Specifications ### General Information ? Product Name: Nexus 3172PQ-XL Layer 3 Switch ? Type: Layer 3 Switch ? Form Factor: 1U Rack-mountable Enclosure ? Manufacturer Part Number: N3K-C3172PQ-XL ### Networking Capabilities ? Ports: ? 48 x SFP+ Ports ? 6 x Quad SFP+ (QSFP+) Ports ? SFP+ Ports: Supports 1 Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet ? QSFP+ Ports: Supports 4 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet ? 40 Gigabit Ethernet: Each SFP+ Port ### Power Specifications ? Power Source: Power Supply ? Maximum Supported Power Supplies: 2 (installed) ? Power Consumption: 293 Watts ? Redundant Power Supply: Yes, supported #### Key Features ? High-density port configuration with 48 SFP+ and 6 QSFP+ ports ? Efficient power consumption with support for redundant power supplies ? Scalable performance with support for multiple Ethernet speeds #### Applications ? Ideal for enterprise networks requiring high bandwidth and flexibility ? Suitable for data centers with a need for high-density connectivity ? Perfect for environments where reliable and redundant power is essential ##### Product Compatibility ? Compatible with various networking modules and accessories ? Supports a range of network configurations and topologies ##### Support and Warranty ? Comprehensive technical support available ? Manufacturer warranty included for peace of mind ## Ports ### 48 Ports for High-Speed Connectivity The Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-XL Layer 3 Ethernet Switch is equipped with an impressive 48 ports, providing users with a high-speed connectivity solution for their network infrastructure. These ports offer a reliable and efficient way to connect various devices, including servers, switches, and routers, allowing for seamless data transfer and communication within the network. #### Increased Flexibility and Scalability With 48 ports at your disposal, you can easily expand your network infrastructure to accommodate the growing demands of your business. Whether you need to connect additional devices or allocate more resources to specific areas of your network, having an abundance of ports ensures that you have the necessary flexibility and scalability to meet your requirements. #### Enhanced Performance and Throughput The 48 ports on the Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-XL Layer 3 Ethernet Switch are designed to deliver exceptional performance and high throughput. Each port supports fast data transfer rates, allowing for quick and efficient communication between connected devices. This translates into reduced latency, improved response times, and increased overall network performance. ### Port Types and Configurations #### 48x 10 Gigabit Ethernet (SFP+) Ports The Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-XL Layer 3 Ethernet Switch features 48x 10 Gigabit Ethernet (SFP+) ports, offering versatile connectivity options for a wide range of devices. These ports support both copper and fiber connections, allowing you to choose the most suitable medium for your networking needs. Whether you require short-range connections within a data center or long-distance connections between multiple locations, these ports have you covered. #### Port Channeling for Aggregated Bandwidth To further enhance the capabilities of the 48 ports, the Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-XL Layer 3 Ethernet Switch supports port channeling. This feature allows you to combine multiple ports into a single logical interface, effectively increasing the available bandwidth. By aggregating the capacity of multiple ports, you can achieve higher throughput and improved network performance, particularly for bandwidth-intensive applications. ##### Improved Network Resiliency Port channeling not only boosts performance but also enhances network resiliency. In the event of a link failure, traffic can be automatically rerouted through the remaining functioning ports within the channel. This ensures uninterrupted connectivity and minimizes downtime, making it an essential feature for mission-critical environments where network availability is paramount. ##### Load Balancing and Traffic Distribution Port channeling also enables load balancing and traffic distribution across multiple ports within a channel. This intelligent distribution helps optimize network resources by evenly distributing data traffic across available links. By preventing bottlenecks and efficiently utilizing all available bandwidth, you can achieve maximum network efficiency. #### 1x 40 Gigabit Ethernet (QSFP+) Port In addition to the 48x 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports, the Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-XL Layer 3 Ethernet Switch provides a single 40 Gigabit Ethernet (QSFP+) port. This high-speed port offers even greater capacity and can be used for uplink connections to core switches or for interconnecting switches in a data center environment. ##### Simplified Network Architecture The presence of a 40 Gigabit Ethernet port simplifies network architecture by reducing the number of required uplinks. With this single high-speed port, you can consolidate multiple connections into one, eliminating cable clutter and reducing management complexity. This streamlined approach not only saves time but also reduces costs associated with cable infrastructure. ##### Future-Proofing Your Network Investing in a switch with a 40 Gigabit Ethernet port ensures that your network is ready for future growth and emerging technologies. As network demands continue to increase, having a high-capacity port allows you to seamlessly integrate new devices and applications without worrying about bandwidth limitations. This future-proofing capability ensures that your network remains efficient and adaptable in the long run. ### Conclusion The Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-XL Layer 3 Ethernet Switch’s 48 ports offer users a wide range of benefits, including high-speed connectivity, flexibility, scalability, enhanced performance, and improved network resiliency. With the ability to support both 10 Gigabit Ethernet (SFP+) and 40 Gigabit Ethernet (QSFP+) ports, this switch provides versatile options for various networking requirements. Whether you need to connect numerous devices, aggregate bandwidth for increased throughput, or future-proof your network infrastructure, the Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-XL Layer 3 Ethernet Switch’s 48 ports deliver the necessary features and capabilities to meet your needs.