Cisco Nexus 9000 switches run the leaf and spine fabrics inside many data centers. The fixed Nexus 9300 models are popular, because they pack dense 25G and 100G ports into 1RU or 2RU.
This guide explains the roles of the 93180YC-FX, 93180YC-FX3, 9336C-FX2 and 9364C. It also covers the UCS 2408 IO module, which links Cisco UCS blade chassis to the fabric.
Leaf and spine in a Cisco Nexus 9000 fabric
In a leaf and spine design, servers plug into leaf switches. Every leaf then connects to every spine, so traffic between any two servers takes a short, predictable path. As a result, you can add capacity by adding leaves or spines.
Nexus 9300 switches can run in NX-OS mode or as part of Cisco ACI. For example, the N9K-C9364C runs in ACI spine mode or NX-OS mode. So decide on the operating mode before you build a parts list.
Cisco Nexus 9000 leaf switches
Leaf switches face the servers, so port speed and count matter most. Two popular leaf models share the same layout.
Nexus 93180YC-FX
The N9K-C93180YC-FX has 48 ports at 1/10/25G and six 40/100G uplinks, with 3.6 Tbps of capacity. In addition, its SFP28 ports can run 16G or 32G Fibre Channel with a license. That makes it handy where storage and Ethernet share a rack.
Nexus 93180YC-FX3
The N9K-C93180YC-FX3 is a 1RU switch with the same 48 by 25G and six by 100G layout. It is also rated at 3.6 Tbps. However, it can run in FEX mode as well, which adds flexibility in mixed designs.
FX or FX3?
Both models share a port layout, so the choice often comes down to features and budget. If you need Fibre Channel on server ports, check the FX licensing. Meanwhile, the FX3 is the newer model, which matters when you want the longest support runway.
Cisco Nexus 9000 spine and aggregation switches
Spine switches link the leaves together, so they need many fast ports. Two models cover small and large fabrics.
Nexus 9336C-FX2
The N9K-C9336C-FX2 has 36 ports at 40/100G with breakout support, for 7.2 Tbps. So one port can split into several lower speed links when needed. That makes it a flexible spine or aggregation switch for smaller fabrics.
Nexus 9364C
The 9364C is a 2RU spine with 64 ports at 40/100G plus two 1/10G SFP+ ports. It is rated at 12.84 Tbps. Because of that density, it suits larger fabrics with many leaf switches.
Cisco UCS and the 2408 IO module
Cisco UCS combines blade servers, IO modules and fabric interconnects into one system. The UCS-IOM-2408 is a fabric extender that sits in the blade chassis. It has eight 25G uplink ports, 1.04 Tbps of switching and up to 320 Gbps of I/O to the chassis.
The IO module links the chassis to the fabric interconnects. So check your fabric interconnect model before you order, because the 2408 uses 25G uplinks.
Optics for Cisco Nexus 9000 switches
Dense switches need the right optics, especially at 25G and 100G. For 25G server ports, the SFP-25G-SR-S works over multimode fiber, but the host port needs RS-FEC. Meanwhile, for 100G, the QSFP-100G-SR1.2 BiDi module runs over duplex LC multimode fiber.
Our Cisco optics guide covers the full range of modules and distances.
New vs used Cisco Nexus 9000 hardware
Used Nexus switches are popular for lab fabrics, spares and expansions of existing pods. Silverback tests used units before they ship. Still, match software versions across the fabric before you add a used switch.
New units make sense for a fresh build with a long support horizon. Either way, ask for new or used condition on every line. For the wider range, see our Cisco buyer's guide.
Common mistakes with Cisco Nexus 9000 orders
Most problems with data center orders come from small details. So check these before you send a parts list.
- Mixing modes, since an ACI fabric and an NX-OS fabric need different software setups.
- Forgetting RS-FEC on 25G ports that use SR optics.
- Buying a spine with too few ports for future leaf switches.
- Ordering a UCS IO module without checking the fabric interconnect model.
- Leaving out spare power supplies and fans for critical switches.
In short, plan the whole pod, not just the switches. That way, the optics, cables and spares all arrive together.
Cisco Nexus 9000 and UCS part numbers we supply
Silverback supplies every part below, new and used, tested before it ships.
| Part number | Product | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| N9K-C93180YC-FX | Nexus 93180YC-FX leaf switch | 48x 1/10/25G SFP28 and 6x 40/100G, 3.6 Tbps, FC with license |
| N9K-C93180YC-FX3 | Nexus 93180YC-FX3 leaf switch | 1RU, 48x 1/10/25G and 6x 40/100G, 3.6 Tbps, FEX mode |
| N9K-C9336C-FX2 | Nexus 9336C-FX2 switch | 36x 40/100G QSFP28 with breakout, 7.2 Tbps |
| N9K-C9364C | Nexus 9364C spine switch | 2RU, 64x 40/100G and 2x 1/10G, 12.84 Tbps, ACI or NX-OS |
| UCS-IOM-2408 | UCS 2408 Fabric Extender (IO module) | 8x 25G uplinks, up to 320 Gbps to the blade chassis |
Send us the part number and get pricing and lead time within one business day. You can also request a quote or browse our inventory. Full specs are on the Nexus 9364C data sheet and related Cisco pages.
Decommissioning and buyback
Data center refreshes free up switches, IO modules and servers. Silverback buys back retired gear and provides certified data destruction for drives. Our data center decommissioning checklist walks through each step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Nexus 9364C run Cisco ACI?
Yes. The N9K-C9364C runs in ACI spine mode or in NX-OS mode.
What is the difference between the 93180YC-FX and 93180YC-FX3?
Both have 48 ports at 1/10/25G and six 40/100G uplinks. The FX can run Fibre Channel on its SFP28 ports with a license, while the FX3 can also run in FEX mode.
What does the UCS-IOM-2408 connect to?
It is a fabric extender that sits in a UCS blade chassis. Its eight 25G uplinks connect the chassis to the fabric interconnects.
Which optic should I use for 25G server ports?
The SFP-25G-SR-S covers 70m on OM3 and 100m on OM4. Make sure RS-FEC is on for the host port.
Do you supply used Nexus switches?
Yes. Silverback supplies new and used Nexus switches, tested before they ship. Request pricing for any model.
Get a quote for Cisco Nexus 9000 switches
Send your list of leaf, spine and UCS parts, from one spare to a full pod. We reply with pricing and lead time within one business day.
Call (888) 391-5211 or request a quote online. Also tell us whether you want new or used condition.
