Cisco Nexus 56128P 2RU: 48x 10G SFP+ and 4x 40G QSFP+ Fixed Ports (Base)

In today’s data centers, virtualization deployments have become commonplace, and this trend is accelerating as 10 Gigabit Ethernet servers become more affordable and widespread. The Cisco Nexus 56128P 2RU switch is purpose-built to meet the demands of modern virtualization, cloud, and multi-tenant environments by delivering dense, predictable connectivity in a compact footprint. With 48 fixed 10G SFP+ ports and 4 fixed 40G QSFP+ uplinks, this platform provides a reliable foundation for high-bandwidth workloads, virtual desktop infrastructure, and hyperscale applications, all while simplifying cabling, reducing latency, and enabling rapid, policy-driven networking. Built to support leaf-spine fabrics and software-defined data centers, the Nexus 56128P is designed to help administrators deploy, optimize, and scale complex networks with confidence. Whether you’re consolidating servers, accelerating application mobility, or enabling multi-tenant services, this 2U switch is engineered to deliver the performance, reliability, and manageability that modern data centers require.

• Unmatched port density in a compact 2U chassis

  The Nexus 56128P packs 48 x 10-Gigabit SFP+ ports alongside 4 x 40-Gigabit QSFP+ fixed ports into a single 2U chassis. This dense footprint enables you to connect larger server populations, dense virtualization clusters, and high-performance storage interfaces without resorting to modular uplinks or external aggregation devices. The fixed-port design provides predictable performance, streamlined cabling, and easier fault isolation, which translates into lower operational risk and faster service deployment in busy data centers.

• Optimized for virtualization and cloud-scale workloads

  Designed with virtualization in mind, the Nexus 56128P delivers line-rate performance across all 10G and 40G links to support virtual machines, virtual desktops, and cloud-scale workloads. Its architecture minimizes latency and jitter, enabling smooth VM mobility, rapid provisioning of new services, and consistent application performance across the fabric. The switch integrates with Cisco’s data center fabric and automation ecosystems, enabling VXLAN overlays, elastic fabric provisioning, and scalable multi-tenant networking that adapts as workloads shift and grow.

• Scalability and reliability for growing data centers

  As data center networks scale, reliability and predictable behavior become critical. The Nexus 56128P offers a robust platform for leaf-spine deployments, with a design that supports consistent throughput, redundant paths where applicable, and resilient management. Operators can exploit port channels and link aggregation to maximize aggregate bandwidth, while consistent configuration templates and centralized administration help reduce human error. The device’s fixed-port approach also contributes to stable performance characteristics over time, which is essential for long-term capacity planning and predictable upgrade cycles.

• Security, QoS, and policy-driven traffic management

  Security and quality of service are integral to multi-tenant data centers. The Nexus 56128P provides a suite of features to enforce access control, segment traffic with VLANs, and apply nuanced QoS policies that protect critical workloads while delivering guaranteed bandwidth to high-priority applications. With Cisco NX-OS, administrators gain a robust CLI, role-based access control, and programmable interfaces that enable automation, policy enforcement, and repeatable configurations across large fabrics—critical for maintaining security and performance in dynamic cloud environments.

• Efficient management, monitoring, and automation

  Managed by Cisco NX-OS, the Nexus 56128P supports modern data center orchestration and automation tools. Administrators can leverage REST APIs, NETCONF, and standard management platforms to provision, monitor, and troubleshoot the fabric. Telemetry, health dashboards, and proactive fault detection help reduce mean time to repair and keep service levels aligned with business objectives. This combination of visibility and automation is invaluable for large-scale virtualization deployments and cloud services that require consistent, repeatable operations across dozens or hundreds of interconnected switches.

Technical Details of Cisco Nexus 56128P 2RU, 48x 10-Gbps SFP+, 4 x 40G QSFP+ Fixed Ports (Base)

• Form factor - 2U rack-mountable switch designed to maximize data-center footprint efficiency and optimize airflow in standard 19-inch racks.
• Port configuration - 48 x 10G SFP+ ports plus 4 x 40G QSFP+ fixed ports, enabling dense server-to-network connectivity and high-speed uplinks without modular modules.
• Software and features - Runs Cisco NX-OS with data center features for virtualization, security, QoS, and automation; supports scalable fabric architectures and policy-driven networking.
• Management and automation - Accessible via CLI, REST APIs, and standard network management tools; designed to integrate with Cisco data center management platforms and automation pipelines.
• Deployment versatility - Suitable for leaf-spine fabrics, virtualization clusters, and cloud-scale deployments in traditional or modern data centers, with a design that simplifies cabling and maintenance.

how to install Cisco Nexus 56128P

Before you begin, plan your data center topology, power requirements, and airflow. Ensure your rack is capable of supporting a 2U switch with adequate clearance for connectivity and cooling. If possible, provision redundant power feeds and verify that power supplies and circuit breakers meet the device’s electrical specifications. Gather the appropriate 10G SFP+ and 40G QSFP+ transceivers or DAC cables that match your server and uplink requirements, and ensure fiber types (SR/LR) or copper DAC options are compatible with your chosen optics. Have your configuration baseline ready, including hostname conventions, management IP ranges, NTP servers, and any existing VLAN or VXLAN policies to minimize deployment time.

Step 1: Rack and mount the switch. Install the chassis with the provided rails, verify secure attachment, and ensure clearance for cable management and airflow. Step 2: Connect power cables and boot. If redundant power supplies are available, connect both circuits and configure boot order as needed. Step 3: Connect your servers and uplinks. Insert 10G SFP+ and 40G QSFP+ transceivers or DAC cables into the fixed ports and connect to the corresponding devices in your leaf-spine or server topology. Step 4: Initial configuration. Connect to the management network or console port, initialize the switch, set the hostname, configure a management IP address, and enable NTP and DNS to synchronize time. Step 5: Basic network setup. Create port channels or VLANs as required, assign management interfaces, and establish initial routing or bridging policies. Step 6: Fabric and security policies. Define fabric overlays, if applicable, and implement QoS, security controls, and access policies to protect data and control planes. Step 7: Validation. Run basic connectivity tests between servers and uplinks, verify 10G and 40G links are active, and check for any error counters or collision indicators. Step 8: Documentation and ongoing maintenance. Record the final topology, port assignments, and management addresses, and plan firmware updates and routine health checks to ensure long-term reliability and performance.

Following these steps helps ensure a smooth deployment, minimizes downtime, and creates a scalable foundation for virtualization, cloud services, and multi-tenant workloads. After installation, monitor the fabric with the integrated management tools, keep firmware up to date per Cisco recommendations, and tune QoS and security policies to align with evolving service-level agreements. A well-planned installation makes it easier to scale, migrate workloads, and maintain consistent performance as your data center footprint grows.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Cisco Nexus 56128P 2RU used for? This high-density switch is designed for data centers requiring large-scale 10G connectivity with fixed 10G and 40G uplinks. It is well-suited for virtualization, cloud services, and multi-tenant environments where predictable performance and simplified cabling matter.
• How many ports does it have? It provides 48 x 10-Gbps SFP+ ports and 4 x 40-Gbps QSFP+ fixed ports, all housed in a 2U chassis for dense server connectivity and uplink aggregation.
• Is the port configuration fixed? Yes. The model features fixed onboard ports, which simplifies cabling and reduces the risk of misconfigurations compared to modular uplink solutions.
• Can it integrate with Cisco fabric solutions? The switch is designed to integrate with Cisco data center fabrics and automation tools to support scalable leaf-spine architectures and multi-tenant deployments, depending on software version and configuration.
• What environments is it ideal for? It is ideal for virtualization-heavy data centers, cloud service providers, and enterprise deployments needing dense 10G connectivity and high-speed 40G uplinks within a compact 2U footprint.