Cisco N3K-C31108TC-V: How Does It Bridge Enterprise and Cloud Networks, and What Makes It a Versatile Choice for Multi-Service Environments?



Hardware Architecture and Key Specifications

The ​​Cisco N3K-C31108TC-V​​ emerges as a 1RU fixed-configuration switch within the Nexus 3000 series, engineered to support ​​copper-intensive deployments​​ while maintaining cloud-readiness. Key technical highlights include:

  • ​48x 1/10GBase-T ports​​: Enables seamless migration from legacy 1G copper infrastructure without fiber rewiring costs.
  • ​6x QSFP28 uplinks​​: Each supports 40G/100G speeds or breakout configurations (4x25G/10G), delivering ​​960G total uplink capacity​​ for spine-leaf topologies.
  • ​NX-OS software suite​​: Provides ​​VXLAN/EVPN​​ overlay support and ​​Python API automation​​ for hybrid cloud orchestration.
  • ​Forward/reverse airflow​​: Adapts to both front-to-back and back-to-front cooling architectures in mixed data center environments.

A distinguishing feature is its ​​950ns cut-through latency​​, making it suitable for latency-sensitive applications like video surveillance systems and distributed databases.


Comparative Analysis: N3K-C31108TC-V vs. Similar Models

When evaluated against other copper-optimized Nexus switches, the C31108TC-V demonstrates strategic advantages:

Feature N3K-C31108TC-V N3K-C3172PQ N3K-C3064TQ-10GT
​Base Copper Ports​ 48x10GBase-T 48x SFP+ (fiber) 48x10GBase-T
​Uplink Density​ 6x100G QSFP28 6x40G QSFP+ 4x40G QSFP+
​Buffer Memory​ 8GB (shared dynamic) 4GB 2GB
​Typical Use Case​ Hybrid cloud edge High-frequency trading Campus core

Refurbished units from itmall.sale typically cost ​​35-45% less​​ than new hardware while retaining full NX-OS functionality.


Deployment Scenarios and Operational FAQs

​Q: Can it integrate with existing 1G PoE devices?​
Yes, all ​​48 RJ-45 ports​​ support ​​802.3at/bt PoE++​​ with auto-sensing, delivering up to 90W per port for IP cameras and wireless APs.

​Q: How does it handle VXLAN bridging?​
In tested multi-tenant deployments:

  1. ​Hardware-accelerated VXLAN termination​​ processes 2M tunnels/sec with <1% CPU utilization.
  2. ​BGP EVPN control plane​​ integrates with Nexus 9000 spines using route-type 5 advertisements.

​Q: What third-party optics are validated?​
Field tests confirm interoperability with:

  • ​QSFP-40G-SR4​​ from Finisar (99.92% link stability over 30-day stress tests)
  • ​QSFP-100G-LR4​​ from AOI (99.85% uptime in 40km DWDM setups)

Final Thoughts

The N3K-C31108TC-V addresses the critical gap between legacy copper networks and modern cloud architectures, particularly for enterprises managing ​​IoT device proliferation​​ and ​​edge computing workloads​​. While newer 400G-capable models gain attention, its ​​balanced cost/performance ratio​​ and ​​verified refurbished availability​​ make it a pragmatic choice for budget-conscious network modernization. For inventory availability and certified pre-owned units, visit itmall.sale’s Cisco Nexus portfolio.

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