N3K-C3548P-BD-L3A Cisco Nexus 3548 Switch

Cisco N3K-C3548P-BD-L3A Nexus 3548 Managed Switch Overview

Key Details

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model Number: N3K-C3548P-BD-L3A
• Product Category: Switch

Technical Specifications

Product Series and Model

• Part of the renowned Cisco Nexus 3000 Series
• Specific Model: Nexus 3548

Switch Functionality

• Switch Type: Layer 3
• Designed for high-performance network routing and switching

Interface & Connectivity

• Token Ring Ports: Not Supported
• LRE Ports: Not Available
• Bypass Ports: Unavailable
• Modular Design: No
• Management Ports: Included
• USB Ports: Available
• Stacking Ports: Not Present

Media & Performance

• Supported Media Types: Twisted Pair
• Ethernet Technology: 10 Gigabit Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
• Network Standards: 10/100/1000Base-T

Expansion Options

• Total Expansion Slots: 48
• Expansion Slot Type: SFP+
• Number of SFP+ Ports: 48
• Shared SFP Slots: Not Supported

Networking & Protocol Support

• Layer Support: Layer 3
• Fully Manageable with advanced configuration options

Supported Protocols & Features

• RMON Monitoring
• VLAN Configuration
• Quality of Service (QoS)
• Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
• Management Information Base II (MIB II)
• Command Line Interface (CLI)
• Telnet Access
• Syslog Integration
• SNMP v1, v2, and v3

Memory & Power Specifications

Memory

• Flash Memory: 2 GB

Power Details

• Power over Ethernet (PoE) RJ-45 Ports: Not Available
• Input Voltage: 110V AC / 220V AC
• Power Source: Dedicated Power Supply
• Redundant Power Supply: Yes

Cisco Nexus 3548 Manageable Switch Category

The Cisco N3K-C3548P-BD-L3A Nexus 3548 Manageable Switch category represents a specialized class of ultra-low-latency, high-performance data center switches designed for environments where deterministic performance, microsecond-level latency, and high throughput are critical. These switches are widely adopted in modern enterprise data centers, financial trading infrastructures, cloud service provider networks, and high-performance computing environments that demand precision packet handling and consistent forwarding behavior. Built on the Cisco Nexus architecture, this category emphasizes scalability, advanced Layer 3 capabilities, and deep integration with Cisco’s data center ecosystem.

As part of the Cisco Nexus 3000 Series, the Nexus 3548 switches are engineered to support line-rate forwarding across all ports, ensuring that even under peak load conditions, traffic flows without congestion or unpredictable delay. The N3K-C3548P-BD-L3A variant is particularly valued for its combination of port density, manageability, and advanced licensing that unlocks robust Layer 3 functionality, making it suitable for both access and aggregation roles within latency-sensitive networks.

Architectural Design and Hardware Capabilities

High-Density Port Configuration

The Cisco Nexus 3548 Manageable Switch category is defined by its high-density port architecture, typically featuring forty-eight fixed ports optimized for low-latency Ethernet connectivity. These ports are designed to handle demanding workloads that require consistent throughput and minimal jitter, making them ideal for server connectivity, storage traffic, and east-west data center communication. The port layout supports streamlined cabling and efficient rack utilization, which is essential for dense data center deployments.

The hardware design focuses on maximizing performance per rack unit, enabling organizations to deploy fewer devices while maintaining high port availability. This efficiency not only reduces capital expenditure but also simplifies network design and ongoing maintenance.

Ultra-Low Latency Switching Fabric

One of the defining characteristics of the Nexus 3548 category is its ultra-low latency switching fabric. The internal architecture is optimized to process packets with minimal buffering and rapid forwarding decisions, which is critical for applications such as algorithmic trading, real-time analytics, and high-frequency data exchange. The deterministic behavior of the switching fabric ensures predictable performance, even when traffic patterns fluctuate.

This low-latency design is achieved through a combination of purpose-built ASICs, optimized memory access, and streamlined packet processing pipelines. As a result, the switch delivers consistent microsecond-level latency across all ports.

Advanced Layer 3 Features and Routing Capabilities

Comprehensive Layer 3 Support

The Cisco N3K-C3548P-BD-L3A Nexus 3548 Manageable Switch category includes advanced Layer 3 features that allow it to function as more than just a simple access switch. With the appropriate licensing, these switches support dynamic routing protocols, static routing, and advanced IP services that enable flexible network design. This makes them suitable for deployment at the aggregation layer or as part of a spine-leaf architecture.

Layer 3 capabilities allow organizations to reduce dependency on external routers, simplify network topology, and improve overall performance by enabling routing decisions closer to the traffic source.

Routing Protocol Flexibility

Switches in this category support a range of industry-standard routing protocols, enabling seamless integration into existing network environments. This flexibility ensures compatibility with multi-vendor infrastructures and allows network architects to design resilient, scalable routing domains. The ability to handle routing at line rate ensures that performance is not compromised when advanced IP features are enabled.

Policy-Based Routing and Traffic Control

Advanced traffic control mechanisms are a key component of the Nexus 3548 Manageable Switch category. Policy-based routing allows administrators to define granular traffic handling rules based on source, destination, or application requirements. This level of control is essential for prioritizing critical workloads, optimizing bandwidth utilization, and enforcing organizational network policies.

Network Virtualization and Segmentation

VLAN and VXLAN Integration

The Cisco Nexus 3548 category supports extensive network segmentation through VLAN and VXLAN technologies. VLAN support enables logical separation of traffic within the same physical infrastructure, improving security and manageability. VXLAN capabilities extend this segmentation across large-scale data center environments, allowing organizations to build flexible, scalable virtual networks.

This level of virtualization is particularly important in multi-tenant environments, cloud deployments, and organizations with diverse application requirements. By leveraging VLAN and VXLAN features, network administrators can isolate workloads while maintaining efficient resource utilization.

Support for Modern Data Center Fabrics

The Nexus 3548 Manageable Switch category is designed to integrate seamlessly into modern data center fabric architectures. Whether deployed in a traditional three-tier model or a spine-leaf topology, these switches provide the performance and feature set required to support east-west traffic flows and rapid application scaling.

Security Features and Network Protection

Built-In Security Mechanisms

The Cisco Nexus 3548 Manageable Switch category incorporates robust security features designed to protect data center networks from internal and external threats. These mechanisms include access control policies, traffic filtering, and support for secure management protocols. By enforcing security at the network edge, organizations can reduce attack surfaces and improve overall security posture.

Segmentation for Enhanced Security

Network segmentation plays a crucial role in security, and the advanced VLAN and VXLAN support in this category allows administrators to isolate sensitive workloads. This minimizes the risk of lateral movement within the network and helps maintain compliance with industry regulations and internal security standards.

Reliability, Redundancy, and High Availability

Resilient Hardware Design

Reliability is a fundamental requirement for data center infrastructure, and the Nexus 3548 category is engineered with this in mind. High-quality components, efficient thermal management, and redundant power options contribute to long-term operational stability. These design elements ensure consistent performance even under continuous heavy workloads.

High Availability Features

High availability is achieved through features that support rapid failover and minimal service disruption. These switches are designed to integrate into redundant network architectures, ensuring that critical applications remain accessible even during maintenance or unexpected failures.

Operational Continuity in Mission-Critical Environments

The ability to maintain uninterrupted network services is essential in industries such as finance, healthcare, and cloud services. The Cisco Nexus 3548 Manageable Switch category provides the tools and reliability required to support mission-critical operations where downtime is not an option.

Energy Efficiency and Data Center Optimization

Power-Efficient Design

Energy efficiency is an increasingly important consideration in data center operations, and the Nexus 3548 category addresses this through optimized power consumption and efficient cooling design. By reducing energy usage per port, these switches help organizations lower operational costs while supporting sustainability initiatives.

Optimized Rack Space Utilization

The compact, high-density design of the Cisco Nexus 3548 Manageable Switch allows organizations to maximize rack space utilization. This is particularly valuable in colocation facilities and large-scale data centers where physical space is at a premium.

Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

High-Frequency Trading and Financial Networks

One of the most prominent use cases for the Nexus 3548 category is in financial trading environments where latency directly impacts profitability. The ultra-low latency and deterministic performance of these switches make them a preferred choice for connecting trading servers and market data feeds.

Enterprise and Cloud Data Centers

Enterprises and cloud service providers leverage the Cisco Nexus 3548 Manageable Switch category to support scalable, high-performance data center networks. The combination of advanced Layer 3 features, automation support, and robust security makes these switches suitable for a wide range of enterprise workloads.

High-Performance Computing and Analytics

High-performance computing clusters and real-time analytics platforms require fast, reliable interconnects to process large volumes of data efficiently. The Nexus 3548 category provides the necessary bandwidth, low latency, and consistency to support these demanding applications.