Cisco Nexus 3172TQ-XL Switch 5.76Tbps Throughput & VXLAN
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The Cisco Nexus 3172TQ-XL Switch (N3K-C3172TQ-XL) is a
high-density, low-latency 40G/100G data center switch designed for
modern cloud, enterprise, and HPC environments. With 5.76 Tbps
throughput and wire-speed performance, it delivers exceptional
scalability for bandwidth-intensive workloads.
Key Features & Benefits
✔ Ultra-High Performance – Supports 72x40G QSFP+ ports
(configurable as 288x10G via breakout), ideal for AI/ML, financial
trading, and storage networks.
✔ Low Latency – Cisco’s advanced ASIC ensures nanosecond-level
switching, critical for high-frequency trading (HFT) and real-time
applications.
✔ VXLAN & EVPN Support – Enables multi-tenant cloud networking,
seamless workload mobility, and SDN integration.
✔ NX-OS Automation – Programmable with Python, Ansible, and REST
APIs for DevOps-friendly operations.
✔ Redundancy & Reliability – Hot-swappable power supplies &
fans, plus ISSU (In-Service Software Upgrade) for zero-downtime
maintenance.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Ports | 72x40G QSFP+ (breakout to 288x10G SFP+) |
| Throughput | 5.76 Tbps |
| Latency | <1 microsecond |
| Forwarding Rate | 4.8 Bpps |
| Power Supplies | 1+1 Redundant (550W) |
| Dimensions (RU) | 1RU |
| OS | Cisco NX-OS |
| Cooling | Front-to-back airflow |
Ideal Use Cases
Cloud & Hyperscale Data Centers – Scalable VXLAN/EVPN for
multi-cloud deployments.
High-Frequency Trading (HFT) – Ultra-low latency for financial
networks.
AI/ML & HPC Clusters – High-bandwidth connectivity for GPU/CPU
workloads.
Why Choose the Cisco Nexus 3172TQ-XL?
This Cisco data center switch combines density, speed, and
automation, making it a future-proof investment for enterprises
needing 40G/100G migration without compromising reliability.