N77-C7702 Cisco Nexus 7700 Switch Chassis

Cisco N77-C7702 Nexus 7700 2-Slot Switch Chassis Overview

The Cisco N77-C7702 is a high-performance chassis designed for enterprise-grade networking environments. Engineered by Cisco, this modular switch chassis offers flexibility, reliability, and scalability for modern data centers.

Key Features of Cisco N77-C7702

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model/Part Number: N77-C7702
• Device Type: Switch Chassis
• Switching Software: Cisco NX-OS
• Airflow Configuration: Front-to-Back

Slot and Module Configuration

• Total Slots: 2 Module Slots
• Slot Breakdown:
  • 1x F3 Series I/O Module Slot
  • 1x Supervisor Module Slot
• Modules are sold separately and not included

Cooling and Power Capabilities

• Cooling System: Includes fan tray for optimal airflow
• Power Supply Options: Supports dual 3-kW AC/DC or 3.5-kW HV AC/DC units
• Power Supplies: Not included

Performance and Capacity

• Switching Throughput: 1.2 Tbps for high-speed networking
• Designed to handle demanding data center traffic and enterprise workloads

Cisco Nexus 7700 Series Modular Switch Architecture

The Cisco N77-C7702 Nexus 7700 2 Slots Switch Chassis represents a compact yet powerful entry point into the Cisco Nexus 7700 Series, designed to deliver carrier-class reliability, scalability, and performance within modern data center and service provider networks. This category focuses on modular core and aggregation switching platforms that support high-density Ethernet, advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 services, and flexible expansion through interchangeable line cards and fabric modules. The two-slot chassis form factor is engineered for organizations that require enterprise-grade switching capabilities but operate in environments where space, power efficiency, and cost optimization are critical.

Within the Nexus 7700 family, the 7702 chassis stands out as a balance between compact design and uncompromising performance. It supports the same Cisco NX-OS software and architectural principles found in larger Nexus 7700 models, enabling consistent operations, simplified management, and seamless scalability across different deployment sizes. This category addresses the needs of enterprises, cloud providers, and colocation facilities that demand resilient infrastructure capable of supporting virtualization, cloud-native applications, and high-throughput data flows.

Chassis Design and Physical Characteristics

The Cisco N77-C7702 chassis is designed with a front-to-back airflow pattern optimized for hot-aisle and cold-aisle data center layouts. Its rack-mountable design ensures compatibility with standard data center racks, making it suitable for both new installations and upgrades within existing infrastructure. The robust mechanical construction provides durability and stability, even in high-density environments where continuous operation is mandatory.

Despite its compact two-slot design, the chassis accommodates critical components such as supervisor engines, fabric modules, power supplies, and cooling systems in a modular fashion. This modularity enables non-disruptive maintenance and hardware upgrades, allowing network administrators to replace or upgrade components without requiring full system downtime. The category emphasizes chassis-based switching solutions that are engineered for long lifecycle deployments and evolving network requirements.

Slot Configuration and Expansion Flexibility

The two-slot configuration of the Nexus 7702 chassis is optimized to support a supervisor module and a line card or fabric module, depending on the deployment scenario. This flexibility allows organizations to tailor the system to specific performance and connectivity requirements while maintaining a compact footprint. The category includes solutions that prioritize scalability through modular expansion rather than fixed-port limitations.

By supporting a range of Nexus 7700 Series line cards, the chassis enables high-density 10 Gigabit, 40 Gigabit, and 100 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity. This makes it suitable for aggregation layers, core switching, and data center interconnect roles where bandwidth demands continue to grow. The design ensures that future network expansion can be achieved by upgrading line cards rather than replacing the entire chassis.

High-Performance Switching and Throughput Capabilities

The Cisco Nexus 7700 platform is built on a high-performance switching fabric that delivers predictable, low-latency forwarding across all ports. Even within the two-slot chassis category, the architecture supports advanced packet processing, deep buffering, and high aggregate throughput, making it capable of handling east-west and north-south traffic patterns common in modern data centers.

This category highlights switching solutions that support wire-speed performance across multiple interface types. The Nexus 7702 chassis leverages Cisco’s proven ASIC technology to ensure consistent performance, even under heavy traffic loads. This capability is critical for applications such as virtualization clusters, big data analytics, and real-time communications, where latency and packet loss can directly impact service quality.

Low-Latency and Deterministic Forwarding

Low-latency performance is a defining characteristic of the Nexus 7700 Series. The two-slot chassis benefits from the same architectural principles that prioritize deterministic forwarding and predictable performance. This ensures that latency-sensitive workloads, including financial trading platforms, voice and video services, and high-performance computing applications, can operate efficiently.

The category emphasizes switching platforms that deliver consistent latency across ports and traffic types. Advanced buffering and congestion management features help maintain performance during traffic bursts, reducing the risk of packet drops and retransmissions.

Support for High-Speed Ethernet Standards

The Cisco N77-C7702 chassis supports a wide range of Ethernet standards through compatible line cards, including 10GbE, 40GbE, and 100GbE. This versatility allows organizations to adopt high-speed networking incrementally, aligning infrastructure investments with business growth and application demands.

By supporting multiple Ethernet speeds within the same chassis, this category enables network designs that combine legacy connectivity with next-generation high-bandwidth links. This approach simplifies migration strategies and protects existing investments while enabling future-ready network architectures.

Advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 Feature Set

The Cisco Nexus 7700 Series, including the 7702 chassis, delivers a comprehensive suite of Layer 2 and Layer 3 features that support complex enterprise and service provider networks. This category encompasses switching solutions that provide robust VLAN scalability, advanced routing protocols, and seamless integration with software-defined networking initiatives.

Support for protocols such as OSPF, BGP, IS-IS, and EIGRP enables the chassis to function effectively at the core or aggregation layers of large networks. The advanced feature set ensures interoperability with existing network infrastructure and supports multi-vendor environments.

Virtualization and Data Center Integration

Virtualization support is a key focus of this category, as modern data centers rely heavily on virtual machines and containerized workloads. The Nexus 7702 chassis integrates with technologies such as VXLAN, EVPN, and virtual port channels to enable scalable, resilient, and flexible network designs.

These capabilities allow network administrators to extend Layer 2 domains across Layer 3 boundaries, supporting large-scale multi-tenant environments. The category highlights platforms that simplify network operations while enabling advanced virtualization use cases.

VXLAN and EVPN Capabilities

Support for VXLAN and EVPN within the Nexus 7700 Series enables scalable overlay networks that can support thousands of virtual networks. This is particularly valuable for cloud service providers and enterprises adopting hybrid or multi-cloud strategies.

The two-slot chassis provides a compact yet capable platform for deploying these technologies at the data center edge or aggregation layer. The category emphasizes solutions that combine hardware-based forwarding with software-defined overlays for optimal performance and scalability.

High Availability and Redundancy Design

High availability is a cornerstone of the Cisco Nexus 7700 architecture. The N77-C7702 chassis supports redundant components, including power supplies and cooling modules, to ensure continuous operation even in the event of hardware failures. This category focuses on switching platforms designed for mission-critical environments where downtime is unacceptable.

Redundant supervisor engines and stateful failover capabilities further enhance system resilience. These features enable seamless transition during component failures or maintenance activities, preserving network stability and application availability.

Non-Disruptive Maintenance and Upgrades

The modular design of the Nexus 7702 chassis supports non-disruptive maintenance, allowing administrators to replace or upgrade components without impacting active traffic. This capability is essential for organizations that operate 24/7 and cannot afford planned outages.

In-service software upgrades and hardware redundancy mechanisms reduce operational risk and support continuous innovation. The category emphasizes platforms that align with long-term operational efficiency and service continuity goals.

Power and Cooling Redundancy

Efficient power and cooling design is critical in high-density data centers. The Cisco N77-C7702 chassis supports multiple power supply options to ensure redundancy and load sharing. Advanced cooling modules maintain optimal operating temperatures while minimizing energy consumption.

This focus on efficiency aligns with sustainability initiatives and helps organizations reduce total cost of ownership. The category highlights switching solutions that combine performance with responsible power and thermal management.

Cisco NX-OS Software and Management Capabilities

The Nexus 7700 Series runs on Cisco NX-OS, a data center–optimized operating system that delivers stability, security, and automation capabilities. The two-slot chassis benefits from the same software features as larger models, ensuring consistent management and operational practices across the network.

NX-OS provides a modular architecture that supports process isolation, reducing the impact of software failures and enhancing system reliability. This category includes platforms that prioritize operational simplicity and robust software design.

Automation, Telemetry, and Programmability

Modern networks require automation to manage complexity and scale efficiently. The Nexus 7702 chassis supports programmability through APIs, scripting, and integration with automation frameworks. This enables faster provisioning, reduced human error, and improved operational agility.

Streaming telemetry and advanced monitoring capabilities provide real-time visibility into network performance and health. The category emphasizes switching solutions that empower administrators with actionable insights and proactive management tools.

Security and Policy Enforcement

Security is deeply integrated into the Nexus 7700 platform, with features that support access control, segmentation, and threat mitigation. The two-slot chassis supports hardware-based security enforcement, ensuring that policies are applied at line rate without impacting performance.

This category highlights platforms that enable secure multi-tenant environments and protect critical data center assets from internal and external threats.

Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

The Cisco N77-C7702 Nexus 7700 2 Slots Switch Chassis is suitable for a wide range of deployment scenarios, including enterprise data centers, cloud aggregation layers, and service provider networks. Its compact form factor and high-performance capabilities make it an ideal choice for environments that require scalability without excessive physical footprint.

Organizations can deploy this chassis as a core or aggregation switch, leveraging its advanced routing, high-speed connectivity, and redundancy features. The category focuses on modular switching solutions that adapt to diverse operational requirements and evolving business needs.

Enterprise, Cloud, and Service Provider Applications

In enterprise environments, the Nexus 7702 chassis supports high-density campus and data center interconnects. For cloud providers, it enables scalable multi-tenant architectures with robust isolation and performance guarantees. Service providers benefit from its carrier-grade reliability and support for advanced routing protocols.

This versatility makes the category relevant across multiple industries, from finance and healthcare to telecommunications and large-scale hosting providers.

Scalability and Investment Protection

By supporting modular expansion and software-driven feature enhancements, the Cisco Nexus 7700 Series provides strong investment protection. The two-slot chassis allows organizations to start with a smaller deployment and scale as requirements grow, without the need for a complete infrastructure overhaul.

This category emphasizes long-term value, flexibility, and alignment with future networking trends, making the Cisco N77-C7702 a strategic component of modern network architectures.