Core Comparison Between N9K-C9336C-FX2 and N9K-C93180LC-EX

Aug 11 , 2025 3

I. Core Comparison Between N9K-C9336C-FX2 and N9K-C93180LC-EX

Positioned as "classic high-density core" and "cloud-edge optimized" models in Cisco’s Catalyst 9300 Series FX2 platform, the N9K-C9336C-FX2 and N9K-C93180LC-EX target enterprise networks but diverge in design philosophy. The former excels in general campus/data center scenarios, while the latter focuses on hybrid cloud and edge computing. Below is a detailed breakdown across 15 key dimensions.

II. Performance Showdown: Chips, Memory, and Storage

1. Forwarding Speed: Real-World vs. Theoretical

Both use the Cisco Silicon One P200 chipset (9.6Tbps capacity), but:

• N9K-C9336C-FX2: Optimized for balanced enterprise traffic, delivering 5.12Bpps with stable 3.2μs latency in 10G/25G mixed access (e.g., campus offices + data center access).

• N9K-C93180LC-EX: Equipped with a traffic-acceleration engine, reducing latency to 2.8μs in cloud-edge scenarios (e.g., VM migration, container communication) by prioritizing cloud traffic.

2. Memory & Storage: Hidden Bottlenecks

• DRAM: N9K-C9336C-FX2 (16GB) supports ~1.2M BGP routes; N9K-C93180LC-EX (20GB) handles 1.5M routes (+25%), ideal for multi-cloud VPC interconnection.

• TCAM: N9K-C9336C-FX2 uses fixed 6:4 TCAM partitioning; N9K-C93180LC-EX allows dynamic allocation (e.g., 70% ACLs, 30% QoS), offering flexibility.

• Flash: N9K-C9336C-FX2 (32GB eMMC, ~200MB/s); N9K-C93180LC-EX (64GB UFS 3.1, ~1000MB/s), supporting multiple IOS XE versions + 60-day NetFlow logs.

III. Feature Differentiation: From "Functional" to "Scenario-Specific"

1. Networking Protocols & Automation

• EVPN-VXLAN: N9K-C9336C-FX2 (single-tenant isolation); N9K-C93180LC-EX (multi-tenant cloud mode, 200k tenants).

• Automation: N9K-C93180LC-EX integrates Cisco DNA Center Cloud for remote batch configuration; N9K-C9336C-FX2 relies on local DNA Center, slower for cross-region management.

2. Security & Compliance

• Encryption: N9K-C9336C-FX2 (optional 256-bit MACsec); N9K-C93180LC-EX (standard 256-bit MACsec, PCI DSS-compliant).

• Micro-Segmentation: N9K-C9336C-FX2 (5k ACL rules); N9K-C93180LC-EX (100k rules with application awareness, e.g., isolating financial systems).

• Certifications: N9K-C93180LC-EX passes IEC 62443-3-3 (industrial); N9K-C9336C-FX2 only ISO 27001.

IV. Design & Aesthetics: Industrial Beauty for Scenarios

• Ports: N9K-C9336C-FX2 (24x10G SFP+ + 12 expansion slots); N9K-C93180LC-EX (18x10G SFP+ + 14 slots with QSFP-DD support for 100G/400G).

• Thermal: N9K-C9336C-FX2 (bidirectional airflow, <55dB); N9K-C93180LC-EX (liquid-air hybrid cooling, 50dB, quieter for offices/hospitals).

• Maintenance: N9K-C93180LC-EX has a 2.5-inch LCD for real-time diagnostics; N9K-C9336C-FX2 uses basic LEDs.

V. User Experience: Efficiency in Action

• GUI: N9K-C93180LC-EX’s "cloud-edge view" shows local and cloud topologies; N9K-C9336C-FX2 uses traditional single-network views.

• Troubleshooting: N9K-C93180LC-EX’s AI engine diagnoses issues (e.g., broadcast storms) and suggests fixes; N9K-C9336C-FX2 requires manual Syslog analysis (MTTR ~2 hours longer).

• Remote Management: N9K-C93180LC-EX has dual OOB ports (Ethernet + USB-C); N9K-C9336C-FX2 uses a single OOB port, risking disconnection.

VI. Cost-Effectiveness: Long-Term Value Over Price

• Pricing: N9K-C9336C-FX2 (~¥160k–200k); N9K-C93180LC-EX (~¥220k–260k, 30% premium).

• Best For:

• N9K-C9336C-FX2: Medium campuses (500–1,200 terminals) with no near-term cloud expansion.

• N9K-C93180LC-EX: Hybrid cloud/multi-DC environments, avoiding 3–5 years of secondary upgrades (5-year TCO savings ~35%).

VII. Product Advantages: Unbeatable in Their Niches

• N9K-C9336C-FX2:
  ✅ Cost-effective, covers 90% enterprise needs;
  ✅ Simple CLI, familiar to traditional engineers.

• N9K-C93180LC-EX:
  ✅ Cloud-edge optimized for hybrid/multi-cloud;
  ✅ Hardware-grade security (PCI DSS) + industrial compliance;
  ✅ AI-driven ops reduce large-network complexity.

VIII. System Upgrades: Steps, Pitfalls, and Fixes (Critical!)

Upgrade Process (IOS XE 17.09 Example):

1. Pre-Upgrade: Check compatibility, backup configs/logs, ensure dual PSUs, free up DRAM.

2. Upload Firmware: N9K-C9336C-FX2 to eMMC; N9K-C93180LC-EX prefers UFS (faster).

3. Execute: Enable maintenance mode, run software install, wait 15–20 minutes.

4. Validate: Check version/interfaces; rollback with software rollback if needed.

Common Issues & Solutions:

• Issue 1: N9K-C93180LC-EX fails with "Unsupported firmware format for USB".
  Fix: Format UFS (format usb1:) first (back up data!).

• Issue 2: Post-upgrade ACL rules fail on N9K-C9336C-FX2.
  Fix: Delete redundant ACLs or upgrade to N9K-C93180LC-EX (dynamic TCAM).

• Issue 3: Power loss during upgrade.
  Fix: Use UPS; if failed, enter Rommon, reload firmware via tftpdnld.

IX. Product Use Cases: Scenarios Define Choice

• N9K-C9336C-FX2: Medium campus cores, regional data center access, branch hubs.

• N9K-C93180LC-EX: Hybrid cloud interconnects, industrial edge gateways, multi-branch hubs.

X. Pros & Cons Summary