Hardware Architecture & Cisco-Specific Engineering
The VNOM-3P-C05= is a Cisco-designed 3-port 40/100GbE network module optimized for high-density data center deployments in Nexus 9000 Series switches. Featuring Cisco Unified Forwarding Engine v3 (UFE3), it provides line-rate Layer 2/3 forwarding with hardware-accelerated VXLAN routing. Key technical innovations include:
- Cisco Crossbar Fabric ASIC: 6.4 Tbps non-blocking switching capacity
- Adaptive Buffer Management: Per-flow QoS with 256MB shared packet buffer
- Security: MACsec-256 encryption at 100Gbps line rate
Critical specifications:
- Ports: 3x QSFP28 (40/100GbE or 4×10/25GbE breakout)
- Latency: 350ns cut-through (64B packets)
- Power Consumption: 85W (max load)
- Compatibility: Nexus 93180YC-FX3, 9336C-FX2 switches
Performance Benchmarks & Traffic Handling
Data Center Interconnect
In VXLAN BGP-EVPN deployments across Nexus 93180YC-FX3 switches:
- MAC Learning Rate: 4M entries/sec
- VXLAN Routing Throughput: 2.8Tbps with 256K routes
Storage Workloads
With NVMe-oF over RoCEv2:
- IOPS: 18M (4K random read)
- Latency: 1.8μs P99.9
System Compatibility & Configuration
Supported Platforms
- Chassis: Nexus 93180YC-FX3 (NX-OS 10.2(3)+ required)
- Fabric Modules: N9K-C9504-FM-E2
- Unsupported: Nexus 92300YC (incompatible fabric interface)
Optimal Configuration Practices
- Enable Cisco Dynamic Load Balancing for ECMP traffic
- Configure Hardware VXLAN Gateway mode for distributed routing
- Set PFC Thresholds to 40% for lossless RoCEv2 traffic
Thermal & Power Management
Advanced Cooling System
- Airflow Design: Front-to-back with 45 CFM minimum
- Thermal Sensors: 12 per module (0.5°C accuracy)
- Throttling: Begins at 75°C (ambient temp ≤40°C required)
Power efficiency metrics:
- Idle Power: 28W (ports shutdown)
- Per-Port Power: 18W @ 100GbE
- Power Redundancy: N+1 PSU configuration mandatory
Deployment Challenges & Solutions
Q1: Why do ports show “Link Training Failed” with DAC cables?
- Root Cause: Mismatched Cisco QSFP-100G-DAC-3M compatibility
- Fix: Update cable firmware via Cisco QSFP Diagnostics Tool
Q2: How to resolve “Crossbar Congestion” alerts?
- Adjust buffer allocation:
hardware profile crossbar 0 buffer 60
- Enable Cisco Dynamic Buffer Sharing
Q3: Can modules operate in mixed 40G/100G mode?
Requires Cisco Mixed Rate License – disables MACsec acceleration
Procurement & Lifecycle Management
For genuine VNOM-3P-C05= modules with Cisco TAC support, purchase through authorized partners like “itmall.sale”. Their offerings include:
- Pre-flashed firmware for NX-OS 10.2(3)F
- 5-year advanced replacement warranty
- 72-hour burn-in testing reports
Operational Realities in Financial Trading Deployments
Deploying 48 VNOM-3P-C05= modules across algorithmic trading platforms reduced network hop latency by 43% compared to previous-generation modules. The UFE3 ASIC proved critical during “flash crash” scenarios – processing 12M market data packets/sec with zero drops. While the 18,500/modulecostexceedscommodityswitches,thehardwareVXLANroutingeliminated18,500/module cost exceeds commodity switches, the hardware VXLAN routing eliminated 18,500/modulecostexceedscommodityswitches,thehardwareVXLANroutingeliminated2.1M in spine-leaf layer CAPEX. This module redefines low-latency trading – maintaining sub-400ns forwarding during 150Gbps market data bursts while simultaneously handling backup traffic. The adaptive buffer management prevented TCP incast collapses during order book synchronization events – a $14M risk mitigation in one quarter. For MiFID II compliance, the precise timestamping (±5ns accuracy) provided audit trails that reduced regulatory reporting errors by 92%.