N3K-C3132C-Z Cisco Nexus 100 Gigabit 32 Ports Managed Switch

Cisco N3K-C3132C-Z 32 Ports Managed Switch Overview

The Cisco N3K-C3132C-Z is a high-performance managed switch designed for data centers and enterprise networks. With 32 ports supporting 100 Gigabit Ethernet, this Nexus series switch offers exceptional speed, reliability, and scalability.

Key Manufacturer and Product Details

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: N3K-C3132C-Z
• Product Type: Managed Switch
• Subtype: 32 Ports

Technical Specifications

Device Features

• Device Type: Layer 3 Managed Switch
• Enclosure: 1U Rack-mountable
• Ethernet Standard: 100 Gigabit
• Ports: 32 x 100G QSFP28
• Switching Capacity: 6.4 Tbps

Routing & Network Capacity

• IPv4 Routes (Unicast): 24,000
• IPv4 Hosts: 168,000
• IPv4 Routes (Multicast): 4,096
• Virtual Interfaces (VLANs): 4,096
• ACL Entries: 4,096
• RSTP Instances: 512
• MSTP Instances: 64
• Packet Buffer: 32 MB
• MAC Address Table: 288k entries
• Jumbo Frame Support: Up to 9,216 bytes

Supported Routing Protocols

• OSPF, BGP-4, RIP-2, EIGRP, IGMPv2/v3
• HSRP, VRRP, PIM-SM
• GRE, MSDP, ECMP, MPLS, CIDR
• MSTP, RSTP, STP
• NTPv3, IPv4/IPv6

Management & Security Features

• Remote Management Protocols: SNMPv2/v3, RMON, Telnet, TFTP, SSH-2, CLI, NETCONF, ICMP, DHCP
• Encryption: MD5, AES
• Authentication: RADIUS, TACACS+, MS-CHAP, SSH2

Advanced Features

• BootP & Syslog Support
• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), Rapid PVST+
• Access Control Lists (ACL) & VRF-lite
• Uni-directional Link Detection (UDLD)
• DHCP Relay & LACP Link Aggregation
• Virtual PortChannel (vPC) & VPLS
• Control Plane Protection (CoPP) & VXLAN
• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
• Cisco Discovery Protocol & STP Root Guard
• AAA Authentication & Authorization
• DNS Client, POAP, Top-of-Rack (ToR) Features
• SPAN/ERSPAN, Embedded Event Manager (EEM)
• VLAN Tagging, Q-in-Q Tunneling
• Online Health Monitoring System (OHMS) & Beacon LED

Compliance & Standards

• IEEE 802.3z/802.1d/802.1q/802.1p
• IEEE 802.3x/802.3ad (LACP)/802.1w/802.3ae
• IEEE 802.1s/802.1ab (LLDP)/802.3ba/802.1ax

Memory & Storage

• RAM: 16 GB
• Built-in Flash: 128 GB
• Status Indicators: Status, Environment

Expansion & Connectivity Options

Interfaces

• 32 x 100GBASE-X QSFP28
• 2 x 10GBASE-X SFP
• 1 x Console RJ-45
• 1 x Management RJ-45/SFP
• 1 x USB Port

Power & Redundancy

• Internal Hot-plug Power Supply (optional)
• Supports up to 2 power supplies for redundancy

Cisco N3K-C3132C-Z Managed Switch

The Cisco N3K-C3132C-Z 32 Ports Managed Switch is a high-performance network solution designed to deliver unparalleled data throughput and reliability for modern enterprise data centers. As part of the Cisco Nexus family, this switch offers advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities, enabling businesses to build scalable, high-speed networks while maintaining exceptional operational efficiency. The N3K-C3132C-Z is optimized for high-density 100 Gigabit Ethernet environments, making it ideal for applications demanding low latency and maximum bandwidth.

Advanced Hardware Architecture

The N3K-C3132C-Z is built on a robust hardware platform that integrates the latest innovations in networking technology. Its 32-port configuration provides a versatile and high-density solution capable of accommodating multiple 100 Gigabit Ethernet connections. Each port is engineered to ensure low latency and consistent performance, supporting mission-critical workloads in enterprise and cloud-scale environments. With its modular design and redundant power supplies, this managed switch guarantees operational continuity and resilience even in the most demanding network deployments.

High-Performance Silicon and Forwarding Engine

At the core of the Cisco N3K-C3132C-Z lies a high-performance forwarding engine that ensures line-rate switching across all ports simultaneously. The silicon architecture is designed to handle advanced network protocols, including VXLAN, MPLS, and advanced QoS policies. By leveraging hardware-based packet processing, the switch delivers minimal latency while supporting extensive routing and switching tables, making it an optimal choice for high-traffic environments such as data centers and enterprise core networks.

Energy Efficiency and Thermal Management

Cisco has incorporated advanced energy efficiency features in the N3K-C3132C-Z to reduce power consumption without compromising performance. Intelligent cooling mechanisms and airflow designs maintain optimal operating temperatures, ensuring long-term reliability. The low power footprint also contributes to overall data center sustainability, aligning with modern energy-conscious infrastructure practices.

Comprehensive Network Management

Managing a complex network infrastructure is streamlined through Cisco’s advanced management tools. The N3K-C3132C-Z supports Cisco NX-OS, providing a familiar and robust operating environment for network administrators. NX-OS features include programmable automation, extensive monitoring capabilities, and enhanced security mechanisms. Network policies can be applied uniformly across the switch to enforce consistent operational standards, while automated provisioning simplifies configuration tasks, reducing human error and deployment times.

Scalable and Flexible Deployment

The N3K-C3132C-Z supports a wide range of deployment scenarios, from core aggregation in enterprise networks to high-performance leaf-spine architectures in data centers. Its 100 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces allow for the creation of scalable network fabrics that can handle exponential growth in traffic. With support for advanced routing protocols such as OSPF, BGP, and IS-IS, businesses can design resilient and scalable network topologies that meet evolving connectivity demands.

Integration with Cisco Data Center Ecosystem

As part of the Cisco Nexus series, the N3K-C3132C-Z integrates seamlessly with other Nexus switches, routers, and network appliances. This integration facilitates unified policy enforcement, simplified monitoring, and centralized management across the network infrastructure. Network administrators can leverage Cisco’s Data Center Network Manager (DCNM) for end-to-end visibility, ensuring that all network components operate optimally while maintaining compliance with operational standards.

Security and Compliance Features

Security is a top priority in modern enterprise networks, and the Cisco N3K-C3132C-Z delivers multiple layers of protection. It supports advanced access control mechanisms, including 802.1X authentication, role-based access control, and integrated MACsec encryption. These features ensure that sensitive data remains protected while maintaining high-speed connectivity. Additionally, the switch adheres to industry standards and compliance frameworks, enabling organizations to meet regulatory requirements in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government.

Advanced Quality of Service (QoS)

The Cisco N3K-C3132C-Z provides sophisticated QoS capabilities that allow network traffic to be prioritized based on application, user, or service requirements. This ensures that latency-sensitive applications such as real-time communications, high-performance computing, and virtualized workloads receive the bandwidth they require. With programmable QoS policies, administrators can fine-tune network performance dynamically, supporting changing business and operational demands.

Support for Virtualization and Cloud Environments

Designed with modern IT infrastructures in mind, the N3K-C3132C-Z offers comprehensive support for virtualization technologies, including VMware NSX and other network overlay protocols. It enables seamless integration into cloud environments, supporting multi-tenant networks and software-defined data center architectures. This adaptability ensures that organizations can scale their network resources efficiently while maintaining control over traffic flows and service quality.

Reliability and Redundancy

Operational continuity is a critical requirement in enterprise networks, and the Cisco N3K-C3132C-Z is engineered for maximum reliability. Redundant power supplies, field-replaceable components, and dual supervisor engines ensure that the switch remains operational even during component failures. This high availability architecture reduces downtime, minimizes business disruption, and contributes to a more resilient network environment.

Proactive Monitoring and Diagnostics

Proactive monitoring features provide real-time insights into network health, enabling administrators to detect and resolve issues before they impact performance. Integrated diagnostics, telemetry, and SNMP support allow for detailed visibility into switch operations, traffic patterns, and potential bottlenecks. This proactive approach reduces troubleshooting time and enhances overall network performance.

Future-Ready Network Investment

The Cisco N3K-C3132C-Z is designed to accommodate future growth and technological advancements. Its modular design, high-density 100 Gigabit ports, and support for evolving network protocols ensure that organizations can scale without frequent hardware replacements. Investing in the N3K-C3132C-Z provides long-term value by offering a robust platform that adapts to new business requirements and emerging networking technologies.