Cisco Nexus 9504-FM-E: High-Performance Fabric Module for Nexus 9504 Chassis
Product Overview
The Cisco Nexus 9504-FM-E is a fabric module specifically designed for the Nexus 9504 chassis, providing the critical switching fabric that connects all line cards in the system. This module delivers high-bandwidth, low-latency connectivity for enterprise and service provider data center environments.
Key Specifications:
Chassis Compatibility: Nexus 9504 only
Bandwidth Capacity: 1.8Tbps per slot
Fabric Architecture: Non-blocking crossbar design
Latency: <1.2μs port-to-port
Redundancy: N+1 fabric redundancy support
Cooling: Front-to-back airflow (E variant)
Power Consumption: 250W typical
Performance Features:
✔ 1.8Tbps full-duplex bandwidth per slot
✔ Support for 1/10/25/40/100G Ethernet speeds
✔ Hot-swappable design for continuous operation
✔ Energy-efficient operation with dynamic power scaling
✔ Seamless integration with NX-OS software
Next-Generation Evolution: Nexus 9504-FM-X (Projected 2025)
Major Enhancements:
Bandwidth Capacity: 3.6Tbps per slot (2x improvement)
Latency: <600ns port-to-port
New Capabilities:
AI-driven fabric optimization
Enhanced telemetry for real-time monitoring
Support for 400G interfaces
25% improved energy efficiency
Compatibility: Backward compatible with existing line cards
Why Upgrade?
Future-proof infrastructure for 400G networks
Ultra-low latency for financial and HPC applications
Intelligent traffic scheduling
Improved operational visibility
Reduced power consumption
Conclusion:
The Nexus 9504-FM-E delivers reliable performance for current data center requirements, while the 9504-FM-X represents the next evolution with doubled bandwidth, significantly reduced latency, and AI-driven optimizations. The new fabric module maintains backward compatibility while offering the performance needed for next-generation applications and higher-speed deployments.