Cisco Nexus 9000 Series: N9K-C9364C – High-Density Cloud-Scale Switch for Next-Gen Data Centers

Jun 12 , 2025 7

Cisco Nexus 9000 Series: N9K-C9364C – High-Density Cloud-Scale Switch for Next-Gen Data Centers

Product Overview
The Cisco N9K-C9364C is a 2RU fixed-configuration switch designed for hyperscale data center deployments, delivering industry-leading port density and performance. As part of Cisco's Nexus 9000 cloud-scale portfolio, this switch addresses the growing demands of modern AI/ML workloads, distributed storage, and cloud-native applications.

Key Features & Specifications

• Port Configuration: 64x 100G QSFP28 ports (breakout capable to 256x 25G/10G)

• Switching Capacity: 12.8Tbps (full duplex)

• Forwarding Rate: 9.6B packets per second

• Latency: <700ns (cut-through mode)

• Power Efficiency: 6.5W per 100G port (typical)

• Advanced Capabilities:

• Hardware-accelerated VXLAN/EVPN (800Gbps)

• Precision timing with nanosecond synchronization

• Real-time telemetry at 1μs granularity

• MACsec encryption at 400Gbps line rate

• P4-programmable pipeline with runtime reconfiguration

Use Cases
✔ Hyperscale Data Centers: Ultra-high-density spine deployments
✔ AI/ML Infrastructure: High-performance GPU/TPU cluster connectivity
✔ Cloud Networking: Multi-tenant infrastructure with hardware isolation
✔ High-Frequency Trading: Ultra-low latency financial networks
✔ 5G Core Networks: High-capacity packet processing

Next-Generation Successor: N9K-C9480D (Projected 2026 Release)

Evolutionary Improvements

Strategic Advantages of Next-Gen Model

1. AI-Optimized Architecture: Hardware support for collective communications and in-network computing

2. Co-Packaged Optics: Integrated silicon photonics for 400G/800G connectivity

3. Quantum-Safe Networking: Support for post-quantum cryptographic algorithms

4. Deterministic Fabric: Sub-microsecond latency with <100ns jitter

5. Sustainable Design: 50% reduction in power per bit compared to previous generation

Migration Recommendations

1. Current Deployments: N9K-C9364C remains ideal for 100G-centric hyperscale environments

2. Future Planning: N9K-C9480D for upcoming 400G/800G requirements

3. AI/ML Workloads: Prioritize upgrade for distributed training scenarios

4. Green Data Centers: Leverage new model's energy efficiency improvements

5. Phased Transition: Maintain compatibility with existing 100G infrastructure

Conclusion
The N9K-C9364C sets a new standard for high-density data center switching, while the N9K-C9480D represents Cisco's vision for the future of networking with:

• Revolutionary 400G per port density

• AI-native distributed computing capabilities

• Unmatched energy efficiency

• Quantum-resistant security

• Carrier-class determinism

Network architects should consider:

• Bandwidth growth projections

• Emerging application requirements

• Sustainability goals

• Security compliance timelines

Alternative Title Options

1. "Cisco's Hyperscale Networking Evolution: From 100G to 400G"

2. "The Future of Data Center Switching: Cisco's 400G Breakthrough"

3. "AI-Ready Networking: Cisco's Next-Gen Cloud-Scale Portfolio"

4. "Sustainable High-Performance Switching: Cisco's Path to 51.2Tbps"