N5K-C5596T-FA Cisco Nexus Layer 3 Switch (32 Ports)

Cisco N5K-C5596T-FA Nexus 32-Port Layer 3 Switch Overview

The Cisco N5K-C5596T-FA is a high-performance 32-port Layer 3 network switch designed for enterprise data centers, offering unmatched reliability and scalability.

Key Features of Cisco Nexus 5596T

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model: Nexus 5596T
• Part Number: N5K-C5596T-FA
• Product Type: Layer 3 Switch
• Form Factor: 2RU with dual power supplies and four cooling fans
• Total Ports: 32x10GBase-T and 16xSFP+ fixed ports

Network Ports and Connectivity

• Total Network Ports: 32 RJ-45 ports
• Stacking Ports: Not available
• Supported Ethernet Technology: 10 Gigabit Ethernet
• Media Type Compatibility: Twisted Pair cabling
• Network Protocol Support: 10GBase-T technology for high-speed connections

Performance and Scalability

• Layer Supported: Layer 3 routing capabilities
• Expansion Slots: 19 SFP+ slots for additional connectivity options
• Manageable: Fully manageable via Cisco NX-OS for enhanced control

Power and Environmental Specifications

• Input Voltage: 110V AC / 220V AC for global compatibility
• PoE Support: Not available on RJ-45 ports
• Cooling System: Four built-in fans ensure optimal thermal performance

Cisco N5K-C5596T-FA Nexus Layer 3 Switch

The Cisco N5K-C5596T-FA Nexus 32 Ports Layer 3 Switch represents a highly advanced networking solution designed to meet the demands of modern enterprise and data center environments. As a key member of the Cisco Nexus 5000 Series, this switch offers unparalleled performance, scalability, and reliability. It is engineered for high-density 1/10 Gigabit Ethernet deployments, providing robust Layer 3 switching capabilities with advanced features to support complex network architectures.

High-Performance Network Switching

The Cisco Nexus N5K-C5596T-FA is optimized for high-throughput applications, supporting up to 32 fixed 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports. Its high-performance architecture ensures minimal latency, delivering consistent data transfer rates that are essential for mission-critical applications. With support for advanced Layer 3 protocols, the switch provides efficient routing and optimal traffic management for large-scale networks.

Advanced Layer 3 Capabilities

Equipped with comprehensive Layer 3 routing features, the N5K-C5596T-FA supports protocols such as OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, and RIP. These protocols enable dynamic routing across complex networks, allowing seamless communication between different subnets and network segments. The switch also supports static routing and policy-based routing, providing administrators with granular control over network traffic flows.

Dynamic Routing and Scalability

Dynamic routing in the Cisco Nexus 5596T-FA ensures that traffic is automatically rerouted in the event of network failures, enhancing network resilience. Its scalable design allows enterprises to expand their network infrastructure without compromising performance, making it ideal for growing data centers and cloud environments. The switch can handle large routing tables and multiple Layer 3 interfaces, accommodating extensive network topologies.

Optimized for Data Center Environments

Designed with the modern data center in mind, the Cisco Nexus N5K-C5596T-FA integrates seamlessly with Cisco’s data center solutions, providing high availability, redundancy, and energy efficiency. The switch supports Virtual Port Channels (vPC) and FabricPath, enabling flexible and scalable network designs that simplify deployment and management. With features like Hot-Swappable Fans and Power Supplies, network downtime is minimized during maintenance.

Virtualization and Network Automation

The N5K-C5596T-FA supports advanced virtualization technologies, including Cisco Nexus 1000V and VMware integration. Network administrators can leverage automated provisioning and centralized management through Cisco’s NX-OS software, reducing operational complexity and accelerating deployment times. Automation features such as Infrastructure as Code (IaC) support enable organizations to implement consistent configurations across multiple switches, enhancing efficiency and reducing human error.

Energy-Efficient and Reliable Design

With a focus on energy efficiency, the Cisco Nexus 5596T-FA employs optimized power and cooling mechanisms. This reduces operational costs while maintaining peak performance. Redundant components, including dual power supplies and fans, ensure continuous operation even in the event of hardware failures. The robust design is compliant with enterprise-grade reliability standards, making it a trusted choice for mission-critical applications.

Security Features of Cisco Nexus N5K-C5596T-FA

Security is a critical aspect of the N5K-C5596T-FA switch, offering features such as role-based access control (RBAC), secure management via SSH, SNMPv3, and ACLs for traffic filtering. The switch also supports advanced security protocols to protect against unauthorized access, ensuring that sensitive data remains secure across the network. These capabilities make it ideal for enterprises requiring stringent security compliance standards.

Comprehensive Network Monitoring

Network monitoring and analytics are streamlined with built-in telemetry features and SNMP support. Administrators can monitor network performance, detect anomalies, and respond to issues proactively. The switch’s monitoring tools facilitate predictive maintenance and traffic analysis, allowing organizations to maintain optimal network health and reduce downtime.

Integration with Cisco Data Center Solutions

The Nexus 5596T-FA is fully compatible with other Cisco data center technologies, including Cisco UCS (Unified Computing System) and Nexus 7000 Series. This integration supports unified management, policy enforcement, and seamless orchestration across the network infrastructure. Enterprises can achieve a cohesive and scalable network design, simplifying management and enhancing overall efficiency.

Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

The Cisco N5K-C5596T-FA switch is suitable for a wide range of deployment scenarios, including enterprise campus cores, data center aggregation layers, and high-performance computing clusters. Its robust feature set supports both traditional and virtualized networks, making it ideal for organizations that require flexibility and high availability. Use cases include server farm connectivity, storage area network (SAN) interconnects, and high-speed application delivery.

Enterprise and Campus Networks

In enterprise and campus networks, the N5K-C5596T-FA provides seamless interconnectivity between core and distribution layers. Its high port density and Layer 3 capabilities enable efficient handling of large volumes of internal and external traffic. Network administrators can implement VLAN segmentation, QoS policies, and advanced routing to optimize network performance.

Data Center Aggregation and High-Performance Computing

In data center aggregation and HPC environments, the switch ensures low-latency, high-bandwidth connectivity essential for compute-intensive workloads. It supports multi-path routing and redundancy protocols to maintain continuous operations. The switch’s energy-efficient design and hot-swappable components further enhance its suitability for critical data center applications.

Technical Specifications and Features

The Cisco Nexus N5K-C5596T-FA boasts the following technical specifications: 32 fixed 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports, Layer 3 routing capabilities, support for OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, and RIP, dual redundant power supplies, hot-swappable fans, and comprehensive security features. It runs on the NX-OS operating system, providing advanced automation, monitoring, and virtualization capabilities.

Port and Interface Details

The 32-port configuration supports both 10GBASE-T and SFP+ connectivity, allowing for flexible deployment options. Each port can operate independently or as part of aggregated links using EtherChannel technology. This ensures efficient bandwidth utilization and optimal traffic distribution across the network.

Performance and Scalability

With high throughput and low latency, the N5K-C5596T-FA is designed to support large-scale enterprise and data center networks. Its modular architecture enables seamless scalability, supporting future growth without requiring major infrastructure changes. The switch also supports high-density deployments, making it an ideal solution for environments with demanding bandwidth requirements.