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Understanding the Cisco NV-QUAD-WKS-R-3Y= Subscri...
Core Features & Technical Capabilities
The Cisco Nexus N3K-C3172TQ is a 1RU switch optimized for high-density 10GBase-T copper connectivity. Key specifications include:
- Port Configuration: 48x10GBase-T RJ-45 ports + 6xQSFP+ (40G/100G) uplinks, supporting breakout modes for flexible scalability.
- Performance: 1.4 Tbps switching capacity and 1 billion packets per second (bpps) forwarding rate, enabling line-rate Layer 2/3 switching for latency-sensitive workloads.
- Power Efficiency: Dual 500W hot-swappable PSUs with AC/DC options, consuming 360W typical power (max 440W).
- Firmware Limitations: Non-XL variants (e.g., N3K-C3172TQ-10GT) have 2GB bootflash, requiring firmware compression for upgrades beyond NX-OS 7.x.
Key Advantages Over Competing Switches
Enterprise Data Center Applications
The N3K-C3172TQ-10GT’s 10GBase-T ports simplify cabling in legacy environments, outperforming fiber-centric models like the N3K-C3172PQ (SFP+ only). Its 228K MAC address table supports large-scale virtualization.
Protocol & Management Capabilities
- Advanced QoS: Per-port ACLs, VACL, and CoPP ensure traffic prioritization for voice/video applications.
- Automation Tools: Python scripting, Cisco EEM, and POAP streamline zero-touch deployments.
- Monitoring: Built-in EtherAnalyzer (Wireshark-based) and sFlow enable real-time traffic analysis.
A comparative analysis with similar models:
| Feature | N3K-C3172TQ-10GT | N3K-C3172TQ-32T |
|---|---|---|
| 10GBase-T Ports | 48 | 32 |
| QSFP+ Uplinks | 6 | 6 |
| Typical Price | $36,480 (refurbished) | $26,000 (refurbished) |
| Use Case | High-density copper access | Cost-sensitive deployments |
Deployment Considerations & Challenges
Firmware Upgrades
Non-XL models (e.g., N3K-C3172TQ-10GT) face bootflash limitations (2GB). Upgrading from NX-OS 7.x requires firmware compression to free space for dual-image storage.
End-of-Sale Status
Cisco has marked the N3K-C3172TQ series for end-of-service by 2026-2027, urging migration to Nexus 9000 platforms. However, refurbished units remain viable for legacy setups.
Cost-Effective Procurement via ITmall.sale
ITmall.sale provides certified refurbished N3K-C3172TQ-10GT switches at **9,800∗∗(739,800** (73% below Cisco’s 9,800∗∗(7336,480 list price), including:
- Lifetime Warranty: Covers PSUs, fan modules, and firmware support.
- Tested Compatibility: Verified with third-party optics like QSFP-40G-SR4.
- Immediate Availability: XL variants (16GB bootflash) for hassle-free upgrades.
FAQs: Critical Insights
Q: Can the QSFP+ ports support 100G connectivity?
A: Yes—with QSFP-100G-SR4 transceivers, each uplink delivers 100G for spine-leaf topologies.
Q: Is firmware downgrade possible after compression?
A: No—compressed NX-OS images lose checksum validation, risking instability.
Q: How does it handle multicast traffic?
A: Supports PIM-SM, IGMPv3, and MSDP for financial trading/HPC environments.
For enterprises balancing performance and budget, the N3K-C3172TQ remains a robust solution. Explore certified refurbished units at ITmall.sale’s Cisco portfolio to optimize legacy network upgrades.