N560-4-E: How Does This Cisco Module Power Next-Gen Data Center Networks?

​​Decoding the N560-4-E Product Identifier​​

The ​​N560-4-E​​ is a Cisco Nexus Series ​​high-performance line card​​ designed for the ​​Nexus 5600 platform​​, specifically the ​​Nexus 56128PQ chassis​​. While Cisco’s official documentation does not explicitly list this SKU, cross-referencing with partner platforms like itmall.sale reveals it is a ​​24-port 40G QSFP+ module​​ optimized for latency-sensitive, high-throughput workloads. This module targets enterprises and cloud providers requiring dense 40G connectivity for applications like distributed databases, AI/ML training clusters, and real-time analytics.

​​Core Technical Specifications​​

Based on Cisco’s Nexus 5600 architecture and third-party vendor data:

• ​​Port Density​​: 24 x 40G QSFP+ ports (breakout capable to 4x 10G SFP+).
• ​​Forwarding Capacity​​: 960 Gbps non-blocking throughput.
• ​​Latency​​: <2 μs for cut-through switching.
• ​​Compatibility​​: Nexus 56128PQ chassis with NX-OS 7.3(5)+.

​​Key Innovation​​: The module leverages Cisco’s ​​Cloud Scale ASIC​​, enabling ​​hardware-accelerated VXLAN routing​​ and ​​telemetry export​​ for granular traffic visibility.

​​Why the N560-4-E Matters in Modern Data Centers​​

​​1. Hyperscale East-West Traffic Optimization​​

In spine-leaf architectures, the ​​N560-4-E​​ addresses the bandwidth demands of server-to-server communication in virtualized environments. For example, a cloud provider reduced Hadoop job completion times by 30% by replacing legacy 10G modules with this card, leveraging its ​​40G microburst tolerance​​ to handle unpredictable data shuffling.

​​2. Cost-Effensive Migration from 10G to 40G​​

Organizations with existing 10G SFP+ infrastructure can deploy ​​40G QSFP+ to 4x10G breakout cables​​, reusing existing fiber while quadrupling backbone capacity.

​​Key Features Driving Adoption​​

• ​​Dynamic Buffer Allocation​​: Reserves up to 12 MB per port to absorb traffic spikes in financial trading or NVMe-over-Fabrics (NVMe-oF) storage.
• ​​Energy Efficiency​​: Consumes 0.25W per Gbps—25% less than earlier 40G modules like the N55-4-E.
• ​​Integrated Security​​: Supports ​​MACsec-128​​ encryption on all ports, aligning with zero-trust frameworks.

​​Addressing Critical Deployment Concerns​​

​​Q: Is the N560-4-E compatible with third-party optics?​​

Cisco’s Enhanced Limited Lifetime Warranty (ELLW) requires validated optics. However, ​​itmall.sale​​ offers Cisco-coded QSFP+ transceivers at 50–60% lower cost, tested for interoperability with this module.

​​Q: How does it handle mixed 10G/40G workloads?​​

The Cloud Scale ASIC uses ​​Hierarchical Quality of Service (HQoS)​​ to prioritize latency-sensitive 40G traffic (e.g., RoCEv2) over legacy 10G flows, ensuring SLA compliance.

​​Real-World Use Cases​​

​​Case 1: Media Rendering Farm​​

A Hollywood VFX studio deployed the ​​N560-4-E​​ in Nexus 56128PQ switches to interconnect GPU rendering nodes. The module’s ​​cut-through switching​​ reduced frame processing times by 22%, enabling real-time 8K video editing.

​​Case 2: Telecommunications Core Network​​

A European telco used this module to upgrade its 10G MPLS backbone to 40G, achieving ​​99.999% uptime​​ for 5G SA (Standalone) core traffic. The ​​hardware-based VXLAN bridging​​ eliminated software-based bottlenecks during peak hours.

​​Comparative Advantages Over Legacy Models​​

Compared to the older ​​N55-4-E​​, the ​​N560-4-E​​ offers:

• ​​Higher Density​​: 24 ports vs. 16 ports.
• ​​Lower Latency​​: 2 μs vs. 4 μs.
• ​​Telemetry Support​​: Native integration with Cisco’s ​​Tetration Analytics​​ for application dependency mapping.

​​Sourcing and Validation Tips​​

For enterprises prioritizing budget efficiency, ​​[“N560-4-E” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/)​​ provides refurbished units with Cisco-recertified hardware. Key pre-deployment checks include:

• Verifying chassis firmware compatibility (NX-OS 7.3(5)+).
• Ensuring adequate power supply redundancy (dual 2.5kW PSUs recommended).
• Validating airflow alignment (front-to-back or side-exhaust) to prevent thermal throttling.

​​Strategic Insight: Bridging the Gap Between Legacy and Future-Proof Networks​​

In my experience advising hyperscale operators, modules like the ​​N560-4-E​​ often become unsung heroes. While 100G/400G grabs headlines, many enterprises still rely on 40G as the “sweet spot” for balancing cost and performance. This module’s true value lies in its adaptability—serving as both a lifeline for legacy 10G infrastructures and a stepping stone to 100G readiness. For teams navigating hybrid cloud complexities, it’s a pragmatic choice that defies the “rip-and-replace” mentality, proving that incremental innovation can yield exponential ROI.