N9K-C9504-B2-R Cisco Nexus 9504 Chassis Bundle Managed Rack-mountable Switch

Cisco Nexus 9504 Chassis Overview

The Cisco N9K-C9504-B2-R Nexus 9504 Chassis Bundle represents a high-performance, scalable, and versatile solution for modern data centers. This managed rack-mountable switch is designed to meet the growing demands of enterprise networks and service providers by delivering enhanced throughput, reliability, and programmability. With its modular architecture, the Nexus 9504 chassis supports flexible deployment options, allowing network administrators to tailor configurations according to organizational needs.

Scalability and Modular Architecture

The Nexus 9504 chassis is engineered for seamless scalability, providing the capacity to handle increasing network traffic and evolving workloads. The modular design allows for multiple supervisor engines, line cards, and fabric modules, which can be added or upgraded as network demands grow. This ensures that enterprises can extend their network infrastructure without the need for complete replacement, reducing both capital expenditures and operational disruption. With up to 6 fabric modules supported in this bundle, the system guarantees robust high-speed interconnectivity between line cards, ensuring low-latency data transfer and high throughput.

High Availability Features

Reliability and continuous operation are critical in enterprise networking. The Cisco Nexus 9504 chassis provides redundant power supplies and supervisor engines, ensuring minimal downtime in the event of component failure. The inclusion of dual supervisors with stateful failover capability allows for uninterrupted management and forwarding operations. Redundant fabric modules further enhance system resilience, enabling failover without packet loss or disruption to mission-critical applications. These features make the Nexus 9504 a preferred choice for data centers that demand 24/7 uptime and high availability.

Power and Thermal Management

The Cisco Nexus 9504 bundle includes three power supplies, ensuring sufficient redundancy and capacity to support maximum system configurations. The advanced power management system monitors and balances load distribution across power supplies, optimizing energy efficiency while maintaining consistent performance. Integrated thermal management features provide efficient cooling to the chassis components, protecting against overheating and ensuring operational reliability even under high traffic loads. Intelligent fans and sensors dynamically adjust cooling based on environmental conditions and workload, minimizing energy consumption while sustaining optimal temperatures.

Advanced Layer 3 Capabilities

Equipped with Layer 3 functionality, the Nexus 9504 switch enables robust routing capabilities essential for modern enterprise networks. Support for multiple routing protocols including OSPF, BGP, and EIGRP allows for flexible network designs and integration with existing infrastructures. The switch supports advanced features such as route aggregation, policy-based routing, and VRF (Virtual Routing and Forwarding), enabling efficient traffic segmentation and secure routing between multiple tenants or departments. Layer 3 services enhance network performance by optimizing routing decisions and reducing latency for critical applications.

Comprehensive Management and Automation

The Cisco Nexus 9504 chassis offers extensive management tools and automation capabilities, streamlining operational tasks and reducing administrative overhead. With Cisco NX-OS software, administrators gain access to a unified interface for configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting. Automation features include programmable APIs and support for Python and Ansible, enabling seamless integration with orchestration platforms and automated workflows. These tools enhance network agility, allowing rapid deployment of services, efficient fault detection, and proactive network optimization. Built-in telemetry and analytics provide real-time insights into performance metrics, capacity planning, and predictive maintenance.

Security and Compliance

Security is a critical aspect of the Cisco Nexus 9504 switch, which incorporates comprehensive protection mechanisms to safeguard network infrastructure. Role-based access control (RBAC) ensures that only authorized personnel can access management functions, while secure management protocols such as SSH, SNMPv3, and HTTPS protect administrative traffic. Network segmentation through VLANs and VRFs limits exposure of sensitive data, and access control lists (ACLs) enforce granular security policies. The switch also complies with industry standards and best practices for data center security, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and corporate policies.

Flexible Deployment Options

The Cisco Nexus 9504 Chassis Bundle is designed for versatile deployment in various data center architectures. Its 4-slot chassis can be integrated into top-of-rack, end-of-row, or core switching configurations, providing flexibility in network design. The modular line cards and fabric modules allow customization to support diverse connectivity requirements, including high-density 10/25/40/100 Gigabit Ethernet ports. This adaptability enables organizations to optimize performance and cost-effectiveness, supporting both current needs and future growth. With hot-swappable components, maintenance and upgrades can be performed with minimal disruption to operations.

Support for High-Performance Applications

The Nexus 9504 chassis excels in supporting high-bandwidth, low-latency applications, making it suitable for cloud computing, virtualization, and large-scale storage networks. Its architecture is optimized for east-west traffic prevalent in modern data centers, delivering consistent performance across compute and storage clusters. The switch’s ability to handle large-scale, high-speed data transfers ensures that applications such as big data analytics, artificial intelligence workloads, and video streaming operate efficiently without bottlenecks. Advanced QoS (Quality of Service) features prioritize critical traffic, maintaining service-level agreements and enhancing user experience.

Integration with Cisco Ecosystem

Seamless integration with other Cisco solutions enhances the value of the Nexus 9504 chassis. The switch works in concert with Cisco ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure), Cisco DNA Center, and Cisco UCS (Unified Computing System) to provide a unified, programmable, and automated network environment. This integration simplifies policy enforcement, improves visibility across the network, and enables coordinated management of compute, storage, and network resources. Enterprises benefit from a cohesive infrastructure that reduces complexity, enhances operational efficiency, and accelerates time-to-service for new applications.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Considerations

The Nexus 9504 switch is designed with energy efficiency in mind, balancing performance with sustainability. Advanced power optimization techniques reduce energy consumption without compromising system reliability. Variable-speed fans and intelligent power allocation minimize operational costs while ensuring proper cooling and stability. By deploying energy-efficient switches, organizations can reduce their carbon footprint and comply with environmental standards, contributing to a greener data center infrastructure. Energy efficiency also translates into cost savings over the switch’s lifecycle, providing both ecological and financial benefits.

Technical Specifications and Connectivity

The Cisco N9K-C9504-B2-R bundle includes a range of technical features that enhance connectivity and operational performance. With support for multiple supervisor engines, six fabric modules, and three power supplies, the chassis ensures robust redundancy and scalability. Line card options support high-speed Ethernet interfaces, enabling flexible network configurations tailored to specific data center requirements. The system’s backplane capacity allows simultaneous high-speed data transfers, while its management interfaces provide simplified configuration and monitoring. Comprehensive diagnostics and monitoring tools facilitate proactive maintenance and fault detection, ensuring consistent network performance.

Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

The Cisco Nexus 9504 chassis is suitable for diverse deployment scenarios, including enterprise core networks, data center aggregation layers, and cloud service provider infrastructures. Its high-density connectivity, modularity, and advanced Layer 3 capabilities make it ideal for supporting virtualized environments, multi-tenant networks, and converged infrastructures. Organizations can leverage the Nexus 9504 to build resilient, high-performance networks that scale with business growth, support complex applications, and maintain strict security and compliance standards. Its flexibility and reliability position it as a strategic investment for long-term network expansion and modernization.