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The Cisco N2K C2348 series of switches are designed specifically for data centers and have 10/100/1000 Ethernet connectivity. The series offers several models to cater to different requirements.
Cisco Nexus 2000 Series Switches
The Nexus 2000 series has a unified computing fabric switch that integrates with Cisco's data center switching and routing portfolio. The series has models with 48 ports known as the Fabric Extender (FEX). These FEXs are designed to work with Cisco Nexus 7000 series to extend the number of available server connections. A specific model is the Nexus 2348UP, which is an Ethernet switch with 48 1/10 Gigabit ports. It has a 1U form factor and uses Unified Ports technology to make all 48 ports 10G ports through the use of 10G SFP+ transceivers and cables or 1G SFP transceivers and cables.)
Power and PoE Models
Some Nexus fabric extenders have power and power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities. The 2348UP model can provide PoE to devices like IP phones, security cameras, and wireless access points. Powering these devices through the network cable eliminates the need for separate electrical wiring.
Applications and Scalability
The 48 port Cisco Nexus switch is used in various applications ranging from datacenter interconnect, aggregating all server connections to providing secure and seamless extensibility to worldwide interconnectivity. The switch provides a scalable and efficient solution for organizations seeking to optimize their data center networks while supporting a diverse set of applications and workloads. Another application of these switches is in market segments like large enterprises, telecom service providers, and government agencies. They help to consolidate and secure network resources while maintaining interconnectivity with global partners.
The Cisco Nexus® 2348T-GB-A layer 2 switch has some essential functionalities and features that assist in creating a flexible and reliable infrastructure for data centers. They include:
Scalable architecture
Cisco Nexus 2348T has a scalable structure which provides numerous options for growth. The 48-port switch enable organizations to connect and manage a significant number of devices in their data center. They support the development of an efficient and scalable infrastructure which allows organizations to adapt to service requirements. This allows organizations to adapt to existing and future connectivity needs while saving resources and time.
Programmable automation
Cisco Nexus 2348T switches support programmable automation. Network engineers can automate switch configuration using python scripts. They can also use ansible modules that are related to cisco and are relevant in automating network configuration. This helps in reducing manual configuration tasks and speeding up deployment.
Decoupled control and data plane
The Nexus Modular OS decouples the control from the data plane to enhance functional separation. This separation offers various advantages like simplified operational tasks. It also enables the implementation of innovative technology and services in terms of networking. Services at the control plane can be utilized to make intelligent decisions on how to forward traffic in the data plane. At the same time, the data plane can apply these decisions to traffic handling.
Virtual Port Channel (vPC)
Cisco nexus 2348 cisco switch support vPC. This technology permits the generation of a port-channel with another device and does not require that simultaneous endpoints be connected to a single switch. The Cisco Nexus vPC technology allows the EtherChannel to be extended across two Nexus switches, thus providing a great resiliency and redundancy solution. The features and merits of vPC are well accepted in virtualization environments, especially those with Cisco Nexus switches.
IPv6 and IPv4 support
These Nexus switches support both IPv6 and IPv4, which allows them to operate in networks using either of the two protocols. The ability to support dual-stack networks enhances flexibility and facilitates coexistence in an environment where both protocols are needed. IPv4 is the foundational protocol for almost all internet communication. On the other hand, IPv6 is the next-generation protocol, which provides an enlarged address space for devices in the network. Dual-stack support allows Nexus 2348T switches to interoperate with devices using IPv4 or IPv6.
Cisco Nexus N2K Series have various applications, which include;
Data Center, Network, and Storage Access Layer Connectivity
Nexus 2000 Series supports single and multi-tier data center topologies. It provides flexible options for connecting servers, virtual machines, and storage devices to a common network. It can be deployed in a regular data center network or in a VPlS environment where data centers are inter-connected via ethernet.
Scale and Simplify Network Operations
Cisco Nexus series switches provide extensive management and control tools. Their support for extend constrolling plane allows network administrators to manage network devices more efficiently.
Converged Infrastructures and Unified Computing Systems
With Nexus 2000 it is possible to conduct operations from a single interface while using Unified Computing Systems servers. These servers can be deployed in standalone configurations or integrated into blade server chassis.
High Availability and Resilient Network Designs
Cisco Nexus Series offers highly available network designs. For instance, the switches support virtual port channels, which are used to configure link aggregation across upstream parent switches. This helps to load balance traffic and enhance network resilence.
Also, Nexus 2000 series switches have built-in redundant and hot-swappable power supplies and fan modules. These features minimize the risk of system failure that may result into network downtimes.
Modular and Scalable Network Architectures
Network modern architectures require flexible solutions that can accommodate growth. Nexus 2000 series provide different switch models with various performance capabilities. This allows users to deploy appropriate switch for their specific need.
Additonally, these switches offer a range o finterface speeds, including 10-Gigabit Ethernet and Cisco Nexus 2000 model, which gives users the option to choose interface that meets their requirements.
When looking to purchase the Cisco Nexus 2000 Series Fabric Extenders, there are numerous factors that need to be considered to ensure they meet an organization’s technical and business requirements.
Determine Host Interfaces and Port Density Needs
First and foremost, evaluate the number of hosts needed to be connected and the required port density. The Cisco Nexus 2348T and Nexus 2348UP models provide 48 Gigabit Ethernet and 48 Ethernet ports, respectively. Organizations should assess their current and future connectivity needs and, in turn, select a model that will meet those requirements.
Evaluate Bandwidth Requirements
Consider the organization’s data transfer and application needs. If high performance or bandwidth-intensive applications are required, the Nexus 2230 series will be an ideal match since it supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
Evaluate Expansion Needs
When looking to purchase the right fabric extenders, potential scalability and expansion needs must be identified. If future growth is anticipated, consider investing in a model that will meet those requirements.
Evaluate Features and Functionality
Each model provides a unique set of features and capabilities. Organizations should consider their requirements and evaluate whether they need support for VXLAN, advanced QoS, CDP, LLDP, or application performance monitoring. In addition, determine which management options are ideal, including plugin min, Rest API management, or Cisco DNA Center management.
Determine Budget and Cost
Organizations should establish a budget for their fabric extender investment while an ideal model should be selected within that budget in light of the best value. That is, the model chosen should be the one that offers the best features and functionality for the price point.
Read Reviews and Compare Vendors
Be sure to read reviews of the various models from different sources to ensure they are aligned with expectations. In addition, comparing different vendors and their offerings can shed light on the best choice for the organization.
Evaluate Vendor Support and Services
Consider the level of support and services offered by Cisco and other vendors. Ensure that any potential supplier provides adequate pre-sale and after-sale support and has an efficient service and troubleshooting process.
Q: What is the AC power source of the Cisco Nexus 2000 Series?
A: The Cisco Nexus 2000 switch supports dual AC power supplies with a power consumption of 250 W for the 48-port models without PoE and 300 W for the 48-port models with PoE. The power supplies accept between 100 and 240 VAC at 50 to 60 Hz. The power supplies are hot-swappable and use a standard C13 power connector. The switch has power supply redundancy. If one power supply fails, the other one automatically takes over without turning off the switch.
Q: Are Cisco Nexus 2000 Series switches Layer 2 or Layer 3?
A: Cisco Nexus 2000 switches are Layer 2 devices. They do not have a management IP address because they depend on another Nexus switch to perform the management function. However, they can be configured to perform Layer 3 functions like routing if so desired.
Q: What is FCoE in Nexus 2000 switches?
A: Fibre Channel over Ethernet, or FCoE, is a protocol that enables Fibre Channel frames to be encapsulated in Ethernet frames. It helps converge SAN and Ethernet traffic on the same Cisco Nexus 2000 platform. FCoE uses Lossless Ethernet to ensure that Fibre Channel frames have sufficient bandwidth and low latency.