N7K-F248XP-25E Cisco Layer 3 Ethernet Switch - 48 Ports

Cisco 48-Port Layer 3 Ethernet Switch Module 

The is a high-performance Layer 3 Ethernet switch module built for the. Designed to support enterprise data centers, cloud infrastructures, and virtualized networking environments, this module delivers exceptional throughput, low latency, and reliable connectivity. Equipped with 48 high-speed 1/10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP/SFP+ ports, it provides the scalability and performance required for mission-critical network deployments.

Manufacturer Information

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Prat Number: N7K-F248XP-25E
• Product Category: Layer 3 Ethernet Switch Module

Technical Specifications

• 48 x 1/10 Gigabit Ethernet ports
• SFP and SFP+ transceiver compatibility
• Fiber optic connectivity
• Switching throughput up to 480 Gbps
• 80 Gbps full-duplex fabric bandwidth per slot
• Optimized low-latency packet processing
• Efficient traffic forwarding for enterprise workloads

Supported Forwarding Modes

• Cut-through forwarding
• Store-and-forward switching

Integrated Security Features

• Access Control Lists (ACLs)
• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
• Secure enterprise network management
• Enhanced traffic filtering and policy enforcement

Energy Efficiency

• Approximate power consumption: 400 Watts (varies based on installed optics)
• Optimized front-to-back airflow cooling design
• Integrated thermal management for reliable operation

Dimensions and Weight

• Height: 1.72 inches
• Depth: 15.3 inches
• Width: 20.0 inches
• Weight: Approximately 5.9 kg

Cisco N7K-F248XP-25E Layer 3 Ethernet Switch Overview

The Cisco N7K-F248XP-25E Layer 3 Ethernet Switch with 48 ports represents a cornerstone in enterprise networking, designed to deliver high-performance connectivity, scalability, and advanced Layer 3 routing capabilities. This switch is part of the Nexus 7000 series, engineered to meet the demanding requirements of modern data centers and enterprise infrastructures. With its 48-port configuration, it provides extensive flexibility for organizations that require robust traffic management, seamless integration, and reliable throughput across diverse workloads.

Architecture and Design of Cisco N7K-F248XP-25E

The architecture of the Cisco N7K-F248XP-25E is built around modular scalability, ensuring that enterprises can expand their network capacity without compromising performance. Each of the 48 ports is optimized for high-speed Ethernet connectivity, supporting both copper and fiber interfaces depending on deployment needs. The switch leverages Cisco’s NX-OS operating system, which provides a resilient and secure foundation for Layer 2 and Layer 3 operations. Its design emphasizes redundancy, fault tolerance, and simplified management, making it suitable for mission-critical environments.

Port Density and Connectivity

With 48 ports available, the Cisco N7K-F248XP-25E offers unmatched port density for aggregation and distribution layers. This density allows enterprises to connect multiple servers, storage devices, and other networking equipment without requiring additional hardware. The ports are engineered to support high-bandwidth applications, ensuring that workloads such as virtualization, cloud computing, and big data analytics can operate seamlessly. The switch also supports advanced port-channeling techniques, enabling efficient load balancing and redundancy across multiple links.

Layer 3 Routing Capabilities

One of the defining features of the Cisco N7K-F248XP-25E is its Layer 3 routing functionality. This capability allows the switch to perform routing between different subnets, VLANs, and network segments, reducing the need for external routers in many scenarios. The routing engine is optimized for high-speed packet forwarding, supporting protocols such as OSPF, BGP, and EIGRP. This makes the switch ideal for large-scale enterprise networks where dynamic routing and traffic optimization are essential.

Performance and Scalability 

Performance is at the heart of the Cisco N7K-F248XP-25E. The switch is designed to handle massive amounts of traffic with minimal latency, ensuring that applications and services remain responsive even under heavy loads. Its scalability is achieved through modular line cards and fabric modules, allowing organizations to expand capacity as their networking demands grow. The switch supports high throughput across all 48 ports, making it suitable for environments where bandwidth-intensive applications are common.

High Availability Features

High availability is a critical requirement in enterprise networking, and the Cisco N7K-F248XP-25E delivers through redundant power supplies, hot-swappable components, and advanced failover mechanisms. The switch is engineered to minimize downtime, ensuring that network services remain available even during hardware failures or maintenance activities. Cisco’s Virtual Port Channel (vPC) technology further enhances availability by allowing dual-homed connections without creating loops, providing seamless redundancy and load balancing.

Scalable Fabric Architecture

The scalable fabric architecture of the Cisco N7K-F248XP-25E enables enterprises to build networks that can grow with their needs. The switch integrates seamlessly into Cisco’s Nexus 7000 fabric, supporting both horizontal and vertical scaling. This architecture ensures that organizations can add new modules, ports, and features without disrupting existing operations. The fabric design also supports advanced traffic engineering, allowing administrators to optimize network flows for efficiency and performance.

Integrated Security Features

The integrated security features of the Cisco N7K-F248XP-25E include advanced packet filtering, intrusion detection, and secure boot mechanisms. These features protect the network from external threats while ensuring that only authorized devices and users can access critical resources. The switch also supports encryption protocols for secure data transmission, making it suitable for environments where sensitive information is exchanged regularly.

Reliability in Mission-Critical Environments

Reliability is a hallmark of the Cisco N7K-F248XP-25E. Its hardware components are designed for durability, with rigorous testing to ensure consistent performance under demanding conditions. The switch’s ability to maintain uptime during hardware failures or software updates makes it indispensable in mission-critical environments such as financial institutions, healthcare facilities, and government agencies. Its reliability ensures that enterprises can depend on their network infrastructure without interruption.

Management and Operational Efficiency

Managing a large-scale network can be complex, but the Cisco N7K-F248XP-25E simplifies operations through intuitive management tools and automation capabilities. Cisco’s NX-OS operating system provides a user-friendly interface for configuring and monitoring the switch. Administrators can leverage automation scripts, APIs, and orchestration tools to streamline repetitive tasks, reducing the risk of human error and improving overall efficiency.

NX-OS Operating System

The NX-OS operating system is central to the management capabilities of the Cisco N7K-F248XP-25E. It offers a modular design, allowing administrators to enable or disable features as needed. The operating system supports advanced monitoring tools, logging, and diagnostics, providing deep visibility into network performance. Its intuitive command-line interface and graphical management options make it accessible to both experienced and novice administrators.

Automation and Orchestration

Automation is increasingly important in modern networking, and the Cisco N7K-F248XP-25E supports a wide range of automation tools. Administrators can use Python scripts, REST APIs, and Cisco’s Data Center Network Manager (DCNM) to automate configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting tasks. Orchestration tools allow for seamless integration with cloud platforms and virtualization environments, ensuring that the switch can adapt to dynamic workloads and evolving business needs.

Use Cases and Applications

The Cisco N7K-F248XP-25E is versatile, supporting a wide range of use cases across different industries. Its high port density, Layer 3 routing capabilities, and scalability make it suitable for data centers, enterprise campuses, and service provider networks. Organizations can deploy the switch to support virtualization, cloud computing, big data analytics, and other bandwidth-intensive applications. Its reliability and security features also make it ideal for environments where uptime and data protection are critical.

Data Center Deployments

In data centers, the Cisco N7K-F248XP-25E serves as a core or aggregation switch, connecting servers, storage systems, and other networking devices. Its high throughput and low latency ensure that applications such as virtualization and cloud services operate efficiently. The switch’s scalability allows data centers to expand capacity as demand grows, making it a future-proof investment for organizations with evolving needs.

Enterprise Campus Networks

For enterprise campus networks, the Cisco N7K-F248XP-25E provides reliable connectivity across multiple buildings and departments. Its Layer 3 routing capabilities enable efficient traffic management, ensuring that users experience consistent performance regardless of location. The switch’s security features protect sensitive data, while its high availability ensures that critical services remain accessible at all times.

Service Provider Networks

Service providers can leverage the Cisco N7K-F248XP-25E to deliver high-performance connectivity to customers. Its scalability and reliability make it suitable for supporting large-scale deployments, while its advanced routing capabilities ensure efficient traffic management. The switch’s security features protect customer data, making it a trusted solution for service providers that prioritize both performance and protection.