Cisco Nexus 9348GC-FXP: Powering the Modern Data Center Edge

Jun 04 , 2025 21

Cisco Nexus 9348GC-FXP: Powering the Modern Data Center Edge

1. N9K-C9348GC-FXP: The Engine for Demanding Networks
The Cisco Nexus 9348GC-FXP switch is a high-performance, fixed-port aggregation switch designed for top-of-rack (ToR) and middle-of-row deployments in enterprise and cloud data centers. It tackles the surge in east-west traffic and bandwidth-intensive applications head-on.

2. Performance Benchmarks: Speed, Memory & Storage

• Processing Muscle: Built with powerful ASICs, it delivers wire-speed switching at 1.7 Tbps and forwarding rates up to 1.2 Bpps, easily outpacing older aggregation switches for latency-sensitive workloads.

• Ample Runway: Equipped with 16 GB of DDR4 memory, it efficiently handles large routing tables, complex ACLs, and extensive buffers during traffic bursts.

• Flexible Storage: Features 16 GB of internal bootflash for the OS and configurations, plus dual modular SSD slots (up to 960 GB each) for extensive logging, analytics capture, or container storage – a significant advantage over fixed-storage models.

3. Core Functionality: Beyond Basic Switching

• High-Density Connectivity: Offers 48 fixed 1/10G SFP+ ports and 6 fixed 40/100G QSFP28 ports, providing massive flexibility for server and uplink connections.

• Cisco Cloud Scale ASIC: Enables advanced features like fine-grained telemetry (Visibility & Analytics), microsecond-level latency, and robust security (MACsec encryption on all ports).

• VXLAN/EVPN Ready: Provides essential hardware-based overlay networking for seamless multi-tenancy and stretched layer-2 domains across the fabric.

• Programmability: Full support for open APIs (NETCONF/RESTCONF), Python scripting, and integration with Cisco NX-OS SDK and Ansible for automation.

4. Design & Build: Form Meets Function

• Compact & Dense: The 1RU form factor packs exceptional port density, crucial for space-constrained racks. Its robust metal chassis ensures durability.

• Intelligent Cooling: Features port-side exhaust (PSE) or reversible airflow (FXP model) options, plus variable-speed fans intelligently adjusting based on thermal load, reducing unnecessary noise and power draw.

• Clear Visibility: A comprehensive status LED panel provides instant visual health checks for power, system, and individual ports.

5. User Experience: Streamlined Operations

• NX-OS Familiarity: Runs the mature, feature-rich Cisco NX-OS, offering a consistent operational experience for existing Cisco network teams, reducing training overhead.

• Intuitive Management: Managed efficiently via CLI (beloved by engineers), Cisco DCNM for fabric-wide orchestration, or the embedded GUI for simpler tasks.

• Predictable Upgrades: Hitless In-Service Software Upgrades (ISSU) minimize downtime during maintenance windows.

6. Investment & Value: Total Cost of Ownership

• Premium Positioning: As a high-performance Nexus switch, it commands a higher initial price than access-layer switches (like the 2960 series) but delivers significantly greater bandwidth, features, and scalability.

• Long-Term Value: High port density reduces per-port costs. Energy-efficient design and modular power supplies (1+1 redundancy) lower operational expenses (power, cooling, spares) over its lifespan. The robust hardware and software ensure longevity.

7. Power Efficiency: Sustainable Performance

• Engineered for Efficiency: Utilizes advanced ASICs and power supplies designed for high performance per watt. Typical power consumption ranges from 150W to 250W depending on module usage and load.

• DC Power Option: Supports -48V DC power supplies, often preferred in data centers for efficiency and compatibility with backup systems.

• Smart Features: Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) on copper ports (via SFP-T) dynamically reduces power during low link utilization.

8. Compatibility & Expansion: Fitting Seamlessly

• Fabric Integration: Designed as a key leaf node in Cisco ACI or standalone NX-OS fabrics, seamlessly connecting to spine switches (like Nexus 9500/9600) via 40G/100G uplinks.

• Server & Storage Ready: Compatible with a vast array of 1G/10G/25G NICs and HBAs from major vendors (Intel, Broadcom, QLogic, Emulex). Supports FCoE and iSCSI for unified storage networking.

• Module Flexibility: The two network module slots (N9K-MOD#) allow adding ports (e.g., additional 40G/100G) or capabilities like the N9K-MOD-P (programmability module).

• Software Ecosystem: Integrates with Cisco Intersight, AppDynamics, and third-party monitoring/ticketing systems via APIs and standard protocols (SNMP, Syslog, NetFlow).

9. Software & Support: The Backbone of Reliability

• NX-OS Stability: Benefits from Cisco's continuous development and hardening of NX-OS, providing a stable and secure foundation.

• Long-Term Support: Cisco offers extensive software maintenance releases (SMRs) and security patches under standard SMARTnet contracts.

• Comprehensive Resources: Access to Cisco's vast technical documentation, online communities (Cisco DevNet), and TAC support provides critical assistance.

10. Where It Excels: Ideal Use Cases

• High-Performance Server Farms: Aggregating traffic from racks of 10G/25G servers running virtualization, databases (Oracle, SQL), or big data platforms (Hadoop, Splunk).

• Private/Cloud Data Centers: Serving as a flexible and scalable ToR switch supporting multi-tenancy with VXLAN/EVPN.

• Media & Entertainment: Handling high-bandwidth video editing workflows and content distribution.

• High-Frequency Trading: Where microsecond latency and reliable 10G/40G connectivity are paramount.

• Consolidated Edge: Replacing multiple older access/aggregation switches with a single high-density, high-throughput platform.