N3K-C3172PQ-10GE Cisco Nexus 48-Port Layer 3 Managed Switch

Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-10GE Nexus L3 Managed Switch Overview

Experience enterprise-grade networking with the Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-10GE, a high-performance Layer 3 managed switch designed to deliver superior speed, reliability, and scalability for modern data centers.

Key Features of the Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-10GE

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model/SKU: N3K-C3172PQ-10GE
• Device Type: Managed Switch
• Port Density: 48 Ports

High-Speed Network Connectivity

This Nexus switch ensures seamless data transmission with robust uplink and network port configurations:

• Network Ports: 48 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ for ultra-fast connectivity
• Uplink Ports: 6 x 40 Gigabit Ethernet QSFP+ supporting high-capacity aggregation

Management & Monitoring Options

Efficient administration is guaranteed through multiple management interfaces:

• 1 x RJ45 Serial Console for direct console access
• 1 x Gigabit Management Port for network management
• 1 x USB 2.0 port for configuration backup and firmware updates

Optimized Airflow and Cooling

• Front-to-back airflow ensures optimal thermal performance
• Reversible airflow support for flexible installation in various racks
• 4 x NXA-FAN-30CFM-B fan modules included for efficient cooling

Redundant Power Supplies

• Dual N2200-PAC-400W-B power supplies for high availability and reliability

Performance & Capacity

• Switching Capacity: 1.4 Tbps for high-throughput environments
• Forwarding Rate: Up to 1 billion packets per second (Bpps) to handle massive data traffic

Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-10GE Nexus Layer 3 Switch 48 Ports

The Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-10GE Nexus Layer 3 Managed Switch 48 Ports represents a cutting-edge solution in enterprise networking, designed to deliver high-performance, reliable, and scalable network connectivity for modern data centers and enterprise environments. This switch integrates advanced Layer 3 routing capabilities with comprehensive Layer 2 functionalities, making it an ideal choice for organizations seeking high-speed, resilient, and flexible networking infrastructure. With its 48 high-performance ports, the N3K-C3172PQ-10GE ensures seamless data transfer, optimized network performance, and enhanced operational efficiency for mission-critical applications.

High-Performance Layer 3 Capabilities

The Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-10GE switch is engineered with robust Layer 3 routing features, allowing for efficient IP routing, advanced multicast support, and enhanced network segmentation. By enabling dynamic routing protocols such as OSPF, BGP, and EIGRP, the switch ensures fast convergence, reduced latency, and high availability for large-scale enterprise networks. These Layer 3 capabilities facilitate the creation of resilient network topologies, supporting multiple data center architectures and ensuring uninterrupted service delivery even in complex networking environments. Additionally, the switch supports inter-VLAN routing, which simplifies network design and improves traffic management across segmented networks.

Advanced Layer 2 Functionalities

While the N3K-C3172PQ-10GE is renowned for its Layer 3 routing, its Layer 2 capabilities are equally impressive. This switch offers comprehensive features such as VLAN segmentation, port-based access control, spanning tree protocol enhancements, and support for link aggregation. These functionalities enable network administrators to optimize traffic flow, reduce network congestion, and ensure high network availability. The integration of advanced Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms ensures that critical applications receive prioritized bandwidth, enhancing the overall performance of enterprise applications such as VoIP, video conferencing, and cloud-based services.

Port Density and Connectivity Options

The Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-10GE switch offers 48 high-speed 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports, providing exceptional connectivity and port density for large-scale networks. These ports are designed to support high-throughput applications, ensuring seamless data transfer across the network. In addition, the switch includes multiple uplink options, enabling easy integration with core routers, aggregation switches, and other networking devices. The combination of high port density and flexible uplink options ensures that organizations can scale their network infrastructure without compromising performance or reliability.

Scalability and Future-Proof Network Architecture

Designed with scalability in mind, the Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-10GE switch allows enterprises to build a future-proof network architecture capable of handling growing traffic demands. The switch supports modular expansion, enabling network administrators to add additional modules and interface cards as the network evolves. This scalability ensures that businesses can accommodate increasing workloads, additional users, and emerging technologies without requiring a complete network overhaul. Furthermore, the switch's support for advanced virtualization technologies allows seamless integration with cloud services and virtualized data center environments.

Security and Network Protection

Network security is a critical aspect of modern enterprise infrastructure, and the Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-10GE addresses this with comprehensive security features. The switch supports robust access control policies, including 802.1X authentication, role-based access control, and advanced port security. These features protect the network from unauthorized access and mitigate potential security threats. In addition, the switch offers integrated security mechanisms such as dynamic ARP inspection, IP source guard, and DHCP snooping, which collectively prevent common network attacks and enhance the overall resilience of the network infrastructure.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Considerations

The Cisco Nexus N3K-C3172PQ-10GE switch is designed with energy efficiency in mind, incorporating innovative power management technologies that reduce operational costs while minimizing environmental impact. The switch utilizes intelligent power allocation for its ports and components, optimizing energy usage without compromising performance. Additionally, the switch's low power consumption design aligns with enterprise sustainability goals, providing a greener networking solution that meets the demands of modern data centers while supporting corporate responsibility initiatives.

Ease of Management and Automation

Effective network management is essential for optimizing operational efficiency, and the Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-10GE excels in this area with comprehensive management and automation tools. The switch is fully compatible with Cisco's management platforms, including Cisco DNA Center and Cisco Prime, which enable centralized monitoring, configuration, and troubleshooting. Automated provisioning and configuration management reduce manual intervention, allowing IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than routine maintenance tasks. Additionally, the switch supports programmable interfaces and APIs, facilitating integration with software-defined networking (SDN) environments and enabling advanced automation for large-scale networks.

Redundancy and High Availability

The Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-10GE is designed to provide high availability and minimize network downtime through redundant power supplies, hot-swappable components, and dual supervisor modules. These features ensure continuous operation even in the event of hardware failures or maintenance activities, making the switch a reliable choice for mission-critical applications. The combination of hardware redundancy and advanced failover mechanisms guarantees uninterrupted service delivery, supporting the high availability requirements of enterprise and data center networks.

Integration with Modern Data Center Architectures

This switch is highly adaptable to modern data center environments, supporting spine-leaf architectures, multi-tenant networks, and cloud-connected infrastructure. Its advanced routing capabilities, combined with high port density and low latency performance, make it suitable for handling east-west traffic in virtualized data centers. The Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-10GE is optimized for both traditional and software-defined data center deployments, enabling seamless integration with existing networking infrastructure while supporting future network evolution.

Reliability and Performance Optimization

Designed for high-performance enterprise networks, the Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-10GE ensures consistent reliability and optimized throughput. The switch incorporates advanced buffer management, congestion avoidance techniques, and optimized packet forwarding mechanisms to maintain high network performance under heavy workloads. These features are critical for supporting latency-sensitive applications such as video streaming, real-time analytics, and virtual desktop infrastructure. Additionally, the switch provides detailed telemetry and monitoring capabilities, allowing IT teams to proactively identify performance bottlenecks and optimize network operations in real-time.

Software Features and Licensing Options

The Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-10GE switch comes with a rich set of software features that enhance functionality and network control. The switch supports Cisco NX-OS operating system, which provides a stable, modular, and programmable environment for enterprise networking. Through feature licensing, organizations can unlock additional capabilities such as advanced routing protocols, security enhancements, and automation tools, tailoring the switch to meet specific business requirements. This flexible licensing model ensures that enterprises can scale functionality according to their evolving networking needs.

Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

The Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-10GE is versatile and suitable for a wide range of deployment scenarios, from enterprise campus networks to large-scale data centers. Its high port density and Layer 3 capabilities make it ideal for aggregation and core layer deployment, enabling efficient traffic distribution and simplified network management. In data centers, the switch supports high-performance computing workloads, storage networking, and virtualization environments, providing the backbone for modern IT infrastructure. The flexibility and adaptability of this switch make it a valuable asset for organizations looking to future-proof their network investments.

Technical Support and Lifecycle Management

Cisco provides comprehensive technical support and lifecycle management services for the N3K-C3172PQ-10GE switch. Through Cisco’s support ecosystem, organizations gain access to firmware updates, security patches, and technical expertise, ensuring long-term network reliability and stability. Proactive lifecycle management services allow IT teams to plan hardware refreshes, anticipate capacity upgrades, and maintain optimal network performance throughout the switch’s operational lifespan. This level of support enhances the total cost of ownership and maximizes the return on investment for enterprise networking infrastructure.