N77-C7710-FAB-2 Cisco Nexus 7700 10 Slot 220GBPS Switch Fabric Module

Cisco N77-C7710-FAB-2 Nexus 7700 10 Slot 220GBPS Switch Fabric Module Overview

The Cisco N77-C7710-FAB-2 is a high-performance switch fabric module designed for the Nexus 7700 series, offering robust connectivity and scalable network infrastructure for enterprise environments.

Key Product Features

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model Number: N77-C7710-FAB-2
• Category: Switch
• Subtype: Fabric Module
• Highly manageable for seamless network integration
• Optimized for high-speed data transfer at 220 Gbps per slot

Technical Specifications

Network & Communication

• Form Factor: Plug-in module
• Manageable: Yes
• Subcategory: Network hubs and switches

Environmental Tolerances

• Maximum Operating Temperature: 104°F
• Minimum Operating Temperature: 32°F
• Maximum Storage Temperature: 158°F
• Minimum Storage Temperature: -40°F

Performance & Capacity

• Throughput: 220 Gbps per fabric slot
• Designed for high-speed, reliable network operations

Dimensions & Weight

• Height: 18.1 inches
• Width: 2 inches
• Depth: 9.2 inches
• Weight: 11 lbs

Cisco N77-C7710-FAB-2 Nexus 7700 Switch Fabric Module

The Cisco N77-C7710-FAB-2 Nexus 7700 Switch Fabric Module is a high-performance, 10-slot fabric solution designed to deliver unmatched throughput and scalability for modern data center networks. Built to support mission-critical enterprise, cloud, and service provider environments, this module ensures that your Nexus 7700 Series chassis can achieve optimal bandwidth performance and low-latency switching. Its architecture is optimized for high-speed interconnects, providing a robust backbone for large-scale networking applications.

Key Features and Benefits of the N77-C7710-FAB-2

The N77-C7710-FAB-2 switch fabric module integrates several advanced features that set it apart in the data center switch landscape. Among its key benefits are:

High-Capacity Switching

With a total throughput of 220 Gbps per slot, the N77-C7710-FAB-2 enables seamless data transfer across all line cards in the Nexus 7700 chassis. This high-capacity fabric ensures that even the most demanding applications, such as high-frequency trading, large-scale virtualization, and big data analytics, can operate without bottlenecks. The module's architecture supports non-blocking switching, which allows data packets to flow through the network without interruption or delay.

Scalability and Flexibility

The module is designed to grow with your data center needs. By supporting a 10-slot Nexus 7700 chassis, the N77-C7710-FAB-2 allows administrators to add or upgrade line cards with minimal disruption. This scalability ensures that businesses can accommodate increased traffic loads, new application deployments, and evolving network architectures without a complete hardware overhaul. Additionally, the module is backward-compatible with earlier Nexus 7700 line cards, making upgrades smooth and cost-effective.

Advanced Redundancy and Reliability

Reliability is paramount in enterprise networks, and the N77-C7710-FAB-2 excels in this regard. It features dual fabric redundancy, allowing continuous network operation even if one fabric module fails. This redundancy minimizes downtime and provides peace of mind for network engineers managing critical workloads. The module also includes enhanced error detection and correction mechanisms, reducing the likelihood of packet loss and maintaining data integrity across the network.

Technical Specifications of the Cisco N77-C7710-FAB-2

Understanding the technical capabilities of the N77-C7710-FAB-2 is essential for network architects and IT professionals planning data center infrastructure. Key specifications include:

Fabric Capacity and Throughput

The module delivers 220 Gbps per slot, ensuring that each connected line card operates at peak performance. With 10 slots in the Nexus 7700 chassis, this translates to an aggregate switching capacity of up to 2.2 Tbps, making it ideal for high-performance environments. The non-blocking architecture allows simultaneous forwarding of multiple data streams without interference.

Physical Dimensions and Compatibility

Engineered for seamless integration into the Nexus 7700 chassis, the N77-C7710-FAB-2 module occupies a 10-slot configuration and meets stringent data center form factor standards. It is compatible with all Nexus 7700 line cards, ensuring maximum flexibility when designing a high-density, high-capacity network infrastructure.

Power Efficiency and Thermal Management

Data centers demand energy-efficient solutions, and the N77-C7710-FAB-2 is optimized for low power consumption while maintaining top-tier performance. It features advanced thermal management capabilities, including intelligent airflow and cooling mechanisms, which prevent overheating and extend the operational lifespan of the module. This design also contributes to lower operational costs and improved environmental sustainability.

Integration and Deployment in Data Center Networks

The Cisco N77-C7710-FAB-2 is specifically designed to integrate seamlessly into modern data center architectures. Its deployment enhances network performance, simplifies management, and enables advanced features such as:

Support for Layer 2 and Layer 3 Switching

By supporting both Layer 2 and Layer 3 protocols, the N77-C7710-FAB-2 enables versatile network designs. Whether implementing VLAN segmentation for multi-tenant environments or routing large volumes of inter-subnet traffic, this module ensures efficient and reliable data forwarding. The integration with the Cisco NX-OS operating system provides access to advanced routing, policy enforcement, and traffic monitoring capabilities.

High Availability and Redundancy Configurations

The module’s dual-fabric architecture supports active-active and active-standby configurations, ensuring continuous network availability. In conjunction with other Nexus 7700 components, it provides seamless failover mechanisms, which are essential for mission-critical applications. Administrators can also perform in-service software upgrades without disrupting traffic flow, minimizing operational downtime.

Network Virtualization and Cloud Readiness

Modern networks demand virtualization and cloud-ready capabilities. The N77-C7710-FAB-2 supports Cisco’s Virtual Port Channel (vPC), Overlay Transport Virtualization (OTV), and Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI), enabling network virtualization at scale. These features allow enterprises to implement multi-tenant environments, automate provisioning, and integrate with private or hybrid cloud platforms effectively.

Use Cases for Cisco N77-C7710-FAB-2

The versatility of the N77-C7710-FAB-2 allows it to serve a wide range of applications across different industries. Typical use cases include:

Enterprise Data Centers

Enterprises with large-scale IT infrastructure benefit from the module’s high throughput and low latency. It supports the convergence of storage, compute, and networking traffic, enabling efficient operation of enterprise applications, ERP systems, and collaboration platforms.

Cloud Service Providers

Cloud providers require resilient and scalable switching fabrics to manage vast amounts of data across multiple clients. The N77-C7710-FAB-2 provides the capacity and reliability needed to support multi-tenant cloud services, high-volume web applications, and virtualized infrastructure deployments.

High-Performance Computing (HPC) Environments

HPC applications, such as scientific simulations, financial modeling, and AI training, demand extremely low latency and high data throughput. The 220 Gbps per-slot capacity ensures that the Nexus 7700 chassis can handle these workloads efficiently, minimizing computation delays and improving overall cluster performance.

Maintenance, Support, and Lifecycle Management

Cisco provides comprehensive support options for the N77-C7710-FAB-2, ensuring long-term reliability and minimal downtime. Regular firmware updates, proactive diagnostics, and Cisco’s advanced support services help maintain peak performance. Additionally, the module’s modular design allows easy replacement or upgrades of individual fabric modules without disrupting overall network operations.

Firmware and Software Updates

The module is managed through Cisco NX-OS, which allows administrators to deploy updates, monitor performance, and troubleshoot issues remotely. In-service software upgrades are supported, ensuring minimal disruption while maintaining security and feature enhancements.

Warranty and Technical Support

Cisco offers robust warranty options for the N77-C7710-FAB-2, including hardware replacement and extended support plans. Technical assistance from certified engineers ensures that businesses can resolve issues quickly and maintain continuous network operations.