throughput and low latency across all connected devices. This ensures that applications requiring real-time responsiveness, such as financial trading platforms, video streaming services, and cloud-based workloads, can operate without bottlenecks. The switching fabric also supports advanced traffic management features, including quality of service (QoS), multicast optimization, and intelligent load balancing.

Performance and Scalability Benefits

The Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E Nexus 7000 F2-Series expansion module is engineered to meet the evolving demands of enterprise networks. Its performance capabilities extend beyond raw throughput, incorporating intelligent features that enhance scalability, security, and manageability. Organizations deploying this module can expect consistent performance across diverse workloads, from traditional client-server applications to modern cloud-native services.

Low Latency Switching

One of the defining characteristics of the Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E is its low latency switching capability. By minimizing packet forwarding delays, the module ensures that time-sensitive applications maintain optimal performance. This is particularly critical in industries such as finance, healthcare, and telecommunications, where milliseconds can determine the success of critical operations.

Scalable Infrastructure Support

The expansion module supports scalable infrastructure growth by enabling organizations to add capacity without disrupting existing services. Its modular design allows for incremental expansion, ensuring that businesses can adapt to increasing traffic demands without costly overhauls. This scalability is further enhanced by Cisco’s robust software ecosystem, which provides advanced management tools and automation capabilities.

Virtualization and Cloud Readiness

Virtualization and cloud adoption are central to modern IT strategies, and the Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E is designed to support these initiatives. The module’s high-density port configuration and advanced traffic management features make it ideal for connecting virtualized environments and cloud platforms. It ensures that workloads can be dynamically allocated and scaled across physical and virtual resources, maintaining consistent performance and reliability.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Energy efficiency is a critical consideration in data center design, and the Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E addresses this with intelligent power management features. The module is engineered to minimize power consumption while delivering maximum performance, reducing operational costs and environmental impact. Its cooling systems are optimized to maintain efficiency, ensuring that the module operates within safe temperature ranges without excessive energy use.

Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

The Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E Nexus 7000 F2-Series expansion module is versatile enough to support a wide range of deployment scenarios. From enterprise data centers to service provider networks, the module delivers the performance, scalability, and reliability required for mission-critical applications. Its adaptability makes it a valuable asset for organizations seeking to modernize their network infrastructure.

Enterprise Data Centers

In enterprise data centers, the Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E provides the high-density connectivity required to support thousands of servers and storage devices. Its advanced traffic management features ensure that applications such as ERP systems, CRM platforms, and collaboration tools operate seamlessly. The module’s scalability allows enterprises to expand their data center capacity as business needs evolve, ensuring long-term value and performance.

Service Provider Networks

Service providers require robust and scalable infrastructure to deliver reliable services to their customers. The Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E is designed to meet these demands, offering high-density connectivity and advanced traffic management capabilities. It supports the delivery of services such as broadband internet, IPTV, and VoIP, ensuring consistent performance and reliability across diverse customer environments.

Cloud and Virtualization Environments

Cloud and virtualization environments demand flexible and scalable connectivity solutions, and the Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E delivers precisely that. Its high-density port configuration allows for seamless integration with cloud platforms, while its advanced traffic management features ensure that workloads are dynamically allocated and scaled. This makes it an ideal solution for organizations adopting hybrid cloud or multi-cloud strategies.

High-Performance Computing

High-performance computing environments require low latency and high throughput to support complex simulations and data analysis tasks. The Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E is engineered to deliver these capabilities, ensuring that HPC workloads operate efficiently and reliably. Its scalability allows organizations to expand their computing capacity as research and development needs evolve.

Security and Reliability Features

Security and reliability are paramount in modern network environments, and the Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E incorporates advanced features to address these concerns. From hardware-level redundancy to software-based security controls, the module is designed to protect data and ensure consistent operation.

Redundant Architecture

The module’s architecture includes redundant components to ensure continuous operation even in the event of hardware failure. Hot-swappable components allow for maintenance without disrupting services, while intelligent monitoring systems detect and address potential issues before they impact performance.

Advanced Security Controls

Cisco’s robust security ecosystem is integrated into the N7K-F248XT-25E, providing advanced controls to protect against threats. Features such as access control lists (ACLs), role-based access, and encryption ensure that data remains secure across the network. These controls are essential for organizations operating in regulated industries, where compliance with security standards is mandatory.

Compliance and Regulatory Support

The Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E supports compliance with industry standards and regulations, including those governing data protection and network security. Its advanced security features ensure that organizations can meet regulatory requirements while maintaining optimal performance and reliability.

Management and Operational Efficiency

Managing complex network environments requires advanced tools and automation capabilities, and the Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E delivers on both fronts. Its integration with Cisco’s management ecosystem ensures that administrators can monitor, configure, and optimize the module with ease.

Automation and Orchestration

Automation is a key component of modern network management, and the Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E supports advanced automation and orchestration capabilities. Administrators can leverage automation tools to streamline configuration, deployment, and maintenance tasks, reducing the risk of human error and improving operational efficiency.