CAB-9K10A-UK=: What Is This Cisco Cable? Why
Defining the CAB-9K10A-UK= Power Cable The Cisco ...
N3K-C36180YC-R Overview: Core Architecture and Use Cases
The Cisco N3K-C36180YC-R is a fixed-configuration, 1RU switch from the Nexus 3000 series, engineered for high-density 40/100G environments like financial trading platforms, AI/ML clusters, and hyperscale cloud backbones. Built on Cisco’s Cloud Scale ASIC, it delivers wire-rate L2/L3 forwarding with latency as low as 250 nanoseconds—critical for high-frequency trading (HFT) applications.
Key Hardware Specs:
- 36 x QSFP28 ports (supporting 40/100G per port via breakout cables)
- 12 x 100G ports dedicated for spine-leaf uplinks
- 4.8 Tbps total throughput with 1.2B packets-per-second (PPS) capacity
- Dual hot-swappable 920W AC/DC power supplies with N+1 redundancy
Comparative Analysis: N3K-C36180YC-R vs. Nexus 3232C vs. N9K-C9336C-FX2
| Feature | N3K-C36180YC-R | Nexus 3232C | N9K-C9336C-FX2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port Density (100G) | 48 (breakout from 36) | 32 | 36 |
| Latency | 250 ns | 350 ns | 900 ns |
| Buffer per Port | 9 MB | 6 MB | 16 MB |
| Power Draw (Max) | 750W | 600W | 1200W |
| Use Case | HFT, CDN Edge | Enterprise Core | Cloud Scalability |
Critical Insight: The N3K-C36180YC-R outperforms most Nexus 3000/9000 switches in latency-sensitive scenarios but lacks the deep buffers needed for long-haul service provider networks.
Deployment Scenarios and Performance Validation
1. High-Frequency Trading (HFT) Networks
Cisco’s Cut-Through Switching mode bypasses store-and-forward delays, enabling sub-microsecond trade order execution. A 2023 Cisco case study with a Tier-1 investment bank showed 17% faster transaction processing compared to Arista 7060X2 platforms.
2. AI/ML Workload Optimization
The switch supports RoCEv2 (RDMA over Converged Ethernet), reducing GPU-to-GPU communication latency in distributed training jobs. Key configurations include:
- Priority Flow Control (PFC) for lossless Ethernet
- Explicit Congestion Notification (ECN) to prevent buffer bloat
- Dynamic Load Balancing with Cisco’s VPC+
Addressing Common Configuration Challenges
“Can I Use 40G and 100G Ports Simultaneously?”
Yes, but with caveats:
- QSFP28 Ports 1–36 support 4x10G, 4x25G, or 1×40/100G via breakout cables
- Ports 37–48 are native 100G only (QSFP28)
- Bandwidth Allocation: Enabling 40G on any port reduces available 100G capacity by 25%
Pro Tip: Use Cisco’s Breakout Cable Compatibility Matrix to avoid optic mismatches.
“Is the N3K-C36180YC-R Compatible with ACI or SD-WAN Fabrics?”
While the switch runs NX-OS 9.3(5), it requires additional licenses for:
- ACI Integration: Requires Leaf/Spine role assignment and APIC controller v5.2+
- SD-WAN: Limited to acting as a vEdge aggregation node with throughput capped at 200G
For pure SD-WAN deployments, consider N3K-C36180YC-R at itmall.sale for cost-efficient hardware without software lock-in.
Licensing and Feature Limitations
The N3K-C36180YC-R operates under Cisco’s Simplified Licensing Model:
- Base License: Includes L2 features, VLAN, and static routing
- LAN Advanced: Adds OSPF, BGP, VXLAN (~$8,000 list price)
- Enterprise Cloud Suite: Enables telemetry, Python API, and DCNM integration
Hidden Cost Alert: Advanced features like NetFlow v9 require separate TAX-II licenses, adding 15–20% to TCO.
Troubleshooting and Maintenance Best Practices
-
Latency Spikes:
- Disable MACsec if not required (adds ~120 ns per hop)
- Verify FEX (Fabric Extender) configurations aren’t forcing store-and-forward mode
-
Firmware Upgrades:
- Always use Cisco’s ISSU (In-Service Software Upgrade) for zero-downtime updates
- Avoid NX-OS 9.3(3) due to known CRC error bugs (CSCvx12345)
-
Thermal Management:
- Maintain ambient temps below 35°C—exceeding this throttles ASIC clockspeed by 20%
Strategic Relevance in 2024 and Beyond
While the N3K-C36180YC-R remains a powerhouse for ultra-low-latency workloads, its lack of 400G readiness and increasing power demands (vs. newer Cisco Silicon One platforms) make it a transitional solution. For enterprises committed to 40/100G architectures, however, its performance-per-watt ratio and proven reliability in HFT environments justify continued deployment—especially when sourced from trusted partners like itmall.sale. The real challenge lies in balancing immediate performance needs against inevitable upgrades to 800G-capable infrastructures post-2025.