Cisco Nexus 9300 Series: 32-Port 400G QSFP-DD High-Density Data Center Switch

Designed for modern data centers that demand extreme density, predictable performance, and seamless scalability, the Cisco Nexus 9300 Series 32p 400G QSFP-DD switch delivers a robust foundation for spine and leaf architectures. This fixed-port model packs 32 high‑speed 400G QSFP‑DD ports into a compact footprint, providing an ultra-dense, non-blocking fabric capable of supporting massive east-west traffic for AI, analytics, virtualization, databases, and cloud workloads. Built on Cisco’s NX-OS software and integrated with the wider Cisco data center ecosystem, the Nexus 9300 delivers low latency, high throughput, and a suite of enterprise features that simplify deployment, management, and ongoing operational efficiency. Whether you’re consolidating workloads in a dense data center or expanding a growing fabric, this switch is engineered to meet today’s performance requirements while staying ready for tomorrow’s demands.

• 32x400G QSFP-DD ports provide up to 12.8 Tbps of switching capacity in a single chassis, enabling extreme density and high-bandwidth connectivity for growth-focused data centers. The fixed-port approach minimizes cabling complexity while maximizing usable port density, and the model supports flexible breakout configurations (for example, breaking 400G links into multiple 100G lanes) to adapt to evolving workloads and topology needs.
• NX-OS-based fabric with Cisco interoperability: The Nexus 9300 integrates Cisco NX-OS for a proven, policy-driven operating environment. It pairs with Cisco ACI for centralized automation and policy enforcement or can operate in open networking deployments with NETCONF/RESTCONF APIs. Advanced features such as quality of service (QoS), telemetry, and programmable interfaces enable precise control over traffic, security enforcement, and operational visibility across the fabric.
• High-performance, energy-conscious design: This switch emphasizes efficient power usage and optimized thermal behavior to support dense deployments. Hot-swappable power supplies and cooling modules help maximize uptime while reducing maintenance downtime. The platform is designed to align with front-to-back airflow in typical data-center racks, supporting efficient rack cooling and predictable thermal performance in large-scale environments.
• Reliability and availability for mission-critical workloads: Cisco’s approach emphasizes redundancy and continuous operation. Redundant power and cooling options, along with robust fault containment and rapid failover, contribute to high uptime. In-service software upgrades (ISSU), secure boot, and persistent management state help ensure business continuity during firmware updates and routine maintenance.
• Deployment flexibility for diverse data-center strategies: The Nexus 9300 is tailored for spine-leaf architectures and can integrate with Cisco ACI for policy-driven automation or run in open, standards-based environments. Its dense 400G port footprint supports scalable growth, while breakout capabilities and multi-speed options enable gradual, non-disruptive expansion as data center needs evolve.

Technical Details of Cisco Systems Nexus 9300 Series, 32p 400g Qsfp-dd

• Get this information from the "specifications" section of the product from https://ec.synnex.com/ using product "UPC" or "SKU" as reference

How to Install Cisco Systems Nexus 9300 Series, 32p 400g Qsfp-dd

Preparing for installation begins with a clear plan for rack layout, cabling, and management access. Verify that you have adequate physical space in the data-center rack, appropriate rack rails, and a stable power source compatible with the switch’s power requirements. Install the chassis into the rack, secure the unit, and ensure proper airflow direction to align with your data-center cooling design. Connect redundant power supplies and verify that cooling modules are properly seated to support sustained operation under load. Once hardware is secured, install the 400G QSFP-DD optics or active cables as required by your topology, and route cables to upstream and downstream devices with careful labeling to maintain a clean, scalable cabling plan.

Next, configure management access and initial fabric settings. Connect a management workstation to the out-of-band management network or console port and verify reachability. Access the Cisco NX-OS CLI (via console or SSH) and configure a management IP address, DNS, and NTP to ensure accurate timekeeping and reliable remote management. From there, enable essential features for your deployment, such as VXLAN EVPN for scalable overlay networks, QoS policies to guarantee performance for latency-sensitive applications, and any required security policies to protect control and data planes. If you are integrating with Cisco ACI, align your leaf-spine policy with the ACI fabric and import the appropriate APIC configuration. For non-ACI deployments, leverage standard NX-OS features and best practices for routing, segmentation, and fault management.

Port configuration for the 32x400G QSFP-DD interfaces can be performed individually or as a bundle using link aggregation as needed. If you plan to use breakout mode, ensure you have the correct optical modules and cables, and configure the port lanes according to your topology (for example, 4x100G breakout). After port configuration, validate connectivity with basic ping tests and link-state verification. Run a staged validation that includes throughput testing, jitter and latency checks, and QoS policy verification to ensure workloads will perform as expected under peak conditions. Finally, implement ongoing monitoring and automation: enable telemetry, set up SNMP traps and syslog, and integrate with your preferred network management platform or orchestration tool to maintain visibility, alerts, and automated remediation as your fabric scales.

For ongoing operations, keep the NX-OS software updated to the latest release recommended by Cisco for your hardware and software environment. Use secure management practices, including role-based access control (RBAC), MFA where available, and encryption for management sessions. Maintain accurate asset documentation, including serial numbers, firmware versions, and cabling schematics, to simplify future maintenance, upgrades, and audits. With proper planning and disciplined management, the Cisco Nexus 9300 Series 32p 400G QSFP-DD switch becomes a reliable workhorse for dense, high-performance data center fabrics.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the port configuration on the Cisco Nexus 9300 Series 32p 400G QSFP-DD model?
  A: It features 32 ports, each supporting 400G QSFP-DD connectivity. The ports can also be broken out into multiple lower-speed lanes (such as 4x100G) when using appropriate optics and cables, providing flexible deployment options for varying network topologies.
• Q: Is this switch suitable for a spine-leaf data center design?
  A: Yes. The Nexus 9300 Series is purpose-built for high-density data center fabrics, delivering scalable performance and reliable operation in spine-leaf architectures, with features that support large-scale east-west traffic, low latency, and deterministic performance.
• Q: What management options are available for this device?
  A: Management is available via Cisco NX-OS CLI, with automation and orchestration through Cisco ACI, NETCONF/RESTCONF APIs, and integration with Cisco management platforms. This enables policy-driven automation, centralized visibility, and streamlined operations across large deployments.
• Q: Does the Nexus 9300 support VXLAN EVPN?
  A: Yes. The platform supports VXLAN EVPN for scalable overlay networks, enabling efficient multi-tenant segmentation and simplified data-center interconnects while maintaining performance and reliability.
• Q: What about uptime and redundancy?
A: The switch offers redundant power supplies and cooling components, with reliability features designed for continuous operation. It supports features like ISSU (in-service software upgrades), secure boot, and robust fault containment to minimize downtime during maintenance and updates.