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C1000-24T-4X-IN: Core Overview The C1...
Core Design & Technical Capabilities
The Cisco Nexus N3K-C3132Q is a 1RU Layer 2/3 switch engineered for high-density 40G connectivity in modern data centers. Key specifications include:
- Port Configuration: 32x QSFP+ ports (40G) and 4x SFP+ ports (10G), supporting breakout modes for flexible scaling to 128x10G or 96x25G configurations.
- Performance: 2.5 Tbps switching capacity and 960 Mpps forwarding rate, enabling line-rate traffic handling for latency-sensitive applications like HPC and financial trading.
- Thermal Flexibility: Available in forward (port-side exhaust) and reverse (port-side intake) airflow variants to align with rack cooling designs.
- Protocol Support: Advanced routing via BGP, OSPFv2, VRRP, and multicast protocols like PIM-SM and MSDP.
Competitive Advantages Over Similar Models
Cost-Effective High-Density 40G
Compared to the N3K-C3172TQ (10GBase-T focus), the N3K-C3132Q prioritizes 40G/100G readiness with QSFP+ ports, making it ideal for spine-leaf architectures. Its PHY-less design reduces power consumption by 20% versus traditional switches.
Scalability for Evolving Workloads
- Buffer Management: 9MB shared packet buffer minimizes congestion during traffic bursts.
- Fabric Expansion: Breakout cables allow seamless migration from 40G to 100G without hardware replacement.
A performance comparison with other Nexus switches:
| Feature | N3K-C3132Q | N3K-C3172TQ |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use Case | 40G spine/leaf | 10G copper access |
| Port Density (40G) | 32 | 6 (via QSFP+ uplinks) |
| Power Consumption | 440W (max) | 440W (max) |
| Latency | <500ns | ~1μs |
Deployment Scenarios & Operational Insights
High-Frequency Trading Environments
The N3K-C3132Q’s sub-500ns latency and support for Equal-Cost Multipath (ECMP) routing make it a backbone for algorithmic trading platforms. Its VXLAN/EVPN integration simplifies multi-tenant network segmentation.
Compatibility Challenges
While Cisco recommends N3K-C3132Q-XL models (16GB bootflash) for NX-OS 9.x upgrades, non-XL variants require firmware compression due to limited 2GB storage. Third-party optics like QSFP-40G-SR4 are validated for cost savings.
Procurement Strategy via ITmall.sale
ITmall.sale offers certified refurbished N3K-C3132Q units at **19,296∗∗(4019,296** (40% below Cisco’s 19,296∗∗(4032,000 list price), including:
- Lifetime Warranty: Covers fan modules (e.g., N3K-C3132-FAN) and power supplies.
- Tested Configurations: Pre-loaded with NX-OS 7.0(3)I7(2) to avoid BIOS checksum errors.
- Immediate Availability: Reverse airflow (N3K-C3132Q-40GE-RF) models in stock for rapid deployment.
FAQs: Critical Deployment Queries
Q: Can the 40G QSFP+ ports support 100G optics?
A: Yes—with QSFP-100G-SR4 transceivers, each port delivers 100G for spine-tier connectivity.
Q: Does it support third-party DAC cables?
A: Cisco’s Validated Design program certifies compatibility with major DAC vendors, though firmware updates may require genuine Cisco cables.
Q: What is the end-of-life timeline?
A: Cisco plans to retire the N3K-C3132Q series by 2026-2027, but refurbished units remain viable for 5-7 year lifecycle deployments.
For enterprises prioritizing 40G density and low-latency performance, the N3K-C3132Q delivers unmatched value. Explore certified refurbished inventory and expert guidance at ITmall.sale’s Cisco Nexus portfolio to modernize data center networks cost-effectively.