Cisco N9K-C9508-FM-G 8 Slot 1.6 TBPS Switch Fabric Module

Cisco N9K-C9508-FM-G Nexus 9500 8-Slot Fabric Module

The Cisco N9K-C9508-FM-G is a high-performance 8-slot switch fabric module designed for the Nexus 9500 series. Engineered to handle large-scale data center traffic, this module ensures reliable, high-speed connectivity for demanding enterprise and cloud environments.

Key Features of Cisco N9K-C9508-FM-G

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: N9K-C9508-FM-G
• Module Type: Fabric Module
• Switching Capacity: 1.6 Tbps
• Flow Size: Up to 400 Gbps
• Power Consumption: Typical 685W

High-Speed Data Handling

• Supports large-scale traffic flows with minimal latency
• Optimized for 400 Gbps flow sizes, ideal for cloud-scale deployments
• Enables smooth expansion of data center networks

Redundant Architecture

• Supports redundant switching paths to prevent bottlenecks
• Minimizes downtime during maintenance or unexpected failures

Advanced Error Handling

• Automated traffic rerouting in case of link or module failure
• Enhanced diagnostics and monitoring for proactive management

Multi-Slot Support

• 8-slot configuration for maximum scalability
• Supports high-density modular designs for enterprise networks

Cloud-Scale Networking Ready

• Optimized for software-defined data center deployments
• Compatible with advanced network automation and orchestration tools

Enterprise Data Centers

• Supports heavy workloads and high-bandwidth applications
• Enables seamless connectivity between multiple Nexus switches

Cloud Service Providers

• Delivers scalable switching for large-scale cloud deployments
• Optimized for multi-tenant environments with high performance demands

Cisco N9K-C9508-FM-G Nexus 9500 Switch Fabric Module

The Cisco N9K-C9508-FM-G is a high-performance fabric module designed for the Nexus 9500 Series, providing unmatched scalability and flexibility for enterprise and data center networks. This 8-slot 1.6 TBPS cloud-scale switch fabric module is engineered to meet the demanding requirements of modern networking, including high bandwidth, low latency, and robust resiliency. The module integrates seamlessly into Cisco Nexus 9500 chassis, offering advanced switching capabilities that support critical enterprise applications and large-scale data center deployments.

Advanced Architecture and Performance

The N9K-C9508-FM-G module is based on Cisco's cloud-scale architecture, delivering up to 1.6 terabits per second of switching capacity. It employs high-density backplane interconnects and optimized fabric paths to ensure efficient data flow across all chassis slots. With this advanced architecture, network administrators can achieve predictable performance even under heavy traffic loads. The module’s hardware design minimizes latency, ensuring faster packet forwarding, reduced jitter, and improved overall network responsiveness.

Seamless Integration with Cisco Nexus 9500 Chassis

Engineered for full compatibility with the Nexus 9500 chassis, the N9K-C9508-FM-G module supports both existing and future line cards without performance degradation. It allows administrators to scale the network infrastructure efficiently while maintaining consistent operational behavior. Integration with Cisco's NX-OS software ensures simplified management, automated provisioning, and enhanced programmability. This tight integration supports advanced features such as Virtual Extensible LAN (VXLAN), Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) EVPN, and overlay network technologies.

High Availability and Redundancy Features

The Nexus 9500 fabric module is designed with high availability in mind. Redundant fabric paths and hot-swappable components allow the module to maintain continuous operation in the event of hardware failures. Network operators can implement active-active or active-standby configurations, enabling uninterrupted traffic forwarding and minimizing downtime for critical services. These reliability features make the N9K-C9508-FM-G module ideal for mission-critical data centers where network uptime is paramount.

Scalability and Flexibility in Large Data Centers

One of the most significant advantages of the N9K-C9508-FM-G is its scalability. The module supports multiple line cards across the Nexus 9500 chassis, enabling network expansion without compromising performance. This flexibility allows enterprises to deploy high-density 10, 25, 40, or 100 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces, providing the versatility needed to support a wide variety of workloads. Cloud service providers benefit from the module’s ability to handle unpredictable traffic patterns while maintaining low latency and high throughput.

Optimized for Cloud-scale Networking

The N9K-C9508-FM-G is specifically designed for cloud-scale data centers, supporting emerging technologies and modern application architectures. Its high-capacity fabric ensures consistent performance for virtualization, containerized applications, and distributed cloud services. By enabling deterministic performance, the module allows organizations to implement software-defined networking (SDN) strategies, streamline network automation, and simplify orchestration across multi-tenant environments.

Energy Efficiency and Operational Savings

Energy efficiency is a critical consideration for large-scale deployments. The N9K-C9508-FM-G fabric module incorporates power-optimized designs, reducing operational costs while maintaining high performance. Its intelligent cooling mechanisms and advanced power management features ensure minimal energy consumption, even under heavy network traffic conditions. These efficiencies contribute to a lower total cost of ownership and align with sustainability initiatives within modern enterprise networks.

Comprehensive Security and Compliance

Security is integral to the Cisco Nexus 9500 platform. The N9K-C9508-FM-G supports a wide range of security features, including hardware-based traffic segmentation, access control policies, and advanced threat detection capabilities. Integration with Cisco’s security ecosystem allows administrators to enforce consistent policies across the data center fabric. Compliance with industry standards ensures that the module meets the rigorous requirements of enterprise, financial, and government networks.

Programmability and Automation Capabilities

The fabric module provides extensive programmability, allowing organizations to automate network operations and reduce manual intervention. NX-OS APIs, Python scripting support, and integration with popular automation tools enable seamless deployment and management of complex network topologies. This level of automation accelerates service provisioning, reduces configuration errors, and allows IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than repetitive tasks.

Support for Multi-Tenant and Hybrid Environments

Modern data centers require support for multi-tenant and hybrid cloud deployments. The N9K-C9508-FM-G enables logical segmentation and virtualized networking, allowing multiple tenants to share the same physical infrastructure securely. Its robust performance ensures predictable bandwidth allocation, while the advanced fabric architecture supports overlay networks, enabling hybrid cloud connectivity and seamless integration with public cloud services.

Compatibility with Cisco Nexus Ecosystem

As part of the Cisco Nexus portfolio, the N9K-C9508-FM-G fabric module works seamlessly with other Nexus switches and modules. This ecosystem approach enables organizations to create unified, end-to-end data center networks with consistent performance and operational simplicity. Integration with Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) provides enhanced policy-driven automation, traffic optimization, and simplified management across hybrid IT environments.

Future-Proof Networking Investment

Investing in the N9K-C9508-FM-G ensures that enterprises and cloud providers can accommodate future network growth without replacing core infrastructure. The module’s high switching capacity, low latency, and broad support for advanced networking features make it an essential component for evolving network requirements. Organizations can deploy new services, expand bandwidth, and adopt emerging technologies while maintaining a stable and secure network foundation.

Key Advantages of Cisco N9K-C9508-FM-G Fabric Module

The N9K-C9508-FM-G provides several compelling benefits, including unmatched scalability, low-latency performance, energy efficiency, and robust security. Its seamless integration with Nexus 9500 chassis ensures smooth network expansion, while advanced automation capabilities reduce operational complexity. Enterprises and service providers can leverage the module to build resilient, high-performance networks that support modern workloads, cloud applications, and multi-tenant architectures.

Applications in Enterprise and Cloud Data Centers

This fabric module is ideal for large-scale enterprise data centers, service provider networks, and cloud environments. It supports high-density computing, virtualization, and containerized workloads, enabling efficient data processing and low-latency communications. Network operators can implement multi-tier architectures, connect distributed resources, and support mission-critical applications without compromising performance or reliability.

Enhanced Monitoring and Analytics

Advanced telemetry and analytics features provide comprehensive insights into traffic patterns, device health, and network performance. Administrators can monitor fabric utilization, detect anomalies, and optimize resource allocation in real-time. This proactive monitoring enhances operational efficiency, improves troubleshooting, and ensures predictable performance for demanding applications.

Optimized for Software-Defined Data Centers

The module’s integration with software-defined networking frameworks allows organizations to implement policy-driven automation, network virtualization, and dynamic resource allocation. It supports orchestration platforms and cloud management tools, enabling seamless provisioning of network services and alignment with business objectives. These capabilities are essential for organizations adopting next-generation, software-defined data center strategies.