N77-C7702 Cisco Nexus 7700 2 Slots Chassis

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

The Cisco N77-C7702 is a high-performance switch chassis designed to deliver exceptional reliability and scalability for enterprise and data center networks. Ideal for demanding networking environments, this chassis provides advanced features to optimize system performance and flexibility.

Manufacturer Details & Product Identification

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number / SKU: N77-C7702
• Product Type: Switch
• Sub-Type: Chassis

Technical Specifications

• Module Slots: 2x Module Slots including 1x F3 Series I/O Module Slot and 1x Supervisor Module Slot (Modules sold separately)
• Switch Version: Cisco NX-OS
• Airflow: Front-to-Back Airflow for optimized cooling
• Fan Modules: Includes Fan Tray for efficient heat dissipation
• Power Supply Slots: 2x Slots (Supports 3-kW AC/DC and 3.5-kW HV AC/DC; Power supplies not included)
• Switching Capacity: 1.2 Tbps for high-speed network performance

Scalability and Flexibility

The N77-C7702 chassis is engineered to support modular expansion, allowing network administrators to upgrade components as network demands grow. Its dual-module slot design provides both performance and redundancy options.

Cooling and Power Efficiency

• Front-to-back airflow ensures efficient cooling throughout the system.
• Fan tray included for optimal temperature management under heavy workloads.
• Supports versatile power supply configurations to meet energy efficiency and redundancy requirements.

High-Performance Switching

With a total switching capacity of 1.2 Tbps, the Cisco N77-C7702 ensures fast, reliable data transmission across large-scale networks. This performance level is ideal for mission-critical applications and enterprise-grade infrastructures.

Enterprise-Class Modular Switching Architecture for High-Density Data Centers

The Cisco N77-C7702 Nexus 7700 2 Slots Switch Chassis belongs to a category of high-performance modular data center switches engineered to support modern enterprise, cloud, and service provider networks. This category focuses on compact yet powerful chassis-based switching platforms that deliver the architectural advantages of the Cisco Nexus 7700 Series while optimizing for space efficiency, scalability, and operational resilience. Designed to meet the evolving demands of high-throughput data centers, these switches provide a foundation for advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking, large-scale virtualization, and application-centric infrastructures.

Within this category, the emphasis is placed on delivering modular flexibility through interchangeable line cards, fabric modules, and supervisor engines, enabling organizations to tailor the switch to precise workload requirements. The Cisco N77-C7702 chassis exemplifies how a two-slot design can still provide enterprise-grade performance, making it suitable for aggregation, core, or specialized roles in environments where rack space and power efficiency are critical considerations.

Compact Chassis Design with Enterprise Scalability

The two-slot chassis configuration defines a subcategory of modular switches that balance compact physical dimensions with the ability to scale network capacity over time. Unlike fixed-configuration switches, this category allows IT teams to deploy an initial configuration and expand capabilities as business needs evolve. The Cisco N77-C7702 chassis supports a modular approach that reduces long-term infrastructure costs by enabling incremental upgrades rather than complete hardware replacement.

This category is particularly relevant for organizations transitioning from traditional three-tier architectures to more streamlined data center designs. By supporting high-density line cards and advanced fabric modules, the chassis can accommodate increasing traffic volumes driven by virtualization, cloud adoption, and east-west data flows. The result is a scalable networking platform that adapts to growth without compromising performance or reliability.

Optimized for Data Center Core and Aggregation Roles

Switch chassis in this category are engineered to operate reliably at the core or aggregation layers of the data center network. The Cisco N77-C7702 is designed to handle large routing tables, high port densities, and extensive VLAN and VRF segmentation. This makes the category suitable for enterprises that require deterministic performance for mission-critical applications while maintaining the flexibility to support diverse workloads.

The ability to function as a core or aggregation switch also highlights the importance of high availability features inherent to this category. Redundant components, hot-swappable modules, and advanced monitoring capabilities ensure continuous operation even during maintenance or unexpected hardware events. These characteristics are essential for minimizing downtime in environments where network availability directly impacts revenue and productivity.

High-Performance Switching Fabric and Throughput Capabilities

The Cisco N77-C7702 Nexus 7700 2 Slots Switch Chassis category emphasizes performance as a foundational attribute. High-capacity switching fabrics are central to this design, enabling the chassis to deliver non-blocking throughput across all supported interfaces. This performance orientation ensures that applications experience consistent latency and bandwidth, even during peak traffic periods.

As data center traffic patterns increasingly shift toward east-west communication, the importance of internal fabric bandwidth becomes more pronounced. The switches in this category are designed to support large-scale server-to-server communication, virtualization clusters, and distributed storage systems without bottlenecks. This makes them well-suited for modern workloads such as big data analytics, high-performance computing, and real-time application delivery.

Support for High-Speed Ethernet Technologies

A defining characteristic of this category is compatibility with high-speed Ethernet standards that enable organizations to future-proof their networks. The Cisco N77-C7702 chassis supports line cards capable of delivering high-speed connectivity, allowing data centers to transition smoothly from legacy speeds to next-generation interfaces. This adaptability ensures that the network infrastructure can keep pace with server, storage, and application advancements.

By supporting multiple interface types within a single chassis, the category enables mixed-speed deployments that accommodate gradual migration strategies. This flexibility reduces the need for disruptive network overhauls and allows IT teams to align upgrades with budget cycles and operational priorities.

Low-Latency Design for Application-Centric Environments

Low latency is a critical requirement for many modern applications, particularly those involving real-time analytics, financial transactions, or latency-sensitive workloads. The Cisco Nexus 7700 category is engineered to minimize packet processing delays through efficient hardware forwarding and optimized internal architectures. The Cisco N77-C7702 chassis inherits these design principles, making it suitable for environments where predictable performance is essential.

This low-latency focus aligns with application-centric infrastructure models that prioritize user experience and application responsiveness. By reducing network-induced delays, the category helps organizations achieve consistent application performance across distributed data center resources.

Advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 Networking Capabilities

The category encompassing the Cisco N77-C7702 chassis is distinguished by comprehensive support for advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 features. These capabilities enable organizations to design complex, scalable network topologies that support multi-tenant environments, virtualization, and hybrid cloud connectivity. The ability to handle large numbers of VLANs, MAC addresses, and routing entries is essential for modern enterprise networks.

Layer 3 routing performance is particularly significant in this category, as it allows the chassis to function as a central routing hub within the data center. Support for dynamic routing protocols and advanced traffic engineering features ensures efficient path selection and optimal resource utilization across the network.

Scalable Segmentation and Multi-Tenancy Support

Network segmentation is a core requirement for security, compliance, and operational efficiency. Switches in this category support extensive segmentation through VLANs, VRFs, and policy-based controls. The Cisco N77-C7702 chassis enables organizations to isolate traffic between different applications, departments, or tenants while maintaining centralized management and visibility.

This segmentation capability is particularly valuable in cloud and service provider environments where multiple customers or business units share the same physical infrastructure. By supporting large-scale segmentation, the category helps ensure secure and predictable network behavior in complex deployments.

Integration with Software-Defined Networking and Automation

The Cisco Nexus 7700 category is designed to integrate seamlessly with software-defined networking and automation frameworks. The Cisco N77-C7702 chassis supports programmability and open APIs that enable network teams to automate configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting tasks. This reduces operational complexity and accelerates service delivery.

Automation capabilities are increasingly important as networks grow in scale and complexity. By enabling centralized control and policy-driven management, the category helps organizations achieve greater agility and consistency across their data center environments.

Resiliency, Redundancy, and High Availability Design

High availability is a defining attribute of the Cisco N77-C7702 Nexus 7700 2 Slots Switch Chassis category. These switches are engineered to provide continuous operation through redundant components and fault-tolerant designs. This focus on resiliency ensures that critical applications remain accessible even in the face of hardware failures or maintenance activities.

The modular nature of the chassis allows for hot-swappable components, enabling replacements or upgrades without interrupting network traffic. This capability is essential for enterprises that require uninterrupted service delivery and cannot afford extended downtime.

Redundant Power, Cooling, and Control Planes

Switches in this category support redundant power supplies and cooling systems to protect against component failures. The Cisco N77-C7702 chassis is designed to maintain stable operation under varying load conditions, ensuring consistent performance and reliability. Redundant control planes further enhance resilience by preventing single points of failure within the system.

This redundancy extends beyond hardware to include software features that support graceful failover and rapid recovery. The result is a network platform that can withstand disruptions while maintaining service continuity.

Operational Stability for Mission-Critical Environments

Mission-critical environments demand predictable and stable network behavior. The Cisco Nexus 7700 category addresses this requirement through rigorous testing, robust design, and enterprise-grade software. The Cisco N77-C7702 chassis is suitable for industries such as finance, healthcare, and telecommunications where network reliability is paramount.

By combining hardware redundancy with advanced monitoring and diagnostics, the category enables proactive maintenance and rapid issue resolution. This operational stability reduces the risk of unplanned outages and supports long-term network reliability.

Energy Efficiency and Space Optimization

Energy efficiency and space utilization are increasingly important considerations in modern data centers. The Cisco N77-C7702 Nexus 7700 2 Slots Switch Chassis category addresses these concerns through a compact form factor and efficient power utilization. By delivering high performance within a smaller physical footprint, these switches help organizations optimize rack space and reduce operational costs.

The category is well-suited for data centers that face constraints related to power density and cooling capacity. Efficient design reduces heat output and supports sustainable data center operations without sacrificing performance.

Optimized Cooling and Airflow Design

Effective cooling is essential for maintaining reliable operation in high-density network environments. Switches in this category incorporate optimized airflow designs that ensure consistent cooling across all components. The Cisco N77-C7702 chassis is engineered to support front-to-back or back-to-front airflow configurations, enabling compatibility with a variety of data center layouts.

This flexibility allows organizations to deploy the chassis in existing environments without extensive modifications, reducing deployment complexity and associated costs.

Cost-Efficient Growth and Long-Term Value

The modular design of the Cisco Nexus 7700 category provides long-term value by enabling incremental upgrades. Organizations can add or replace line cards and fabric modules as requirements evolve, extending the lifespan of the chassis. This approach reduces capital expenditure over time and aligns network investments with business growth.

By combining performance, scalability, and efficiency, the Cisco N77-C7702 Nexus 7700 2 Slots Switch Chassis category represents a strategic choice for enterprises seeking a robust and adaptable data center networking foundation.