N3K-C3264C-E Cisco Nexus 3264C 100G Ethernet 64 Ports Rack Mountable Switches

Cisco N3K-C3264C-E Nexus 3264C 64 Ports Switch Overview

The Cisco N3K-C3264C-E Nexus 3264C is a high-performance, rack-mountable Layer 3 switch designed for enterprise-grade networking environments. With 64 ports capable of 100 Gigabit Ethernet speeds, this switch delivers reliable, scalable, and flexible connectivity for data centers and large network infrastructures.

Manufacturer & Model Details

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model / SKU: N3K-C3264C-E
• Device Type: Network Switch
• Sub-Type: 64-Port Ethernet Switch

Performance & Connectivity Features

Engineered for robust network performance, the Cisco N3K-C3264C-E supports high-speed data transfer and advanced Layer 3 routing protocols:

• Data Transfer Rate: 100 Gbps
• Supported Protocol: Gigabit Ethernet
• Power Input: 100–240 VAC

Network Interfaces & Ports

• 1/10G SFP+ Ports for high-speed uplinks
• RS-232 Console Port for secure local management
• RJ45 & SFP Management Ports for flexible administration
• USB Port for additional configuration and storage options

Package Contents

Each package includes essential components to ensure immediate deployment:

• 1 × Cisco N3K-C3264C-E Switch
• 2 × Power Supplies (NXA-PAC-1200W-PI) for redundancy
• 3 × High-CFM Fans (NXA-FAN-160CFM-PI) for optimal cooling

Key Advantages

• High-density 64-port configuration suitable for large-scale networks
• Supports 100G Ethernet for ultra-fast data throughput
• Flexible network management with multiple console and management ports
• Energy-efficient design with redundant power supply support
• Enhanced reliability with pre-installed high-capacity fans

Ideal Applications

• Data center aggregation and core switching
• High-performance enterprise networks
• Virtualization and cloud networking environments
• High-speed backbone and server farm connectivity

Cisco N3K-C3264C-E Nexus 3264C Series

The Cisco N3K-C3264C-E Nexus 3264C series represents a pinnacle in high-performance networking technology, delivering robust 100 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity through 64 ports in a single rack-mountable chassis. Engineered for modern data centers, cloud environments, and enterprise networks, these Layer 3 switches offer unmatched scalability, resilience, and efficiency. Designed to handle the most demanding workloads, the Nexus 3264C series ensures low-latency, high-throughput networking, supporting mission-critical applications and high-density deployments without compromising performance.

High-Density 100 Gigabit Ethernet Connectivity

At the core of the Cisco N3K-C3264C-E switch lies its ability to provide 64 ports of 100 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, making it an ideal choice for environments requiring ultra-high-speed data transfer. These switches are optimized for large-scale data centers where bandwidth-intensive applications, virtualization, and cloud-based services demand continuous high-speed connectivity. The architecture of the Nexus 3264C supports wire-speed forwarding across all ports, minimizing latency and enabling smooth network traffic management even during peak workloads.

Scalable Layer 3 Switching Capabilities

The Layer 3 capabilities of the Cisco Nexus 3264C series extend beyond basic switching. Advanced routing protocols, including OSPF, BGP, and EIGRP, allow seamless integration into complex network topologies, providing the flexibility needed for enterprise-grade networks. The hardware and software design facilitate large-scale IP routing, supporting both IPv4 and IPv6 traffic efficiently. With the capability to handle millions of routes, the Nexus 3264C series ensures network architects can build highly scalable infrastructures that grow with organizational demands.

Optimized for Modern Data Center Architectures

The Cisco Nexus 3264C series is specifically tailored for modern data center deployments, including spine-and-leaf topologies and cloud-scale networks. Its high-density 100 Gigabit ports enable aggregation of multiple high-speed links, reducing the number of devices needed while enhancing network reliability. Support for VXLAN, EVPN, and other overlay technologies allows data centers to implement virtualized networks efficiently, providing seamless connectivity across physical and virtual environments. The Nexus 3264C’s low-latency performance and lossless Ethernet architecture are critical for storage, high-performance computing, and real-time analytics applications.

Advanced Programmability and Automation Features

Cisco has embedded extensive programmability capabilities into the Nexus 3264C series to meet the needs of automated data centers. With support for NX-OS, Python scripting, REST APIs, and model-driven telemetry, network administrators can automate routine operations, streamline configuration changes, and monitor network health proactively. Integration with Cisco’s Data Center Network Manager (DCNM) allows centralized management, simplifying large-scale network orchestration. These programmability features reduce operational complexity and enable rapid deployment of new services without manual intervention.

High Availability and Resiliency

Reliability is paramount in enterprise networks, and the Cisco N3K-C3264C-E Nexus 3264C switches deliver exceptional high-availability features. Redundant power supplies, fans, and supervisor modules ensure continuous operation even in the event of hardware failures. Layer 3 routing protocols provide fast convergence, maintaining consistent traffic flow during network changes. Additionally, technologies like Virtual PortChannel (vPC) and Multi-Chassis EtherChannel (MEC) enhance link redundancy and load balancing, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for critical applications.

Comprehensive Security Features

Security is a fundamental aspect of the Nexus 3264C series. Cisco NX-OS provides extensive access control policies, port security, and role-based access management to prevent unauthorized network access. Advanced features, such as Cisco TrustSec and MACsec encryption, safeguard sensitive data in transit, making the switch suitable for highly secure environments, including financial institutions, government networks, and data-sensitive enterprises. Integrated security mechanisms allow organizations to maintain compliance with regulatory standards while protecting against evolving cyber threats.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Considerations

In addition to performance, the Cisco Nexus 3264C series emphasizes energy efficiency, reducing the operational costs of large-scale deployments. The switch architecture optimizes power usage without sacrificing throughput, and intelligent cooling systems maintain consistent temperature control across all components. This energy-efficient design aligns with sustainable data center initiatives, allowing organizations to minimize carbon footprint while ensuring high-performance network operations.

Seamless Integration and Interoperability

The Cisco Nexus 3264C switches are designed for seamless integration with existing network infrastructures. Full compatibility with other Nexus and Cisco Catalyst series switches ensures that organizations can expand their networks without introducing compatibility issues. Support for standard protocols and open APIs allows easy interconnection with third-party networking solutions, providing flexibility in multi-vendor environments. This interoperability is critical for hybrid cloud deployments, enabling consistent network policies and simplified management across diverse infrastructures.

Performance Optimization and Quality of Service

Performance optimization is a key strength of the Cisco N3K-C3264C-E Nexus 3264C switches. Advanced QoS mechanisms prioritize critical traffic, ensuring low-latency performance for applications such as voice, video, and real-time analytics. Congestion management, buffer tuning, and lossless Ethernet capabilities maintain predictable network performance, even under heavy load conditions. These optimizations are essential for organizations that rely on high-speed, mission-critical applications where network delays can impact overall business performance.

Flexible Deployment and Rack-Mountable Design

The Cisco Nexus 3264C series features a compact, rack-mountable form factor suitable for high-density environments. Its 1RU chassis design allows multiple switches to be deployed in a single rack, maximizing space efficiency while minimizing cabling complexity. This flexible deployment model supports both traditional and modern network architectures, including spine-leaf designs and top-of-rack deployments. The modular hardware design simplifies upgrades and maintenance, ensuring minimal downtime and operational continuity.

Future-Proofing and Scalability

Investing in Cisco N3K-C3264C-E Nexus 3264C switches offers a future-proof networking solution. The architecture is designed to accommodate emerging technologies, evolving workloads, and increased bandwidth requirements. With scalable Layer 3 routing, high port density, and support for advanced networking protocols, organizations can adapt to growing traffic demands without replacing the entire infrastructure. This scalability ensures long-term value, enabling organizations to leverage existing investments while expanding their networks seamlessly.

Extensive Support and Ecosystem

Cisco provides comprehensive support for the Nexus 3264C series through its global service network, software updates, and technical documentation. Access to Cisco’s robust ecosystem ensures compatibility with a wide range of networking solutions, from cloud management platforms to data center automation tools. Organizations benefit from proactive support, troubleshooting, and advisory services, ensuring maximum uptime and optimal network performance. This extensive support network reinforces Cisco’s commitment to delivering reliable, enterprise-grade networking solutions.

Applications and Use Cases

The Cisco Nexus 3264C switches are ideal for a variety of applications, ranging from cloud service providers and enterprise data centers to high-performance computing and storage networks. Their high-speed, low-latency capabilities enable organizations to support virtualization, large-scale database operations, and multi-tenant cloud environments efficiently. Use cases include backbone network aggregation, spine-leaf architecture implementation, storage network convergence, and high-speed interconnects for compute clusters. These applications highlight the versatility and performance of the Nexus 3264C series in addressing modern networking challenges.

Support for Emerging Network Technologies

The Cisco Nexus 3264C series supports emerging technologies such as AI-driven network analytics, network automation, and software-defined networking (SDN). Integration with Cisco Intersight and other cloud-based management platforms allows real-time monitoring and predictive analytics, helping organizations optimize network performance proactively. Support for programmable interfaces and model-driven APIs ensures that these switches remain relevant as networking paradigms evolve, enabling organizations to adopt cutting-edge technologies without replacing hardware.