N7K-F248XT-25E Cisco Nexus 7000 F2-Series 48 Ports Expansion Module

Cisco Nexus 7000 F2-Series Expansion Module

The Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E is a high-performance expansion module engineered for the Nexus 7000 Series switches. It delivers reliable connectivity and advanced networking capabilities, making it ideal for enterprise-grade infrastructures.

Brand Information

• Manufacturer: Cisco 
• Part Number: N7K-F248XT-25E
• Device Category: Plug-in Expansion Module

Technical Specifications

• 48x 10 Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 interfaces
• Optimized for high-speed data transfer
• Compact plug-in module design
• Seamless integration into Nexus 7000 chassis
• Supports throughput up to 10 Gbps
• Engineered for scalable enterprise networks

Software Compatibility

• Minimum requirement: Cisco NX-OS Software Release 6.1.2
• Supports later NX-OS versions for enhanced features

Scalability

• Expands port density with 48 RJ-45 interfaces
• Supports growing enterprise demands

Reliability

• Backed by Cisco’s trusted hardware engineering
• Ensures consistent uptime and performance

Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E Nexus Expansion Module Overview

The Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E Nexus 7000 F2-Series 48 Ports Expansion Module is a high-performance line card designed to extend the capabilities of the Nexus 7000 Series switches. This expansion module delivers advanced scalability, flexibility, and efficiency for modern data centers and enterprise networks. With 48 ports of 1/10 Gigabit Ethernet, it provides the throughput and density required for large-scale deployments while maintaining energy efficiency and operational simplicity. The module is engineered to support mission-critical workloads, virtualization, and cloud-ready infrastructures, making it a cornerstone of next-generation networking.

Design and Architecture of the Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E

The architecture of the Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E Nexus 7000 F2-Series Expansion Module is built to integrate seamlessly into the modular chassis of the Nexus 7000 Series. It leverages a non-blocking fabric design that ensures consistent performance across all ports, even under heavy traffic loads. The module supports wire-rate Layer 2 and Layer 3 forwarding, enabling enterprises to deploy it in core, aggregation, or access layers without compromising on speed or reliability. Its design emphasizes low latency, high bandwidth, and optimized packet processing, which are essential for applications such as big data analytics, cloud computing, and high-frequency trading.

Port Density and Connectivity

With 48 ports, the Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E provides exceptional connectivity options for enterprises that require high-density networking. Each port supports both 1 Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet, offering flexibility for mixed environments where legacy devices coexist with modern high-speed servers. The ports are designed to accommodate SFP+ transceivers, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of optical and copper cabling solutions. This versatility allows organizations to tailor their network infrastructure to specific performance and budgetary requirements while maintaining scalability for future growth.

Energy Efficiency and Cooling

Energy efficiency is a critical consideration in modern data centers, and the Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E addresses this with advanced power management features. The module is engineered to minimize power consumption without sacrificing performance, making it suitable for environmentally conscious organizations. Its cooling design ensures optimal airflow within the Nexus 7000 chassis, reducing the risk of overheating and prolonging the lifespan of the hardware. By balancing performance with energy efficiency, the module helps reduce operational costs while supporting sustainable IT practices.

Performance Capabilities

The Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E Nexus 7000 F2-Series Expansion Module is optimized for high-performance networking. It delivers wire-speed forwarding across all ports, ensuring that traffic flows smoothly even in demanding environments. The module supports advanced features such as multicast routing, quality of service (QoS), and traffic shaping, which are essential for applications that require predictable performance and low latency. Its ability to handle large volumes of data makes it ideal for enterprises that rely on real-time analytics, video streaming, and cloud-based services.

Layer 2 and Layer 3 Features

The expansion module supports a comprehensive set of Layer 2 and Layer 3 features, enabling enterprises to deploy it in diverse networking scenarios. At Layer 2, it provides support for VLANs, spanning tree protocols, and link aggregation, ensuring robust connectivity and redundancy. At Layer 3, it supports routing protocols such as OSPF, BGP, and EIGRP, allowing organizations to build scalable and resilient networks. These features make the module suitable for both enterprise and service provider environments, where flexibility and reliability are paramount.

Virtualization and Cloud Readiness

Virtualization and cloud computing are integral to modern IT strategies, and the Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E is designed to support these paradigms. The module enables virtual device contexts (VDCs), allowing multiple logical switches to operate within a single physical chassis. This capability enhances resource utilization and simplifies management, making it easier to deploy multi-tenant environments. Its support for cloud-ready features ensures seamless integration with hybrid and private cloud infrastructures, enabling enterprises to scale their operations efficiently.

Deployment Scenarios

The Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E Nexus 7000 F2-Series Expansion Module can be deployed in a variety of scenarios, ranging from enterprise data centers to service provider networks. Its versatility allows it to function as a core, aggregation, or access layer device, depending on the requirements of the organization. In data centers, it provides the high-density connectivity needed to support thousands of virtual machines and applications. In service provider environments, it delivers the scalability and reliability required to support millions of subscribers.

Enterprise Data Centers

In enterprise data centers, the Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E plays a critical role in supporting virtualization, cloud computing, and big data analytics. Its high port density and wire-speed forwarding capabilities ensure that applications run smoothly, even under heavy workloads. The module’s support for advanced QoS features allows enterprises to prioritize critical applications, ensuring consistent performance. By integrating seamlessly into the Nexus 7000 chassis, it provides a scalable and flexible solution for growing data center environments.

Service Provider Networks

Service providers require networking solutions that can scale to meet the demands of millions of subscribers, and the Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E delivers on this requirement. Its support for advanced routing protocols and multicast features makes it suitable for delivering IPTV, VoIP, and other high-bandwidth services. The module’s reliability and performance ensure that service providers can meet stringent service level agreements (SLAs) while minimizing downtime. Its energy-efficient design also helps reduce operational costs, making it a cost-effective solution for large-scale deployments.

Security Features

Security is a top priority in modern networking, and the Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E includes a range of features to protect data and infrastructure. It supports access control lists (ACLs), port security, and role-based access control (RBAC), ensuring that only authorized users and devices can access the network. The module also supports advanced security protocols such as IPsec and SSL, providing encryption for sensitive data. These features help organizations safeguard their networks against threats while maintaining compliance with industry regulations.

Access Control and Authentication

Access control is critical for preventing unauthorized access to network resources, and the Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E provides robust mechanisms for enforcing security policies. It supports 802.1X authentication, allowing enterprises to verify the identity of devices before granting access. Role-based access control ensures that users have the appropriate level of access based on their responsibilities, reducing the risk of insider threats. These features provide a layered approach to security, enhancing the overall resilience of the network.

Data Encryption and Privacy

Protecting sensitive data is essential in today’s digital landscape, and the Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E supports encryption protocols that safeguard information as it traverses the network. By supporting IPsec and SSL, the module ensures that data remains confidential and secure, even when transmitted over public networks. These encryption capabilities are particularly important for organizations that handle financial transactions, healthcare records, or other sensitive information. By integrating security into the network infrastructure, the module helps organizations maintain trust and compliance.

Automation and Orchestration

Automation is a key trend in modern networking, and the Cisco N7K-F248XT-25E supports features that enable automated provisioning and orchestration. By leveraging APIs and scripting tools, administrators can automate repetitive tasks, reducing the risk of human error and improving efficiency. The module’s support for orchestration platforms ensures seamless integration with cloud and virtualization environments, enabling enterprises to deploy and scale services quickly. These capabilities make the module a valuable asset for organizations that prioritize agility and innovation.