ETechBuy Blog Details

Cisco N9K-C93180YC-EX: Is This the Right Switch for You?

Cisco N9K-C93180YC-EX: Is This the Right Switch for You?

Posted:

07/23/2024
author-image
S. Iqbal

I am a computer technician with five years of experience. I hold a degree in Computer Science and several certifications in hardware, software, and networking. I work for Tech Inc. where I handle the installation, maintenance, and repair of IT equipment. I also provide training and assistance to staff and customers on how to use IT products and services.
Twitter : https://twitter.com/_ETechBuy

Data centers and enterprise network requirements are changing with the ever-evolving landscape of data centers, hence Cisco N9K-C93180YC-EX switch serves as the perfect solution offering reliability and high performance. This blog highlights this networking switch's features, advantages, and usage. 

 

Introduction to Cisco N9K-C93180YC-EX
The Cisco N9K-C93180YC-EX  is part of the Nexus 9300-EX series and supports cost-effective cloud-scale deployments, an increased number of endpoints, and cloud services with wire-rate security and telemetry. With modern system architecture, this switch offers a perfect combination of high performance, scalability, and investment protection, making it an ideal choice for growing enterprises and cloud-scale deployments.

 

High Bandwidth and Performance

With a total bandwidth of 3.6 Terabits per second, the Cisco 9300 Switch can process more than 2.6 billion packets in a second. This makes it an excellent choice for data centers that need high throughput and minimal latency.

 

•    25GBase-T for Fast Server Connections: With 48 SFP+ ports, you can connect high-performance servers and storage devices with a lightning-fast 25 Gigabit Ethernet connection. In addition to supporting demanding applications like real-time analytics, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing, this guarantees seamless data transport.
•    100G QSFP28 for Seamless Uplink Aggregation: You may aggregate traffic to your network core or cloud settings with ease thanks to the six QSFP28 ports, which offer high-bandwidth connection of up to 100 Gigabit Ethernet. This makes it possible to create data centers with efficiency and scale them seamlessly for future expansion.

 

Flexible Port Configuration
With 4 downlink ports, this network switch can be configured for different speeds i.e., (1G, 10G, or 25G) for flexible and high-performance networking requirements. It is important to note that six QSFP28 uplink ports allow for connections from 40G to 100G connections enabling seamless scalability as network demands grow.

 

•    Flexible Deployment Options: The switch can be configured to meet your unique network management requirements by supporting both Cisco NX-OS and ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure) modes.
•    Efficient Cooling: The N9K-C93180YC-EX's front-to-back airflow design maximizes cooling inside server racks, fostering dependability and energy savings.

 

Advanced Security Features

In every network environment, security is critical. Advanced security features of this network switch include extensive access control lists (ACLs) to prevent unwanted access, MACsec for link-layer encryption, and TrustSec for data encryption and segmentation.

 

Compatibility: 

This Cisco Switch is compatible with a wide variety of devices in different categories, such as; 

 

CategoryCompatible Devices
Servers and Storage

Servers: Cisco UCS, Dell PowerEdge, HP ProLiant, etc.

Storage: NetApp, Dell EMC, HPE, etc.

Networking DevicesSwitches/Routers: Cisco Nexus, Catalyst, non-Cisco switches/routers<br>Firewalls: Cisco ASA, Firepower, other firewalls
Transceivers and Cables

Transceivers: QSFP28 SR4, LR4, CWDM4, PSM4, SFP+, SFP

Cables: DAC, AOC, Breakout cables (QSFP28 to 4x 25G or 4x 10G)

Wireless Access Points Cisco Aironet, Catalyst series, Aruba APs, other brands supporting 1G/10G Ethernet
Network Management ToolsCisco DNA Center, Cisco Prime Infrastructure, SolarWinds, Nagios, other SNMP-compatible tools
SDN and AutomationCisco ACI, Open APIs for integration with Ansible, Puppet, Chef, other SDN controllers
Security AppliancesCisco ISE, other security solutions supporting standard Ethernet connectivity

 

Performance and Scalability
The data center switch goes beyond raw speed. It's equipped with features that optimize performance and scalability for your data center needs:

 

•    Low Latency for Real-Time Applications: The switch guarantees minimum delays in data transfer with a latency of less than 1 microsecond. Applications like high-frequency trading and video conferencing that demand real-time response must take this into consideration.
•    High Throughput for Demanding Workloads: With a switching capacity of 3.6 Terabits per second (Tbps), the switch can easily manage even the most taxing network workloads without experiencing any bottlenecks.
•    Investment Protection with Scalability: The N9K-C93180YC-EX is designed to accommodate future expansion. Because of its modular architecture, you may expand and update it in the future as your network's needs change.

 

Advanced Networking Features
The Cisco Nexus 93180YC-EX supports advanced networking features, including:


•    Software Defined Networking (SDN): It is compatible with Software Defined Networking (SDN), enabling automated and policy-driven administration.
•    VXLAN Support: Enables virtualized network design, improving scalability and flexibility.
•    Comprehensive Protocol Support: Provides extensive routing capabilities by supporting Layer 3 unicast and multicast routing protocols including BGP, OSPF, and EIGRP.

 

Technical Specifications 

Integrated Ports48x 1/10/25Gbps SFP+ & 6x 40/100Gbps QSFP28 Ports
Power Supplies Installed2x 650W Redundant PSUs (2x NXA-PAC-650W-PI)
Air FlowPort-Side Intake
Operating SystemNX-OS
Licenses InstalledLAN Enterprise
Switching Capacity3.6 Tbps
ManagementFully Manageable
Chassis Type1U Rack mountable
Rack Mounting KitSliding Rail Kit Included (3rd Party)
Active Ports48 + 6

 

Easy Management and Automation

This Cisco switch is built with management simplicity in mind. It is supported by the switch is Cisco NX-OS, a powerful operating system with extensive administration features. It is also compatible with the Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) from Cisco, which makes network automation and policy enforcement easier.

 

Use Cases:


•    Data Centers: For data centers that need high-density 25G and 100G connections, the N9K-C93180YC-EX is ideal. It is an excellent option for both conventional and cloud-based data centers because of its high port density, low latency, and sophisticated features.
•    Enterprise Networks: This switch offers the performance and dependability required to serve a broad range of applications, from phone and video to data analytics and beyond, for big companies with demanding network requirements.
•    Service Providers: The N9K-C93180YC-EX's scalability and strong performance allow service providers to retain operational efficiency while providing better services to their clients.

 

Is the Cisco Nexus 9300-EX N9K-C93180YC-EX Right for You?
For a data center that is expanding and needs a high-performance, future-proof switch, the N9K-C93180YC-EX is a great option. Organizations operating bandwidth-intensive applications and looking for a seamless cloud environment migration will benefit greatly from its outstanding connection, low latency, high throughput, and scalability.

 

Where can I shop for network switches? 

Find high-quality switches and other network accessories for all kinds of networks available in top brands at etechbuy.com 

For any queries or quotes, you can contact our network experts through live chat, call at (888) 719-5848 or email us at support@etechbuy.com 

 

FAQs: 

 

Can I use 10G or 1G devices with this switch?
Yes, the 48x 25GBase-T ports are backward compatible with 10GBase-T and 1GBase-T devices, allowing for flexible integration with existing network infrastructure.

 

Is the N9K-C93180YC-EX switch suitable for software-defined networking (SDN)?
Yes, the switch is compatible with Cisco’s Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) for SDN capabilities and supports open APIs for integration with third-party SDN controllers and automation tools like Ansible, Puppet, and Chef.

 

What network management tools can I use with this switch?
The switch is compatible with Cisco DNA Center for advanced network management and automation, as well as other tools like Cisco Prime Infrastructure and third-party solutions like SolarWinds and Nagios.

 

Does the switch support advanced security features?
Yes, the switch supports Cisco’s security features, including TrustSec, MACsec, and access control lists (ACLs). It can also integrate with the Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) for enhanced network access control and security policies.

Discover