Cisco Nexus 9500 N9K-X97160YC-EX Expansion Module 48 Ports QSFP+

Main Specifications

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: N9K-X97160YC-EX
• Product Type: High-Performance Expansion Module

Interface and Connectivity 

• Supports 48 x 10 GbE/25 GbE ports via SFP+
• Includes 4 x 40 GbE/100 GbE QSFP+ interfaces for ultra-fast data transfer
• Fully wired connectivity ensures robust network performance

Advanced Networking Features

• Non-blocking ports for optimized traffic management
• Support for Virtual Extensible LAN (VXLAN), enabling scalable, flexible networks
• Large system buffer capacity of 40 MB to prevent congestion

Comprehensive Protocol and Data Link Support

• Data link protocols: Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, 25 Gigabit Ethernet
• High compatibility with a wide range of wired Ethernet technologies

Network Capacity and Scalability

• MAC Address Capacity: Up to 64,000 entries
• Multicast Routes: 32,000
• VLANs Supported: 4,096 virtual interfaces
• VRF Instances: Up to 1,000 for virtual routing and forwarding
• ECMP Paths: 64 available paths for enhanced redundancy
• Port Channels: Max 512 for aggregated bandwidth
• HSRP Groups: Supports 490 groups for high availability
• MSTP Instances: Up to 64 multiple spanning tree protocol instances

Exceptional Performance Metrics

• A massive throughput capacity of 1.6 Tbps ensures smooth, high-speed networking
• Processing performance: 5.11 billion packets per second (Bpps)
• 48 ports for 25 Gigabit SFP28 connectivity
• 4 ports supporting 100 Gigabit QSFP28 for maximum data transfer speeds

Optimized for Data Centers and Large Enterprises

• Engineered for modern data centers with demanding networking requirements
• Highly scalable, flexible, and designed for future-proof network expansion

Ports

The Cisco N9K-X97160YC-EX Expansion Module is equipped with 48 ports, making it an excellent choice for businesses and organizations that require a high number of connections. These ports provide users with the ability to connect multiple devices, such as servers, switches, and storage devices, to the network.

Increased Connectivity

With 48 ports, users can connect a large number of devices to the network simultaneously. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that have a high demand for data transfer and require a large number of connections. The increased connectivity allows for efficient data exchange between devices and ensures smooth operation of the network.

Additionally, the high number of ports reduces the need for additional expansion modules or switches, resulting in cost savings for businesses. It eliminates the hassle of managing multiple devices and simplifies network infrastructure.

Flexibility in Network Design

The 48 ports offered by the Cisco N9K-X97160YC-EX Expansion Module provide users with flexibility in designing their network. They can easily create a network layout that suits their specific requirements without worrying about limited port availability.

For example, businesses can allocate ports based on the type of devices connected or their location within the network. This allows for efficient organization and management of devices, leading to improved network performance.

Scalability

The Cisco N9K-X97160YC-EX Expansion Module's 48 ports offer scalability to accommodate future growth. As businesses expand and add more devices to their network, having a larger number of ports ensures there is no need for immediate hardware upgrades or additional investments.

With 48 ports available, businesses can easily connect new devices without disrupting existing connections. This scalability promotes seamless growth and future-proofs the network infrastructure, saving businesses time and money in the long run.

Redundancy and High Availability

The 48 ports also enable users to implement redundancy and high availability in their network design. By connecting devices through multiple ports, businesses can ensure that if one port fails, the device can still remain connected through an alternate path.

This redundancy feature enhances network reliability and minimizes downtime. In critical environments where uninterrupted connectivity is crucial, such as data centers or financial institutions, the availability of 48 ports becomes essential.

Simplified Network Management

The large number of ports on the Cisco N9K-X97160YC-EX Expansion Module simplifies network management. Users can easily monitor and control the connected devices, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and optimizing network performance.

Furthermore, with a reduced number of devices required to accommodate a large number of connections, network administrators can streamline their tasks and reduce complexity. This simplification leads to improved productivity and allows administrators to focus on other important aspects of network management.

Port Type

The Cisco N9K-X97160YC-EX Expansion Module features QSFP+ (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable Plus) ports. These ports offer numerous benefits and play a significant role in enhancing network performance and flexibility.

High Bandwidth

QSFP+ ports provide high-speed data transfer, allowing for faster communication between devices. This high bandwidth is particularly beneficial for applications that require large amounts of data to be transmitted quickly, such as video streaming or data backup.

The Cisco N9K-X97160YC-EX Expansion Module's QSFP+ ports support data transfer rates of up to 40 Gigabits per second (Gbps), ensuring that data-intensive tasks can be performed efficiently without bottlenecks.

Flexibility in Connectivity

One of the key advantages of QSFP+ ports is their ability to support various network protocols and cable types. This flexibility allows users to connect different devices using the same port type, eliminating the need for multiple interface modules or adapters.

Whether connecting servers, switches, or storage devices, users can rely on the QSFP+ ports to provide a seamless connection. This versatility simplifies network management and reduces the complexity of maintaining different types of ports.

Long Reach

The QSFP+ ports on the Cisco N9K-X97160YC-EX Expansion Module are capable of supporting long-reach connectivity. This means that devices can be connected over longer distances, making it suitable for setups where devices are spread across large areas.

For example, in industrial environments or sprawling office spaces, the ability to connect devices over long distances without compromising performance is crucial. The QSFP+ ports ensure reliable and efficient communication even in such challenging network layouts.

Future-Proofing

By utilizing QSFP+ ports, users can future-proof their network infrastructure. These ports support higher data transfer rates and offer compatibility with emerging technologies, ensuring that the network can keep up with evolving demands.

As technology progresses and data requirements increase, having QSFP+ ports allows for easy integration of new devices and technologies. This adaptability saves businesses from costly upgrades or replacements in the future.

Cost Savings

The use of QSFP+ ports also results in cost savings for businesses. As these ports can support multiple connections and are compatible with various cable types, there is no need for additional equipment or specialized adapters.

With fewer components required, businesses can reduce their hardware costs and simplify their network infrastructure. The cost savings extend not only to the initial setup but also to ongoing maintenance and upgrades.

In conclusion, the Cisco N9K-X97160YC-EX Expansion Module's 48 ports and QSFP+ ports offer significant benefits to users. The high number of ports ensures increased connectivity, flexibility in network design, scalability, redundancy, and simplified network management. On the other hand, the QSFP+ ports provide high bandwidth, flexibility in connectivity, long-reach capability, future-proofing, and cost savings. These features make the Cisco N9K-X97160YC-EX Expansion Module a reliable and efficient choice for businesses and organizations seeking a robust network solution.