N77-C7718-FAB-2 Cisco Nexus 7700 Supervisor Module

Cisco N77-C7718-FAB-2 Nexus 7700 Supervisor Module Overview

The Cisco N77-C7718-FAB-2 is a high-performance fabric module designed for the Nexus 7700 series. Engineered for seamless integration, this module enhances your network’s switching capabilities while supporting advanced management features.

Key Details

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model / SKU: N77-C7718-FAB-2
• Device Type: Switch
• Module Category: Fabric Module

Technical Specifications

Device Capabilities

• Module Format: Plug-in Module
• Slot Throughput: 220 Gbps per slot per fabric

Remote Management & Protocol Support

• Management Interface: Command Line Interface (CLI)
• Supported SNMP Versions: SNMP v1, v2c, v3

Environmental Requirements

Operating Conditions

• Maximum Operating Temperature: 104°F (40°C)
• Operating Humidity Range: 5% – 90% (non-condensing)

Storage Conditions

• Minimum Storage Temperature: -40°F (-40°C)
• Maximum Storage Temperature: 158°F (70°C)
• Storage Humidity Range: 5% – 95% (non-condensing)

Compliance & Regulatory Standards

• NEBS: Level 3
• ETSI: European Telecommunications Standards Institute
• CISPR: Class A
• BSMI CNS 13438: Class A
• EN Standards: 61000-3-2, 61000-3-3, 55024, 55022 Class A, 50082-1, 61000-6-1
• AS/NZS: 60950-1
• IC Standards: ICES-003 Class A
• FCC Part: 15 A
• CSA C22.2: No. 60950-1
• GR Standards: 1089-CORE, 63-CORE
• VCCI: Class A

Cisco N77-C7718-FAB-2 Nexus 7700 Supervisor Module

The Cisco N77-C7718-FAB-2 Supervisor Module is a high-performance, feature-rich component designed specifically for the Cisco Nexus 7700 Series switches. This supervisor module plays a critical role in the operation, management, and scalability of large-scale data center networks. Engineered to deliver unmatched performance, high availability, and intelligent automation, the N77-C7718-FAB-2 Supervisor is ideal for enterprises, service providers, and cloud operators seeking robust network infrastructure solutions.

This module integrates seamlessly with the Cisco Nexus 7700 chassis, providing advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 services, centralized management, and superior fabric capacity. It supports next-generation data center architectures and high-density Ethernet environments, enabling efficient network virtualization, automation, and scalability. The N77-C7718-FAB-2 is optimized for high throughput, low latency, and resilient network operations, ensuring business-critical applications run without interruption.

Key Features of Cisco N77-C7718-FAB-2 Supervisor Module

High-Performance Switching and Fabric Integration

The N77-C7718-FAB-2 Supervisor Module is designed for high-performance switching with extensive fabric integration capabilities. It supports a massive switching capacity and line-rate throughput, which is essential for data-intensive workloads, cloud deployments, and high-speed connectivity in large enterprise networks. By leveraging advanced ASICs and fabric modules, this supervisor module delivers deterministic latency and high reliability across multi-chassis deployments.

Advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 Capabilities

The supervisor module offers comprehensive Layer 2 and Layer 3 features, including support for VLANs, STP, MST, EtherChannel, VRRP, OSPF, BGP, and IS-IS routing protocols. These capabilities enable network administrators to build scalable, resilient, and secure networks. Enhanced routing performance ensures fast convergence times and optimized traffic paths, which are critical for applications requiring low-latency network performance.

Enhanced Security Features

Security is a critical component of the Cisco N77-C7718-FAB-2 Supervisor Module. It supports advanced network security features such as MACsec encryption, access control lists (ACLs), role-based access control (RBAC), and Cisco TrustSec. These security measures protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access across the network, making the module ideal for enterprises with strict compliance and security requirements.

High Availability and Redundancy

Designed for mission-critical environments, the N77-C7718-FAB-2 Supervisor Module supports dual supervisor configurations, hot-swappable components, and stateful failover capabilities. This ensures uninterrupted network operations even during hardware or software upgrades. Network redundancy mechanisms such as Virtual PortChannel (vPC) and Multi-Chassis EtherChannel (MCEC) further enhance reliability by providing automatic failover and load balancing.

Technical Specifications

Performance Metrics

The Cisco N77-C7718-FAB-2 Supervisor Module delivers exceptional performance metrics, including a high forwarding rate, large route and MAC address tables, and scalable buffer memory. This module is optimized for large-scale, high-density deployments, supporting thousands of simultaneous connections while maintaining line-rate performance. It also supports advanced QoS (Quality of Service) policies to prioritize traffic, ensuring mission-critical applications receive the bandwidth they require.

Scalability and Modular Design

The modular architecture of the N77-C7718-FAB-2 allows for easy scalability and integration with additional Nexus 7700 components. Its flexible design supports multiple supervisor and fabric module combinations, enabling network expansion without significant downtime. The supervisor module’s ability to work in conjunction with multiple line cards ensures that growing network demands are met efficiently, making it a future-proof solution for evolving data center needs.

Power Efficiency and Environmental Considerations

The N77-C7718-FAB-2 Supervisor Module is designed with energy efficiency in mind. It incorporates intelligent power management features to minimize energy consumption while maximizing performance. Cisco’s hardware optimization techniques reduce heat output, allowing the module to operate effectively in high-density environments while maintaining compliance with environmental regulations. Efficient power utilization reduces operational costs and contributes to a greener IT infrastructure.

Integration with Cisco Nexus 7700 Chassis

Seamless Compatibility

The supervisor module is fully compatible with the Cisco Nexus 7700 Series chassis, enabling smooth integration with existing infrastructure. It supports both the 7700 line cards and fabric modules, allowing for cohesive operation across the entire switch. The module’s firmware and software compatibility with Cisco NX-OS ensure centralized management and consistent feature sets across all network devices.

Centralized Management and Automation

With the Cisco N77-C7718-FAB-2 Supervisor Module, administrators can leverage centralized management tools, such as Cisco Data Center Network Manager (DCNM) and Cisco NX-OS. Automation features such as Cisco ACI integration, Python scripting, and REST APIs allow network operators to automate routine tasks, streamline configuration, and reduce operational errors. These capabilities improve network efficiency and enable faster deployment of services in dynamic data center environments.

Advanced Monitoring and Analytics

The supervisor module supports advanced monitoring and telemetry features, including Cisco Embedded Event Manager (EEM), NetFlow, and SNMP. These tools provide real-time visibility into network performance, traffic patterns, and potential issues, allowing proactive troubleshooting and predictive maintenance. Data-driven insights help administrators optimize network operations, enhance capacity planning, and improve overall reliability.

Applications and Use Cases

Enterprise Data Centers

Large enterprises rely on the N77-C7718-FAB-2 Supervisor Module to manage complex data center networks. Its high throughput, advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities, and redundancy features make it ideal for mission-critical applications, virtualized workloads, and cloud services. By ensuring low-latency and high-performance connectivity, the module supports real-time analytics, database operations, and high-availability applications efficiently.

Cloud and Service Provider Networks

Cloud operators and service providers benefit from the modular design, scalability, and centralized management of the N77-C7718-FAB-2. It supports multi-tenant environments, network virtualization, and automated orchestration, enabling service providers to deliver high-performance, secure, and reliable services. The module’s fabric capabilities allow seamless traffic distribution and efficient resource utilization across large-scale data centers.

High-Performance Computing (HPC) Environments

In HPC environments, low-latency, high-bandwidth connectivity is crucial. The Cisco N77-C7718-FAB-2 Supervisor Module delivers line-rate switching and optimized packet forwarding, ensuring high-performance interconnects for compute clusters. Its advanced QoS, redundancy, and fabric integration make it an excellent choice for scientific research, financial modeling, and other data-intensive HPC workloads.

Advantages of Choosing Cisco N77-C7718-FAB-2 Supervisor Module

Reliability and Redundancy

The N77-C7718-FAB-2 delivers unmatched reliability through redundant supervisor configurations, hot-swappable components, and automatic failover mechanisms. This ensures continuous network operation even during hardware failures or maintenance, making it an ideal solution for environments requiring high availability.

Scalability for Growing Networks

The modular design and high-capacity fabric support allow networks to scale seamlessly as business demands increase. Adding line cards or additional supervisor modules can enhance throughput, expand port density, and support more complex network topologies without replacing the existing infrastructure.

Optimized for Data Center Automation

The module’s integration with Cisco ACI, NX-OS automation features, and programmable APIs enables advanced network automation. This reduces manual configuration tasks, minimizes errors, and accelerates service deployment, aligning with modern data center operational models focused on agility and efficiency.

Future-Proof Technology

Investing in the Cisco N77-C7718-FAB-2 Supervisor Module provides a future-proof solution for evolving networking demands. Its support for next-generation protocols, high-density deployments, and advanced monitoring ensures that organizations are prepared for emerging technologies and growing data center requirements.