Description
Cisco Nexus 9500 Linecard, 36p 40G QSFP Aggregation (Non-Blocking)
Engineered for modern data centers, the Cisco Nexus 9500 Linecard delivers dense 40G QSFP+ aggregation across 36 ports with a non-blocking fabric. This expansion module is designed to scale spine‑and‑leaf architectures and optical network integrations, offering predictable, low-latency performance even under heavy workloads. With 36 high‑speed interfaces, the linecard consolidates uplink connectivity, simplifies cabling, and enhances overall network efficiency in data centers that demand both high bandwidth and reliability. Built to slot into the Cisco Nexus 9500 chassis family, it supports Cisco NX‑OS features, virtualization, QoS, and automation, enabling modern data centers to grow without compromising performance. The module’s hot‑swappable design minimizes downtime, empowering administrators to upgrade and expand as their traffic patterns evolve. Whether you’re consolidating data networking traffic or extending optical networks, this linecard provides a scalable, future‑proof foundation for your core and aggregation layers.
- High‑density 36 Port 40G QSFP+ Aggregation: 36 ports of 40 Gigabit Ethernet provide dense uplink capacity for data centers that require substantial bandwidth on the spine and core layers.
- Non‑Blocking Fabric for Predictable Performance: The linecard is built with a non‑blocking switching fabric to ensure full, line‑rate throughput across active ports, minimizing latency and avoiding oversubscription during peak workloads.
- Optimized for Data Networking and Optical Networking: Designed to operate seamlessly in both data‑center data networking and optical network environments, enabling efficient integration with DWDM and other optical interconnects.
- Hot‑Swappable and Reliable: Engineered for hot‑swap insertion within Cisco Nexus 9500 chassis, reducing maintenance windows and keeping critical services online during upgrades or replacements.
- Flexible Deployment with NX‑OS Features: Integrates with Cisco NX‑OS, delivering advanced QoS, virtualization, policy automation, and monitoring to support scalable, automated data‑center operations.
Technical Details of Cisco Nexus 9500 Linecard
- Product family: Cisco Nexus 9500 Series Linecard
- Ports: 36 x 40G QSFP+ ports
- Interface type: 40G QSFP+ optical interfaces (supports standard 40G QSFP+ transceivers)
- Fabric/Throughput: Non‑blocking switching fabric with up to 1.44 Tbps aggregate bandwidth (36 ports × 40 Gbps)
- Chassis compatibility: Cisco Nexus 9500 Series chassis expansion module
- Hot‑swappability: Yes; designed for hot‑swap in a live chassis
- Management: NX‑OS compatible; supports QoS, virtualization, automation, and policy‑based management
- Form factor: Expansion linecard for Nexus 9500 family
- Electrical/Physical: Powered by the chassis backplane; relies on chassis power and cooling systems; designed for data‑center environmental tolerances
How to install Cisco Nexus 9500 Linecard
- Prepare the chassis: verify compatibility with your Nexus 9500 model, ensure adequate cooling and power, and perform standard ESD precautions before handling components.
- Confirm hot‑swap readiness: this linecard is designed to be hot‑swappable, so there is no mandatory shutdown of the chassis required for installation, though plan maintenance windows if possible to minimize disruption.
- Identify an available expansion slot: locate an appropriate vacant slot in the Nexus 9500 chassis that matches the linecard form factor and backplane interface.
- Insert the linecard: carefully align the module with the slot and firmly seat it into the backplane until it is securely connected; secure any retention mechanism if present.
- Reconnect and power: if the chassis remains powered, monitor the post‑insert self‑test; if required, power down according to your maintenance policy and then power back up to verify boot sequences.
- Verify in‑chassis status: after installation, use show commands to confirm recognition and health of the new linecard (examples include show module and show interface status). Ensure the 40G QSFP+ ports appear online and are ready for configuration.
- Configure and validate: apply or adjust NX‑OS configurations for QoS, VRFs, and routing as needed; verify traffic flows and link health with practical tests (pings, traceroutes, or traffic generators) and monitor performance metrics.
Frequently asked questions
- Q: What is the port count and speed on the Cisco Nexus 9500 Linecard?
- A: The linecard provides 36 ports at 40 Gbps each using QSFP+ interfaces for high‑density aggregation.
- Q: Is the linecard non‑blocking?
- A: Yes. It uses a non‑blocking fabric design to deliver full bandwidth across active ports with low latency.
- Q: What deployment scenarios is this card best suited for?
- A: It is ideal for data center spine and aggregation layers, high‑density uplinks, and optical network interconnects where predictable performance and scalability are essential.
- Q: Can the linecard be installed without powering down the chassis?
- A: Yes. The card is designed for hot‑swap insertion within a compatible Nexus 9500 chassis, minimizing downtime during upgrades or replacements.
- Q: What software is required or supported?
- A: The linecard supports Cisco NX‑OS with features such as QoS, virtualization, policy automation, and centralized management for scalable operations.
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