Cisco Nexus N9K-X9736C-FX: Next-Generation 400G/800G Line Card
Product Overview
The Cisco Nexus N9K-X9736C-FX is a high-density 36-port line card for the Nexus 9000 Series, delivering cutting-edge 400G connectivity with future-ready 800G capabilities. Designed for hyperscale data centers and AI/ML workloads, this advanced module provides exceptional performance, scalability, and intelligence for modern network infrastructures.
Key Specifications:
Port Configuration: 36 x 400G QSFP-DD (800G-ready with optics upgrade)
Throughput: 14.4Tbps switching capacity
Latency: <700ns port-to-port
Processor: Cisco Silicon One G3 ASIC
Memory: 64GB DDR5 for packet buffering
Security: MACsec 256-bit encryption (quantum-safe ready)
Cooling: Variable-speed fans with airflow control
Performance Features:
✔ 400G native with 800G capability via software
✔ Breakout support to 4x100G or 2x200G per port
✔ AI-powered traffic engineering
✔ Precision timing (PTP) for financial applications
✔ Energy-efficient design (3.5W per 100G)
Next-Generation Evolution: Nexus N9K-X9672C-GX (Projected 2027)
Major Enhancements:
Port Density: 72 x 800G OSFP ports
Throughput: 28.8Tbps (2x capacity)
Latency: <350ns (50% reduction)
New Capabilities:
Co-packaged optics support
Autonomous network operations
In-band network telemetry
Photonic integration
Power Efficiency: 40% improvement per bit
Why Upgrade?
Support for 1.6T emerging standards
AI-native architecture with on-chip ML
Photonic switching capabilities
Zero-touch provisioning
Sustainable networking with reduced carbon footprint
Conclusion:
The N9K-X9736C-FX establishes a new benchmark for 400G/800G networking, while the N9K-X9672C-GX represents the future of data center switching with photonic integration and AI-native operation. This evolution maintains backward compatibility while delivering revolutionary improvements in density, performance, and automation for next-generation applications.