C8500L-4PT-KIT=: What Is It?, Use Cases, and
What Is the Cisco C8500L-4PT-KIT=? The C8500L-4PT...
Hardware Overview: Port Density and Design Philosophy
The Cisco N520-4G4Z-A is a 1RU Nexus 5200 series switch built for environments requiring low-latency Layer 2/3 switching and converged storage-data networks. Its compact form factor houses:
- 4x 1GbE RJ-45 ports for legacy device connectivity.
- 4x 10GbE SFP+ ports supporting fiber or DAC cables.
- Unified Ports configurable for Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) or Ethernet, enabling hybrid SAN/LAN traffic.
Cisco’s Unified Fabric architecture underpins this model, allowing seamless integration with UCS servers and MDS storage systems. The dual-core CPU and 8GB memory handle ACLs, QoS, and VLAN tagging at line rate.
Performance Benchmarks: Latency, Throughput, and Scalability
Q: Can this switch handle real-time workloads like VoIP or video streaming?
A: Yes. The N520-4G4Z-A delivers sub-3-microsecond latency for 64-byte packets, critical for latency-sensitive applications.
Key Metrics:
- Throughput: 120 Gbps non-blocking switching capacity.
- MAC Address Table: Supports 32,000 entries.
- Buffer Allocation: Dynamic shared buffering (9MB total) prevents congestion during traffic spikes.
Use Cases: Where the N520-4G4Z-A Outperforms Generic Switches
This model excels in three scenarios:
- Edge-of-Rack (EoR) Topologies: Aggregates traffic from up to 8 rack servers via 10GbE, reducing cabling complexity.
- FCoE Consolidation: Replaces standalone FC switches by converging storage and data traffic on a single fabric.
- Mid-Sized Virtualization Clusters: Integrates with VMware vSphere for VM mobility across hybrid networks.
Comparative Analysis: N520-4G4Z-A vs. N520-8G4Z-A
Users often confuse this model with the N520-8G4Z-A. Key differences:
| Feature | N520-4G4Z-A | N520-8G4Z-A |
|---|---|---|
| 1GbE Ports | 4 | 8 |
| Unified Ports | 4 (10GbE-only) | 8 (Flexible FCoE/Ethernet) |
| Power Consumption | 85W (typical) | 150W (typical) |
| Target Use | Small SAN/LAN convergence | High-density virtualization |
Licensing and OS Compatibility
The switch runs Cisco NX-OS 7.x, offering features like VXLAN and OTV. Licensing tiers include:
- LAN Base: Basic Layer 2/3 routing.
- SAN Base: Adds FCoE and FC gateway services.
Critical Note: Firmware upgrades require a Cisco Service Contract for TAC support.
Troubleshooting Common Deployment Issues
Q: Why do SFP+ ports fail to link with third-party transceivers?
A: Cisco’s Enhanced Compatibility Mode (ECM) must be enabled via CLI to bypass vendor lock:
interface ethernet 1/1
transceiver type override 10gbase-sr Q: How to mitigate packet loss in FCoE configurations?
A: Enable Priority Flow Control (PFC) and allocate dedicated buffers for FCoE traffic.
Purchasing Considerations and Avoiding Counterfeits
The N520-4G4Z-A is discontinued under Cisco’s End-of-Sale (EoS) program but remains available through certified refurbishers. For guaranteed authenticity, source it from “N520-4G4Z-A” at itmall.sale, which provides 90-day firmware support and Cisco-verified components.
Why This Switch Still Fits Modern Hybrid Infrastructures
While cloud providers push for hyperconverged solutions, the N520-4G4Z-A fills a niche for businesses needing predictable hardware performance without overprovisioning. Its ability to unify legacy 1GbE devices with modern 10GbE backbones—while maintaining microsecond-level latency—makes it a cost-effective bridge for companies gradually migrating to fully virtualized environments. In an era where “good enough” often sacrifices reliability, this switch’s deterministic behavior proves that purpose-built hardware still holds value in balancing agility and stability.