N77-C7710-B26S2E-R Cisco Nexus 7710 10 Ports Expansion Switch Chassis

Cisco N77-C7710-B26S2E-R Nexus 7710 Overview

The Cisco N77-C7710-B26S2E-R is a high-performance modular switch chassis, part of the renowned Cisco Nexus 7000 Series. Engineered for enterprise and mission-critical data centers, it offers exceptional reliability, robust scalability, and full Cisco NX-OS feature support.

Key Specifications of Cisco Nexus 7710

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model: Nexus 7710
• Part Number / SKU: N77-C7710-B26S2E-R
• Product Type: Switch Chassis
• Series: 7000 Series
• Product Line: Nexus
• Sub-Type: Modular Chassis
• Rack-Mountable: 14U

Performance and Capacity

The Nexus 7710 chassis is designed to handle massive data workloads, supporting high-density 10, 40, and 100 Gigabit Ethernet ports. Key performance highlights include:

• Overall system capacity exceeding 83 Tbps
• Up to 768 native 10-Gbps ports
• Up to 384 40-Gbps ports
• Up to 192 100-Gbps ports
• Optimized for large-scale cloud and enterprise data centers

Modular Expansion and Connectivity

The N77-C7710-B26S2E-R chassis offers flexible expansion options to adapt to growing network demands:

• Total Expansion Slots: 10
• Slot Type: Supervisor Engine
• Modular design enables seamless upgrades and maintenance

Layer 2 Networking & Management

• Supports Layer 2 network operations
• Fully manageable for centralized control and configuration
• Compatible with comprehensive Cisco NX-OS software feature set

Power and Redundancy Features

• Power Source: Internal Power Supply
• Supports redundant power supplies for uninterrupted operation
• Designed to ensure high availability in critical network environments

Cisco N77-C7710-B26S2E-R Nexus 7710

The Cisco N77-C7710-B26S2E-R Nexus 7710 is a high-performance modular switch designed to meet the growing demands of modern data centers. This rack-mountable 14U chassis supports a highly scalable architecture with 10 expansion slots and a Supervisor Engine capable of Layer 2 switching management. Built for enterprise and service provider environments, the Nexus 7710 offers robust reliability, advanced networking features, and unparalleled flexibility for mission-critical applications.

High-Performance Modular Architecture

The modular design of the Nexus 7710 allows network administrators to deploy a flexible and scalable solution that grows with organizational needs. Each of the 10 expansion slots can accommodate high-density line cards, enabling the switch to support a massive number of 1, 10, 25, 40, or 100 Gigabit Ethernet ports depending on network requirements. This flexibility ensures that businesses can scale their infrastructure without the need for costly complete system replacements.

Supervisor Engine Capabilities

The N77-C7710-B26S2E-R is equipped with a robust Supervisor Engine, which provides advanced Layer 2 network management capabilities. This includes efficient traffic handling, VLAN segmentation, and optimized packet forwarding for enhanced performance. The Supervisor Engine also supports Cisco’s NX-OS software, offering features such as port channels, virtual LANs, and Quality of Service (QoS) management to ensure seamless and secure network operations.

Redundancy and Reliability

Reliability is a key feature of the Nexus 7710 series. The modular chassis supports redundant power supplies and supervisor modules, allowing for uninterrupted operation in critical environments. In the event of a hardware failure, the system can seamlessly switch to a backup module without network downtime. This redundancy ensures high availability, which is essential for enterprise applications, cloud services, and large-scale data center operations.

Advanced Layer 2 Switching Features

As a Layer 2 managed switch, the Nexus 7710 provides extensive VLAN support, spanning tree protocols, and link aggregation features. Administrators can create multiple VLANs to segment network traffic, enhancing security and reducing congestion. The switch also supports Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) and Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP) to ensure loop-free topology and optimized traffic flow across the network.

Port Density and Scalability

The 10-slot expansion chassis allows for the integration of high-density line cards, offering maximum port flexibility. Enterprises can deploy the switch with a combination of Ethernet speeds to accommodate diverse workloads. The modular design also makes it easier to upgrade individual line cards as network demands increase, avoiding the need for a full chassis replacement and ensuring cost-effective scalability.

Virtualization and Multi-Tenancy

The Nexus 7710 is ideal for virtualized data centers. With features like Virtual Port Channels (vPC) and support for Cisco’s Virtual Device Contexts (VDC), administrators can partition a single physical switch into multiple logical switches. This multi-tenancy capability allows organizations to consolidate hardware while maintaining logical separation for security, resource allocation, and administrative control.

Energy Efficiency and Thermal Management

Data centers prioritize energy efficiency and thermal management, and the Nexus 7710 delivers in both areas. The chassis is designed for optimized airflow, ensuring that line cards and supervisor modules remain within safe temperature limits. Additionally, the system supports energy-efficient Ethernet protocols, reducing power consumption without compromising performance. These features make the Nexus 7710 a sustainable choice for modern enterprise networks.

Software and Automation Capabilities

The Cisco NX-OS software suite running on the Nexus 7710 provides a robust foundation for automation and programmability. Administrators can leverage Python scripting, REST APIs, and model-driven programmability to automate configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting tasks. These capabilities reduce operational complexity, minimize human error, and accelerate network deployment cycles, providing a significant advantage in dynamic enterprise and cloud environments.

Security Features

Network security is paramount, and the Nexus 7710 integrates multiple features to protect data traffic. It supports Access Control Lists (ACLs), port security, and dynamic ARP inspection to prevent unauthorized access and attacks. In addition, the system provides robust monitoring tools that enable administrators to detect anomalies, mitigate threats, and ensure compliance with enterprise security policies.

Integration with Cisco Ecosystem

The Nexus 7710 seamlessly integrates with the broader Cisco ecosystem, including Cisco ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure) and Cisco DNA Center. These integrations facilitate centralized management, analytics, and policy enforcement across the network. Enterprises can benefit from end-to-end visibility, automated provisioning, and simplified network operations, further enhancing the value of the Nexus 7710 in complex environments.

High Availability and Disaster Recovery

The modular design and redundant components of the Nexus 7710 provide a solid foundation for high availability and disaster recovery planning. Organizations can deploy the switch in dual-homed topologies with vPC and link aggregation to ensure continuous service availability. This high level of resilience is crucial for mission-critical applications, ensuring business continuity even during maintenance or unexpected hardware failures.

Performance Monitoring and Analytics

The switch supports extensive monitoring and analytics capabilities. Network administrators can use features like telemetry streaming, NetFlow, and SPAN sessions to gain real-time visibility into traffic patterns and system health. These insights allow for proactive network management, early detection of potential issues, and informed decision-making regarding capacity planning and performance optimization.

Flexible Deployment Options

The Nexus 7710 supports multiple deployment scenarios, from core aggregation in enterprise data centers to high-capacity switching in service provider environments. Its 14U chassis form factor provides ample space for expansion while maintaining compatibility with standard data center racks. Additionally, the modular design simplifies deployment, configuration, and maintenance, making it suitable for both small-scale and large-scale networking environments.

Technical Specifications

Key technical specifications of the Cisco N77-C7710-B26S2E-R include 10 expansion slots, support for high-density 10/25/40/100 Gigabit Ethernet modules, dual Supervisor Engine compatibility, and redundant power supply options. The system also supports Layer 2 switching with advanced features such as VLAN segmentation, link aggregation, QoS, and security protocols. The Nexus 7710 chassis is built for high-performance, energy-efficient operation and is compatible with Cisco NX-OS software.

Use Cases and Applications

The Nexus 7710 is ideally suited for enterprise campus cores, data center aggregation layers, and service provider networks requiring high port density, scalability, and advanced Layer 2 management. It can handle cloud infrastructure workloads, virtualized environments, and mission-critical applications with ease. Organizations benefit from reduced operational costs, simplified management, and improved network performance when deploying the Nexus 7710 in their infrastructure.

Comprehensive Support and Lifecycle Management

Cisco offers extensive support options for the Nexus 7710 series, including software updates, hardware replacement, and technical assistance. Lifecycle management is streamlined through Cisco’s tools, ensuring that the switch remains secure, up-to-date, and fully optimized throughout its operational lifespan. This comprehensive support allows enterprises to focus on strategic initiatives rather than day-to-day network maintenance challenges.

Comparison with Other Modular Switches

Compared to other modular switches in its class, the Nexus 7710 stands out for its combination of scalability, high port density, Layer 2 feature set, and integration with Cisco’s software ecosystem. While some modular switches may offer higher Layer 3 capabilities, the Nexus 7710 excels in environments where Layer 2 management, virtualization, and flexible expansion are top priorities. Its robust supervisor engine and NX-OS software provide unmatched stability and advanced network automation features.

Future-Proof Networking

The Nexus 7710’s modular architecture and compatibility with high-speed Ethernet modules ensure that it can meet evolving network demands. Organizations can invest confidently in the platform, knowing that it supports current networking standards and can adapt to future technologies. Whether expanding port density, upgrading to higher speeds, or integrating automation tools, the Nexus 7710 provides a future-proof solution for enterprise and service provider networks.