Cisco UCSC-P-IQ10GC-D= 100G Intelligent Queui
Architectural Design & Hardware Specification...
Core Architecture & Performance Metrics
The Cisco Nexus N3K-C3232C is a 1RU Layer 2/3 switch purpose-built for high-density 100G/25G deployments, offering 6.4 Tbps switching capacity and 3.3 billion packets per second (bpps) forwarding rates. Key hardware specifications include:
- Port Configuration: 32x QSFP28 ports supporting 100G per port or 4x25G breakout modes, plus 4x SFP+ 10G management ports for monitoring.
- Power Efficiency: Dual 650W hot-swappable PSUs with AC/DC options, achieving 440W maximum power draw through PHY-less design optimizations.
- Thermal Design: Forward (port-side exhaust) and reverse airflow variants (N3K-C3232C-FA vs. N3K-C3232C-RF) for compatibility with aisle-based cooling systems.
Strategic Advantages in Modern Data Centers
Ultra-Low Latency Workloads
With sub-500ns latency and 9MB shared buffer, the N3K-C3232C outperforms general-purpose switches like the N3K-C3172TQ (~1μs latency) in financial trading and AI/ML clusters. Its VXLAN/EVPN integration enables seamless multi-tenant segmentation without throughput compromises.
Protocol Scalability
- Multicast Handling: Supports PIM-SM, IGMPv3, and MSDP for broadcast-heavy media streaming applications.
- Automation Capabilities: Python API, Cisco DCNM, and Ansible modules simplify large-scale deployments.
| Feature | N3K-C3232C | N3K-C3132Q (40G Model) |
|---|---|---|
| Port Density (100G) | 32 | 0 (40G only) |
| Switching Capacity | 6.4 Tbps | 2.5 Tbps |
| Typical Use Case | AI/ML backbones | Legacy 40G environments |
| Power Consumption | 440W (max) | 440W (max) |
Deployment Best Practices & Challenges
High-Frequency Trading Clusters
The switch’s ECMP routing and RoCEv2 support make it ideal for HFT setups requiring deterministic sub-microsecond latency. A 2024 installation guide recommends QSFP-100G-SR4 optics for <100m intra-rack connections and Arista CAB-Q-100G-4M DACs for spine-leaf links.
Firmware Management
Non-XL models require NX-OS image compression for upgrades beyond version 9.x due to 2GB bootflash limitations. The N3K-C3232C-XL variant (16GB storage) avoids this constraint for future-proof operations.
Cost-Effective Procurement via ITmall.sale
ITmall.sale provides certified refurbished N3K-C3232C units at **19,296∗∗(4019,296** (40% below Cisco’s 19,296∗∗(4033,134 MSRP), including:
- Lifetime Warranty: Covers fan modules (N3K-C3232-FAN) and power supplies.
- Tested Optics Compatibility: Validated with QSFP-100G-CWDM4 and QSFP-100G-SR4 third-party transceivers.
- Immediate Availability: Reverse airflow (-RF) models in stock for rapid colocation deployments.
FAQs: Critical Implementation Insights
Q: Can 100G ports operate at 25G without breakout cables?
A: Yes—via auto-negotiation when connected to 25G-capable devices like NVIDIA ConnectX-6 adapters.
Q: What’s the end-of-support timeline?
A: Cisco plans to retire the series by 2026-2027, but refurbished units remain viable through 2030 with ITmall.sale’s firmware support.
Q: Does it support third-party management tools?
A: While optimized for Cisco DCNM, the switch’s OpenConfig/YANG models integrate with Prometheus/Grafana stacks.
For enterprises modernizing data centers with 100G spine-leaf architectures, the N3K-C3232C delivers unmatched price-performance ratios. Explore certified inventory and deployment guidance at ITmall.sale’s Cisco Nexus portfolio to accelerate network transformation.