Cisco Nexus 5672UP Layer 3 Switch

Designed for modern data centers that embrace virtualization, the Cisco Nexus 5672UP Layer 3 Switch delivers scalable performance, flexible uplink options, and enterprise-grade reliability. Built to support dense, multi-tenant environments, this switch combines high-speed Layer 3 routing with versatile Universal Port technology, enabling you to adapt port configurations as your workloads evolve. Whether you’re consolidating virtualization, migrating to 10 Gigabit Ethernet servers, or expanding a core or aggregation layer, the Nexus 5672UP provides the throughput, reliability, and programmability required for aggressive workloads and predictable service levels. Its NX-OS software stack brings a mature, feature-rich operating environment that emphasizes automation, security, and simple operations at scale. In short, this switch is engineered to help data centers deliver rapid, scalable networking that keeps pace with today’s demanding applications while preserving investment for tomorrow’s needs.

• High-density, flexible uplinks for scalable data center networks. The Nexus 5672UP leverages Universal Port technology to adapt to changing traffic patterns, supporting a mix of 1G/10G/40G interfaces on a single, scalable platform. This density reduces cable clutter and simplifies up-link strategies, enabling rapid growth without a major hardware refresh. Ideal for consolidation, core, and aggregation layers, it helps you maximize port utilization while maintaining high performance and low latency across large deployments.
• Advanced Layer 3 routing and multi-service capabilities. Built for data centers that demand robust routing, the switch offers comprehensive IPv4 and IPv6 routing,VRF support for multi-tenant environments, and dynamic routing protocols such as OSPF, IS-IS, and BGP. This enables seamless inter-VRF routing, efficient traffic engineering, and scalable policy-based decisions that align with complex service-level agreements. The architecture is optimized to preserve throughput while delivering deterministic performance for latency-sensitive applications.
• VXLAN EVPN support for modern virtualized workloads. To enable scalable multi-tenant virtualization and workload mobility across data centers, the Nexus 5672UP provides VXLAN with EVPN control-plane integration. This combination simplifies overlay networks, reduces traffic leakage between tenants, and helps you extend Layer 2 adjacency across geographically dispersed sites without compromising security or performance. It’s a solution purpose-built for cloud-native apps, microservices, and big data workloads that demand rapid provisioning and consistent network behavior.
• Reliability, availability, and operational efficiency. The switch is designed for continuous operation with features that support high availability and ease of maintenance. Expect robust heat dissipation, energy-efficient components, and support for hot-swappable power supplies and fans in compatible configurations. This approach minimizes downtime during maintenance or hardware replacement, so critical workloads stay online and service levels remain intact even during routine cutovers or upgrades.
• Intelligent management, automation, and security. NX-OS delivers a mature, programmable fabric with CLI, GUI, REST APIs, and NETCONF/RESTCONF for automation and orchestration. The Nexus 5672UP supports ACLs, advanced QoS, and security features to protect traffic and enforce corporate policies. For administrators, the platform offers robust monitoring, telemetry, and reporting that helps simplify day-to-day operations, capacity planning, and proactive troubleshooting, all while ensuring a consistent experience across large-scale deployments.

Technical Details of Cisco Nexus 5672UP Layer 3 Switch

• Model and role: Cisco Nexus 5672UP Layer 3 Switch, designed for data-center core and aggregation layers with scalable routing and virtualization-ready capabilities.
• Form factor: 1U rack-mount chassis suitable for dense data-center deployments and flexible placement within racks and cabinets.
• Software: NX-OS operating system, offering a mature set of networking features, automation interfaces, and a stable platform for large-scale networks.
• Port capabilities: Universal Port technology enabling flexible configurations that support 1G/10G/40G interfaces, reducing the need for multiple discrete modules and enabling dynamic reuse of ports as traffic patterns evolve.
• Layer 3 features: Comprehensive IPv4/IPv6 routing, VRF support, and dynamic routing protocols (such as OSPF, IS-IS, and BGP) to enable scalable, policy-driven routing across data centers and campuses.
• Overlay networking: VXLAN with EVPN control plane to support scalable multi-tenant overlays and seamless workload mobility across sites.
• Quality of Service: Advanced QoS capabilities to classify, shape, and prioritize traffic, ensuring that critical applications receive predictable performance even under heavy load.
• Security and policy: ACLs, AAA integration, and robust security controls to enforce access policies, protect traffic, and simplify compliance at scale.
• Redundancy and cooling: Support for redundant, hot-swappable power supplies and fans (where configured), designed to minimize downtime and support ongoing operations in mission-critical environments.
• Management and automation: Integrated management through NX-OS with CLI and GUI, plus APIs for automation (REST APIs, NETCONF/RESTCONF) and comprehensive telemetry for proactive operations and capacity planning.

How to install Cisco Nexus 5672UP Layer 3 Switch

• Prepare and plan installation: Before deployment, review network design, cabling plans, and power requirements. Confirm rack space, cooling capacity, and that you have the appropriate mounting hardware and power sources available. Establish a management network that will be used for initial configuration and ongoing administration.
• Rack-mount and physically connect: Install the switch into a standard 19-inch rack, secure it with screws, and connect redundant power supplies if your environment supports hot-swapping. Attach uplink cables to the appropriate aggregation or core switches, ensuring that fiber or copper cables match the port types defined in your design.
• Initial access and basic configuration: Power up the device and connect via console or management port. Assign a secure admin password, configure a management IP address on the intended VLAN or management interface, and set a default gateway to reach external services or monitoring systems. Ensure you document all initial credentials and configurations.
• Software and licensing: Install the latest NX-OS image and apply any required licenses to unlock feature sets such as VXLAN EVPN, routing protocols, or advanced QoS. Verify the software version and license status to confirm that the switch is prepared for production use.
• Network configuration: Configure VLANs, SVIs (if used for L3 routing on the device), and enable routing protocols appropriate for your topology. Define VRFs for multi-tenant separation, implement ACLs and security policies, and set up QoS to prioritize critical workloads. Finally, test connectivity between hosts and upstream devices to confirm proper forwarding and route convergence.
• Validation and monitoring: Use basic verification commands to confirm interfaces are up, routes are learned, and reachability is established. Enable telemetry and logging to monitor performance, traffic patterns, and health metrics, and set up alerting for any deviations from expected behavior.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the primary use case for the Cisco Nexus 5672UP Layer 3 Switch? It is designed for data-center core and aggregation layers, delivering scalable Layer 3 routing, high-density uplinks, and virtualization-ready networking for large-scale environments.
• Q: Does the switch support VXLAN EVPN? Yes, the Cisco Nexus 5672UP offers VXLAN EVPN to enable scalable multi-tenant virtualization and workload mobility across data centers.
• Q: What management options are available? Management is provided through NX-OS, with both CLI and GUI options, plus REST APIs, NETCONF, and SNMP for automation and monitoring.
• Q: What kind of redundancy does this switch offer? It supports hot-swappable power supplies and fans to minimize planned and unplanned downtime while maintaining continuous operation.
• Q: How do I verify that routing and switching are working as expected? Start with basic configuration, verify interfaces with show commands, confirm routing tables with show ip route or similar commands, and validate reachability using ping and traceroute to key endpoints.