Core Comparison Between N9K-C93240YC-FX2 and N9K-C9336C-FX2-E

Aug 11 , 2025 3

I. Core Comparison Between N9K-C93240YC-FX2 and N9K-C9336C-FX2-E

As representative models of Cisco’s Catalyst 9300 Series FX2 platform, both switches target enterprise-grade high-reliability networks but differ significantly in positioning, specifications, and functional focus. The N9K-C93240YC-FX2 leans toward a "balanced all-rounder," ideal for small-to-medium data centers or campus cores, while the N9K-C9336C-FX2-E is an "expansion-enhanced" model, designed for ultra-large-scale deployments and high-density scenarios, better suited for cloud service providers or large enterprise core networks. Below is a detailed comparison across 10 key dimensions.

II. Hard Performance Parameter Comparison

1. Processing Speed and Forwarding Capability

The N9K-C93240YC-FX2 uses the Cisco Silicon One P100 chipset, delivering a switching capacity of 4.8Tbps and a packet forwarding rate of 2.56Bpps (for 64-byte packets), supporting line-rate forwarding in mixed 10G/25G access environments. In contrast, the N9K-C9336C-FX2-E is equipped with the upgraded Silicon One P200 chip, boosting switching capacity to 9.6Tbps and forwarding rate to 5.12Bpps, making it suitable for high-density 40G/100G port deployments and ultra-large traffic scenarios (e.g., east-west data center traffic bursts).

2. Memory and Storage Configuration

Both adopt dual DRAM architectures for redundancy, but the N9K-C93240YC-FX2 standardizes with 8GB DRAM + 2GB TCAM (for hardware table storage) and 16GB eMMC flash. The N9K-C9336C-FX2-E upgrades to 16GB DRAM + 4GB TCAM and 32GB flash, supporting larger routing tables (e.g., 30% more BGP routes) and longer log/debug data retention, beneficial for deep traffic analysis or SD-WAN integration.

III. Functional Features: From "Basic Sufficiency" to "Scenario Customization"

1. Basic Networking Functions

Both support VLANs, STP, OSPF/BGP, and integrate with Cisco DNA Center for automated deployment. Key differences lie in:

• EVPN-VXLAN: The N9K-C9336C-FX2-E supports "enhanced EVPN-VXLAN," capable of handling over 100,000 tenants in Overlay networks, ideal for multi-branch interconnection or hybrid cloud. The N9K-C93240YC-FX2 is limited to 50,000 tenants, better for single campuses or medium enterprises.

2. Security and Advanced Features

The N9K-C9336C-FX2-E integrates MACsec 256-bit encryption (hardware-accelerated), compliance with 802.1AE-2018, and hardware-based micro-segmentation for isolating critical traffic (e.g., databases vs. web services). The N9K-C93240YC-FX2 only supports 128-bit MACsec, with micro-segmentation relying on software policies (introducing ~5-10μs latency). Additionally, the former includes full NetFlow sampling, while the latter supports NetFlow-Lite, favoring users needing granular traffic monitoring.

IV. Design and Aesthetics: Practical Differences in Industrial Design

Both adopt 1U rack-mount designs with front-panel hot-swappable modular interfaces (supporting QSFP28, SFP28), but details reflect their positioning:

• Thermal Design: The N9K-C93240YC-FX2 uses "front/rear bidirectional ventilation" with 80mm×80mm×25mm fans, operating at <55dB, suitable for co-location near office areas. The N9K-C9336C-FX2-E, with higher power consumption (~15W more under typical loads), upgrades to 120mm×120mm×38mm fans (~60dB), requiring dedicated data center cooling.

• Port Layout: The N9K-C93240YC-FX2 offers 24 fixed 10G SFP+ ports + 4 expansion slots (QSFP28-compatible). The N9K-C9336C-FX2-E provides 36 fixed 10G SFP+ ports + 8 expansion slots, supporting mixed deployments (e.g., QSFP28 and QSFP+), enhancing flexibility.

V. User Experience: Balancing "Ease of Use" and "Customization"

• Management Interface: Both run Cisco IOS XE, with similar Web GUI logic. However, the N9K-C9336C-FX2-E’s GUI adds a "smart dashboard" that auto-identifies traffic peaks and recommends QoS policies, reducing operational complexity. The N9K-C93240YC-FX2’s GUI is simpler, appealing to CLI-centric engineers.

• Troubleshooting: The N9K-C9336C-FX2-E integrates embedded Telemetry, capturing real-time port utilization and error packet data (sampling as low as 1-second intervals) via gRPC for integration with tools like Prometheus. The N9K-C93240YC-FX2 relies on SNMP polling (~30-second latency).

VI. Cost-Effectiveness: Avoiding "Performance Waste"

• Pricing: Domestically, the N9K-C93240YC-FX2 ranges from ~¥120,000–150,000, while the N9K-C9336C-FX2-E costs ~¥200,000–230,000 (a 60%-70% premium).

• Use Cases: For networks under 500 terminals with no major expansion plans, the N9K-C93240YC-FX2 offers better cost-efficiency (performance redundancy <30%). For 1,000+ terminals, multi-data center interconnection, or cloud access, the N9K-C9336C-FX2-E’s scalability avoids secondary investments over 2–3 years, lowering long-term TCO.

VII. Product Advantages: Irreplaceability in Their Domains

• N9K-C93240YC-FX2:
  ✅ Cost-effective for budget-sensitive SMEs;
  ✅ Low-noise design compatible with office co-location;
  ✅ CLI-friendly for traditional network engineers.

• N9K-C9336C-FX2-E:
  ✅ Ultra-high port density and scalability for cloud/data center cores;
  ✅ Hardware-level security and Telemetry meeting compliance/deep ops needs;
  ✅ Smart GUI and automation reducing large-network management complexity.

VIII. System Upgrades: Steps, Common Issues, and Fixes

Upgrade Process (via Cisco DNA Center):

1. Check current version (show version) and confirm target version compatibility (matching model and License).

2. Upload firmware to the switch’s flash via DNA Center (retain one old version as a rollback backup).

3. Schedule upgrades during off-peak hours, enabling "maintenance mode" to avoid traffic disruption.

4. Execute the upgrade command (software install file flash:cat9k_iosxe.17.06.05.SPA.bin new); wait 10–15 minutes.

5. Verify success (show version, check interface status).

Common Issues and Solutions:

• Issue 1: Power loss during upgrade, rendering the device unbootable.
  Fix: Use redundant PSUs or UPS; if powered off, connect via Console, enter Rommon, and reload firmware via tftpdnld from a TFTP server.

• Issue 2: Post-upgrade functional anomalies (e.g., VXLAN tunnels failing).
  Fix: Check release notes for known bugs (via Cisco TAC); if compatibility-related, rollback with software rollback and await vendor patches.

IX. Product Use Cases and Advantage Summaries

• N9K-C93240YC-FX2:
  ▶ Medium enterprise campus cores (500–1,000 terminals, 10G access + Gigabit uplinks);
  ▶ Data center access layers (25G server interconnection, mixed 10G/25G ports);
  ▶ Branch aggregation nodes (low power, easy management, compatible with existing networks).

• N9K-C9336C-FX2-E:
  ▶ Large cloud data center cores (100G server interconnection, massive Overlay networks);
  ▶ Multi-data center interconnection (EVPN-VXLAN cross-center traffic, 100k+ tenants);
  ▶ Financial/government critical networks (hardware encryption + micro-segmentation meeting GB/T 22239-2019 Level 3).

X. Detailed Pros and Cons