Introduction to Cisco Nexus 9300-GX Series Switches

In the fast-evolving world of data centers, where AI and machine learning workloads demand unprecedented bandwidth, the Cisco Nexus 9300-GX Series Switches stand out as a game-changer. Built on Cisco Cloud Scale technology, these fixed switches from the Nexus 9000 Series support 400 Gigabit Ethernet (GE), addressing the surge in high-performance needs for applications like AI/ML.

It's worth noting that the Cisco Nexus 9300-GX (product code: 9300-GX) series is tailored for environments such as mobile service providers, including network edges, 5G, IoT, Professional Media Networking (PMN), and Network Functions Virtualization (NFV). With backward-compatible 400G optical interfaces using Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable – Double Density (QSFP-DD), you can seamlessly migrate from 40-Gbps and 100-Gbps fabrics to 400 Gbps. Plus, it offers breakout options for lower speeds like 10, 25, 50, and 200 Gbps.

Operators get flexibility with two modes: Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (Cisco ACI) for intent-driven architectures or Cisco NX-OS for programmable automation. All details here draw directly from the official Cisco datasheet at https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/switches/nexus-9000-series-switches/nexus-9300-gx-series-switches-ds.html. This platform ensures investment protection, scaling spine-leaf fabrics to handle exploding cloud traffic.

Key Features of Cisco Nexus 9300-GX Series

The Cisco Nexus 9300-GX switches pack a punch with features optimized for modern data center demands. Cloud Scale ASIC technology powers the platform, enabling compact designs without sacrificing performance.

Notably, these switches support VXLAN EVPN fabrics with hierarchical multisite capabilities, making them ideal for large-scale deployments. Network engineers will appreciate the comprehensive Layer 3 routing protocols, including BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, EIGRP, RIPv2, PIM-SM, SSM, and MSDP. Traffic engineering gets a boost from Segment Routing (SR, SRv6).

Automation is front and center: Day-zero setup via PowerOn Auto Provisioning (POAP), plus model-driven telemetry and APIs like RESTCONF, NETCONF, and gNMI. For lossless performance in AI/ML environments, Priority Flow Control (PFC) and Explicit Congestion Notification (ECN) work alongside DCB protocols for Lossless RoCE.

Here's a quick rundown of standout product features:

• VXLAN EVPN fabrics with hierarchical multisite support
• Three-tier BGP architectures for IPv6 fabrics
• Comprehensive Layer 3 routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, EIGRP, RIPv2, PIM-SM, SSM, MSDP)
• Segment Routing (SR, SRv6) for traffic engineering
• Day-zero automation with POAP
• Model-driven telemetry and RESTCONF/NETCONF/gNMI
• Priority Flow Control (PFC) and Explicit Congestion Notification (ECN)
• Lossless RoCE with DCB protocols

In practice, these capabilities mean reduced latency and higher efficiency—critical when you're pushing 400G fabrics.

Technical Specifications for Cisco Nexus 9300-GX Switches

Diving into the specs, the Cisco Nexus 9300-GX Series delivers top-tier performance metrics straight from the datasheet. Bandwidth reaches up to 12.8 Tbps, with packet processing up to 4.3 bpps (billion packets per second). Port types include QSFP-DD and QSFP28, supporting speeds of 10/25/40/50/100/200/400 Gbps.

Form factors keep things compact: 1RU for models like the Cisco Nexus 9316D and 93600CD, and 2RU for the 9364C. This density is perfect for space-constrained racks in AI/ML clusters or 5G cores.

Key technical specifications at a glance:

These numbers aren't hype—they're engineered for real-world scale. Reference the official datasheet here for full verification. Backward compatibility with 40/100G optics ensures smooth upgrades without forklift replacements.

Use Cases and Applications for Nexus 9300-GX Series

Where do Cisco Nexus 9300-GX switches shine? Primarily in high-bandwidth scenarios demanding low latency and efficiency. Optimized for AI/ML workloads, they handle the massive data flows in training clusters via lossless RoCE and PFC.

Telecom pros deploy them in 5G networks and mobile edges, leveraging 100G/400G fabrics. IoT deployments benefit from scalable spine-leaf topologies, while PMN setups get the density for media workflows. NFV environments appreciate the programmable NX-OS mode.

Key use cases include:

• AI/ML fabrics
• 5G networks
• IoT deployments
• Professional Media Networking (PMN)
• Network Functions Virtualization (NFV)
• Data center spine-leaf fabrics
• Cloud scale applications

Imagine scaling a cloud app's traffic— these switches deliver 12.8 Tbps without breaking a sweat. Don't overlook their role in IPv6 BGP architectures for future-proofing.

Ordering Information and Model Configurations

Cisco keeps ordering straightforward with three core models in the Nexus 9300-GX Series. Each targets specific density needs:

• Cisco Nexus 9316D Switch: 16 x 400/100-Gbps QSFP-DD ports (1RU)
• Cisco Nexus 93600CD Switch: 28 x 100/40-Gbps QSFP28 and 8 x 400/100-Gbps QSFP-DD ports (1RU)
• Cisco Nexus 9364C Switch: 64 x 100/40-Gbps QSFP28 ports (2RU)

Choose the Cisco Nexus 9316D for pure 400G focus, or the 93600CD for mixed speeds. The 9364C suits high-density 100G needs. Always cross-check with the datasheet at https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/switches/nexus-9000-series-switches/nexus-9300-gx-series-switches-ds.html for latest SKUs and optics compatibility.

Conclusion: Why Choose Cisco Nexus 9300-GX for Your Network

The Cisco Nexus 9300-GX Series Switches (9300-GX) redefine data center switching with 400GE support, 12.8 Tbps bandwidth, and Cloud Scale efficiency. From AI/ML to 5G, these compact 1RU/2RU platforms offer unmatched investment protection and feature depth—like VXLAN EVPN, SRv6, and lossless RoCE.

Ready to upgrade your spine-leaf fabric? Consult the official Cisco Nexus 9300-GX datasheet today and contact Cisco for tailored advice. It's not just a switch; it's your path to scaled-out, high-performance networking.

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