N9K-C9516-B2 Cisco Nexus 9516 Switch Chassis

Cisco N9K-C9516-B2 Nexus 9516 Switch Chassis

The Cisco N9K-C9516-B2 Nexus 9516 Switch Chassis is a high-performance Layer 3 managed switch designed for large-scale data centers and enterprise networks. Built with advanced hardware and software capabilities, this chassis provides unmatched reliability, scalability, and flexibility for mission-critical applications.

Key Specifications and Features

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: N9K-C9516-B2
• Device Type: Layer 3 managed switch
• Enclosure Type: Rack-mountable, occupying 20U
• VLAN Support: Up to 4096 virtual interfaces (VLANs)
• High Availability: Redundant power supplies and fans for continuous uptime
• Performance: Supports high-speed data transfer with minimal latency

Layer 3 Routing and Switching

• Supports static routing, OSPF, BGP, and EIGRP protocols
• Optimized for large-scale VLAN deployments
• Advanced multicast routing for real-time applications

VLAN and Network Segmentation

• Supports up to 4096 VLANs for maximum network flexibility
• Segmentation ensures enhanced security and traffic control
• Facilitates multi-tenant and virtualized network environments

High-Density Design

• Supports multiple expansion modules for flexible port configurations
• Efficient airflow design for optimal cooling performance
• Durable chassis built for 24/7 operational uptime

Power and Cooling Redundancy

• Redundant power supply units for uninterrupted operations
• Hot-swappable fan trays for continuous cooling
• Energy-efficient design reduces operational costs

Modular Architecture

• Flexible module slots for Layer 2 and Layer 3 line cards
• Easy upgrades without downtime
• Supports next-generation networking technologies

High Port Density

• Accommodates a large number of network connections
• Optimized for high-throughput environments
• Reduces the need for additional switches and infrastructure

Security Features

• Supports access control lists (ACLs) for traffic filtering
• Enhanced authentication with role-based access
• Secure management protocols like SSH and SNMPv3

Network Management Tools

• Comprehensive Cisco NX-OS management platform
• Real-time monitoring and analytics
• Automated configuration and fault detection

Enterprise Networks

• Supports multiple VLANs and extensive routing capabilities
• Ensures seamless connectivity for critical business applications
• Provides long-term network growth potential

Data Centers

• High port density for aggregation and core switching layers
• Redundant power and cooling for 24/7 uptime
• Optimized for virtualization and cloud networking

Cisco N9K-C9516-B2 Nexus 9516 Switch Chassis

The Cisco N9K-C9516-B2 Nexus 9516 Switch Chassis represents a pinnacle of high-performance networking, designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern data centers. This chassis provides scalable, resilient, and highly flexible solutions for enterprises seeking advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities. Built by Cisco, a recognized leader in networking solutions, the Nexus 9516 Switch Chassis integrates cutting-edge technology with robust hardware design to ensure uninterrupted data flow and network efficiency.

High-Capacity Data Center Architecture

The Nexus 9516 is engineered to support massive data throughput and provides a modular architecture that allows organizations to scale seamlessly. With support for up to sixteen line cards, the N9K-C9516-B2 ensures the network can expand as business demands grow. Its chassis-based design separates switching and fabric modules, optimizing network efficiency and maintaining low latency even under heavy traffic conditions. The architecture is optimized for cloud-scale applications, making it suitable for environments requiring both high availability and superior performance.

Advanced Switching Capabilities

The N9K-C9516-B2 supports advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching functions. With features like VXLAN, VPC, and Ethernet Fabric technologies, it facilitates efficient network virtualization and segmentation. Organizations can implement multi-tenancy and automated provisioning, which is crucial for large-scale data centers. These capabilities allow the Nexus 9516 to handle high-density workloads, ensuring that network traffic is managed intelligently and efficiently.

VXLAN and FabricPath Integration

One of the core strengths of the N9K-C9516-B2 lies in its VXLAN and FabricPath support. VXLAN allows the creation of scalable virtual networks over physical infrastructure, enabling seamless connectivity across multiple data centers. FabricPath technology enhances Layer 2 scalability and resiliency, providing loop-free topologies and optimal path utilization. Together, these features ensure that data center networks maintain high performance, low latency, and redundancy, meeting the needs of modern enterprise and cloud environments.

Seamless Virtualization Support

The Nexus 9516 Switch Chassis integrates deeply with virtualization platforms, supporting automated VM mobility, network overlays, and dynamic provisioning. This integration reduces operational complexity and enhances agility by automating the deployment of network services. Virtualized workloads can migrate without disruption, and administrators can centrally manage policies across the data center fabric. The switch chassis is ideal for organizations seeking a fully automated, software-defined networking (SDN) environment.

High Availability and Redundancy

The N9K-C9516-B2 provides comprehensive high-availability features, ensuring uninterrupted operation in mission-critical environments. Redundant supervisor modules, fabric modules, and power supplies prevent single points of failure. Hot-swappable components allow maintenance and upgrades without impacting network performance. These capabilities are essential for organizations that require 24/7 uptime and robust disaster recovery planning, offering peace of mind in both enterprise and cloud deployments.

Resilient Power

The chassis includes multiple redundant power supply units and advanced cooling mechanisms. This design maintains optimal operating temperatures even under full load and extended operational periods. Efficient power utilization combined with dynamic fan modules reduces energy costs while ensuring consistent performance. The Cisco Nexus 9516 chassis meets strict energy efficiency standards, making it both a high-performance and environmentally conscious networking solution.

Operational Efficiency and Manageability

Cisco Nexus 9516 simplifies network management with its integrated NX-OS software, providing centralized configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting capabilities. Automation features such as policy-driven workflows and template-based provisioning minimize manual errors and streamline operations. Network administrators can manage large-scale deployments with minimal effort while maintaining consistent performance and security across all connected devices.

Scalability for Growing Data Centers

The modular chassis design of the N9K-C9516-B2 supports a wide range of line cards and interface modules, allowing organizations to scale port density and bandwidth as required. It supports both 10/25/40/100 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces, offering flexibility for evolving networking needs. The ability to mix and match line cards provides an efficient growth path, enabling organizations to invest in infrastructure incrementally without sacrificing performance or reliability.

Future-Ready Networking Solutions

Investing in the Cisco Nexus 9516 chassis ensures long-term compatibility with evolving networking standards. The system supports advanced features such as EVPN, segment routing, and telemetry, which are critical for next-generation data center deployments. Organizations can adopt new technologies without a complete overhaul, ensuring their infrastructure remains agile and future-proof. The chassis also integrates seamlessly with Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI), providing a unified fabric for automation and policy-based networking.

Enhanced Security and Compliance

The N9K-C9516-B2 includes robust security features, ensuring data protection and regulatory compliance. Integrated access control, secure management protocols, and segmentation capabilities allow administrators to enforce consistent security policies across the network. This is especially important for enterprises handling sensitive data or operating in regulated industries, as the switch chassis provides both physical and logical security layers to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.

Advanced Telemetry and Analytics

With integrated telemetry and analytics features, the Nexus 9516 provides real-time visibility into network performance and health. Administrators can monitor traffic flows, detect anomalies, and proactively address potential issues before they impact operations. The platform supports streaming telemetry, providing continuous and granular data that enhances predictive maintenance, capacity planning, and overall network optimization. These capabilities contribute to operational excellence and ensure that network performance meets organizational expectations.

Integration with Cloud and Hybrid Environments

The Cisco Nexus 9516 chassis is designed to integrate seamlessly with cloud and hybrid networking environments. It supports multi-cloud connectivity, enabling secure and high-performance links between on-premises data centers and public cloud providers. Advanced routing and overlay technologies facilitate smooth migration of workloads while maintaining network consistency. Enterprises can adopt a hybrid cloud strategy with confidence, leveraging the Nexus 9516’s flexibility, scalability, and reliability to meet diverse business requirements.

Comprehensive

Cisco provides end-to-end support for the N9K-C9516-B2 chassis, including proactive monitoring, software updates, and extended hardware warranties. The lifecycle management features ensure that organizations can maximize their investment, reduce downtime, and maintain optimal performance over the switch chassis’s operational lifetime. Automated upgrade paths, backup configurations, and predictive maintenance tools further enhance the manageability of this high-end networking platform.