N3K-C3172PQ-XL Nexus 3172PQ, 48xSFP+ & 6 QSFP+ Ports, Extended Memory

Cisco Nexus N3K-C3172PQ-XL – High-Performance 10/40GbE Data Center Switch

The Cisco Nexus N3K-C3172PQ-XL is a high-performance, low-latency data center switch designed for scalable, high-density 10/40GbE networking. It features 48x SFP+ ports for 10GbE connectivity and 6x QSFP+ uplink ports for 40GbE aggregation, ensuring superior throughput and low-latency switching. With extended memory, it supports larger routing tables and enhanced buffer capacity, making it ideal for cloud-scale networking, high-frequency trading, and enterprise data centers. Powered by Cisco NX-OS, it delivers advanced automation, programmability, and network visibility, ensuring seamless integration with modern data center architectures.

Product Specifications: Cisco Nexus N3K-C3172PQ-XL

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main use case for the Cisco Nexus N3K-C3172PQ-XL?

The Nexus 3172PQ-XL is designed for high-performance data centers, cloud environments, and financial networks requiring low-latency switching, high-density 10GbE/40GbE connectivity, and advanced automation capabilities.

2. What is the benefit of the extended memory in the N3K-C3172PQ-XL model?

The extended memory enables larger routing table support, improved buffering, and enhanced performance for large-scale environments handling heavy workloads.

3. Does the Nexus 3172PQ-XL support VXLAN?

Yes, it fully supports VXLAN for network virtualization, allowing scalable and flexible multi-tenant environments.

4. What airflow options are available for the N3K-C3172PQ-XL?

The switch is available in front-to-rear (F2R) and rear-to-front (R2F) airflow configurations, ensuring optimal cooling for different rack deployments.

5. What automation and programmability features are supported?

The switch supports Python scripting, RESTful APIs, Cisco NX-API, Puppet, Chef, and Ansible, enabling seamless network automation and orchestration.

6. What security features does this switch offer?

The N3K-C3172PQ-XL includes MACsec encryption, role-based access control (RBAC), secure boot, and control-plane protection, ensuring high-level security for critical workloads.

7. What is the power supply configuration?

The switch comes with dual hot-swappable AC or DC power supplies, ensuring redundancy and high availability.

8. Does the Nexus 3172PQ-XL support MPLS?

Yes, it supports Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) for efficient traffic engineering and service provider-grade networking.

9. Can this switch be managed using Cisco ACI?

While the Nexus 3172PQ-XL is primarily a NX-OS-based switch, it can integrate with Cisco ACI environments using VXLAN and programmability features.

10. Where can I find the official Cisco data sheet for this model?

You can access the official Cisco Nexus 3172PQ-XL data sheet here.