N5K-C5596UP-FA Cisco Nexus 5596UP L3 Switch 48 SFP+ Port

Cisco N5K-C5596UP-FA Nexus 48-Port Layer 3 Switch Overview

Experience robust networking with the Cisco Nexus 5596UP, a high-performance Layer 3 managed switch designed for enterprise-grade data centers. With advanced management features, flexible expansion, and high port density, this switch ensures seamless connectivity and optimized network performance.

Key Features of Cisco Nexus 5596UP

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model: N5K-C5596UP-FA
• Type: 48-Port Layer 3 Managed Switch with SFP+
• Series: Nexus 5000 – engineered for scalable data center networks
• Chassis Model: 5596UP – reliable, modular design

Switch Chassis Specifications

• Product Name: Nexus 5596UP Switch Chassis
• Switch Chassis Type: Modular and scalable for enterprise deployment
• Expansion Slots: 6 slots for future-proof scalability and network growth

Interfaces and Connectivity Options

• USB Interface available for easy configuration and management
• 48 high-speed ports for optimal connectivity
• SFP+ support for enhanced uplink performance

Network Management & Protocol Support

• Layer 3 routing capabilities for efficient network traffic handling
• Fully manageable with multiple interfaces:
• Command Line Interface (CLI)
• SNMP v1, v2, v3 for monitoring and control
• RMON support for network analysis
• Telnet access for remote configuration
• DHCP support for dynamic addressing
• Syslog for logging network events
• QoS and VLAN support for traffic prioritization and segmentation
• MIB compliance for network management integration

Power and Reliability Features

• Input Voltage: Compatible with 110 V AC / 220 V AC
• Power Source: Standard power supply included
• Redundant Power Supply option for uninterrupted network operation

Cisco N5K-C5596UP-FA Nexus 48 Port Layer 3 Managed Switch

The Cisco N5K-C5596UP-FA Nexus switch represents a high-performance, enterprise-grade solution designed to deliver superior Layer 3 networking capabilities. With 48 ports and support for SFP+ modules, this managed switch is engineered for data centers, enterprise networks, and high-throughput environments. Its advanced features, including high-density connectivity, low-latency performance, and robust scalability, make it a preferred choice for organizations seeking reliable network infrastructure.

High-Density 48 Port Configuration

One of the key attributes of the Cisco N5K-C5596UP-FA switch is its high-density 48-port configuration. Each port is capable of delivering enhanced throughput and supports SFP+ connectivity, providing up to 10 Gigabit per second speeds. This makes it ideal for consolidating network infrastructure and reducing the need for multiple switches, which not only saves rack space but also optimizes energy efficiency and reduces cabling complexity.

Advanced SFP+ Support

The SFP+ ports on the Cisco N5K-C5596UP-FA enable high-speed fiber connectivity, supporting both short-range and long-range transceivers. This flexibility allows network administrators to deploy the switch in various environments, from high-density server clusters to campus aggregation layers. The SFP+ support ensures low-latency communication, essential for data-intensive applications, virtualization, and storage networks.

Compatibility with Fiber Optic Modules

Cisco’s commitment to interoperability ensures that the N5K-C5596UP-FA is compatible with a wide range of fiber optic modules. Network engineers can leverage both multi-mode and single-mode fiber solutions, depending on the distance and bandwidth requirements. This compatibility streamlines integration into existing network architectures without requiring extensive rewiring or additional hardware.

Layer 3 Routing and Advanced Networking Features

The Cisco Nexus N5K-C5596UP-FA is a fully managed Layer 3 switch, providing advanced routing capabilities essential for modern enterprise and data center networks. It supports protocols such as OSPF, BGP, EIGRP, and static routing, offering robust inter-VLAN routing and dynamic routing for scalable network designs. These capabilities allow organizations to optimize network traffic, improve redundancy, and ensure high availability.

Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF) Support

VRF technology enables network segmentation on a single physical device, allowing multiple independent routing tables. The N5K-C5596UP-FA supports multiple VRFs, making it ideal for multi-tenant environments or organizations with complex internal network segmentation requirements. This capability enhances security, reduces routing conflicts, and simplifies network management in large-scale deployments.

Quality of Service (QoS) and Traffic Management

With advanced QoS features, the N5K-C5596UP-FA can prioritize critical traffic, ensuring optimal performance for latency-sensitive applications such as VoIP, video conferencing, and real-time analytics. Network administrators can configure traffic shaping, policing, and prioritization policies to maintain consistent service levels across the enterprise network. These features are essential for maintaining high network performance in demanding data center environments.

Scalability and Modular Design

The N5K-C5596UP-FA is designed with scalability in mind, offering modular architecture and flexible expansion options. Its high port density allows organizations to scale horizontally without compromising performance. Additionally, it supports stacking and virtual device contexts (VDCs), enabling multiple switches to operate as a single logical unit, simplifying management and reducing administrative overhead.

Virtual Device Context (VDC) Technology

VDC technology allows a single physical switch to be partitioned into multiple logical switches, each with its own resources and administrative control. This feature is particularly beneficial for service providers and large enterprises requiring segmented network environments. VDCs enhance security, isolate traffic, and enable better resource allocation, ensuring that each network segment operates efficiently and independently.

High Availability and Redundancy

The Cisco N5K-C5596UP-FA includes advanced redundancy features such as dual supervisor modules, redundant power supplies, and in-service software upgrades (ISSU). These capabilities minimize downtime and maintain continuous network operations. Dual supervisor modules ensure failover in case of hardware or software failure, while redundant power supplies provide uninterrupted operation, making this switch ideal for mission-critical applications and 24/7 data center operations.

Security Features for Enterprise Networks

Security is a top priority in modern network infrastructure, and the N5K-C5596UP-FA provides comprehensive security measures to protect sensitive data. It supports role-based access control (RBAC), secure management protocols such as SSH and SNMPv3, and advanced access control lists (ACLs) to regulate traffic and prevent unauthorized access. These security measures ensure compliance with organizational policies and industry standards.

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

RBAC allows network administrators to define user roles and assign specific permissions, ensuring that only authorized personnel can configure or monitor the switch. This granular control enhances network security and reduces the risk of misconfigurations, particularly in large IT teams or multi-departmental organizations.

Advanced Access Control Lists (ACLs)

The N5K-C5596UP-FA supports both standard and extended ACLs, enabling precise traffic filtering and segmentation. ACLs can be applied to both inbound and outbound traffic, providing fine-grained control over network communications. This feature is critical for preventing unauthorized access, mitigating attacks, and ensuring compliance with security policies.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Considerations

Cisco has designed the N5K-C5596UP-FA with energy efficiency in mind. It incorporates features such as intelligent power management, fan speed optimization, and low-power SFP+ modules. These features help reduce energy consumption, lower operational costs, and minimize the environmental impact of large-scale data center deployments.

Power Management and Green Initiatives

The switch supports Cisco EnergyWise technology, which enables administrators to monitor and manage power consumption across the network. By optimizing energy usage, organizations can reduce carbon footprint and contribute to sustainability initiatives without compromising network performance. Additionally, the use of low-power components ensures that the switch operates efficiently even under heavy workloads.

Thermal and Noise Management

Advanced thermal management features allow the switch to adjust fan speeds dynamically based on temperature and workload. This not only improves energy efficiency but also reduces operational noise levels, creating a more comfortable data center environment. Proper thermal management extends the lifespan of the switch and ensures reliable performance in high-density deployments.

Management and Automation Capabilities

Effective network management is critical for maintaining operational efficiency, and the Cisco N5K-C5596UP-FA provides comprehensive management and automation tools. It supports Cisco NX-OS software, which offers a robust command-line interface (CLI), graphical user interface (GUI), and REST APIs for programmatic configuration. These capabilities enable streamlined operations, automated provisioning, and simplified troubleshooting.

Cisco NX-OS Software Platform

The NX-OS platform provides a stable, feature-rich operating environment for the N5K-C5596UP-FA. It includes advanced routing protocols, virtualization support, security features, and high availability capabilities. With NX-OS, network administrators can automate repetitive tasks, reduce configuration errors, and implement consistent policies across multiple switches.

Automation and Programmability

Automation features such as Python scripting, RESTful APIs, and Ansible integration allow network teams to implement network-as-code practices. This reduces manual configuration effort, accelerates deployment timelines, and ensures network consistency. Programmability also enables predictive analytics, capacity planning, and proactive issue resolution, optimizing the overall network performance and reliability.

Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

The Cisco N5K-C5596UP-FA is suitable for a wide range of deployment scenarios, including enterprise campus networks, data center aggregation layers, and high-performance computing environments. Its combination of high port density, Layer 3 capabilities, and advanced management features makes it ideal for organizations that require scalable, reliable, and secure network infrastructure.

Data Center Aggregation

In data center environments, the N5K-C5596UP-FA can serve as an aggregation switch, connecting multiple access layer switches to the core network. Its high throughput, low latency, and robust routing capabilities ensure efficient traffic flow between servers, storage devices, and external networks. This reduces network congestion and supports virtualization and high-bandwidth applications.

Enterprise Campus Networks

For enterprise campus networks, the switch provides advanced Layer 3 routing, VLAN segmentation, and QoS features. It enables secure, high-performance connectivity between different departments, buildings, or campuses, supporting collaboration, video conferencing, and cloud-based applications. The scalability of the switch ensures that network growth can be accommodated without requiring frequent hardware upgrades.

High-Performance Computing (HPC) and Virtualization

In HPC and virtualization scenarios, low-latency, high-bandwidth connectivity is essential. The SFP+ ports on the N5K-C5596UP-FA ensure fast communication between compute nodes and storage systems, while Layer 3 routing optimizes network paths. Virtualization features such as VDCs and VRFs allow isolated environments for different workloads, improving resource utilization and operational efficiency.