The Cisco Nexus 7000 series of switches are the epitome of modular data center-class products, offering the highest level of scalability from the smallest to the largest data centers.
In addition, the Cisco Nexus 7000 comes in a multiple slot chassis ranging from a 4-slot to an 18-slot option, allowing for easy customization and an increase in operational flexibility.
Compared to the Cisco Nexus 3000 series, the 7000 series is designed to meet the requirements of the most mission-critical data centers, providing advanced programmability, low power usage, and continual system availability.
Although the 3000 series provides a high level of connectivity, sometimes you require the extra speed and high-tech features that come with the 7000 series.
For more on the Cisco Nexus 3000 series, view our blog post HERE or click below to starting building your quote for the Nexus 3000 or 7000 series.
Running on the robust Cisco NX-OS Software operating system, the virtualized, pervasive services of the Nexus 7000 switches deliver real-time system upgrade with exceptional manageability and serviceability. For each slot option, 1/10/40/100 Gigabit ethernet port networks are available with a fabric architecture that can scale to beyond 17 terabits per second (Tbps) of forwarding capacity – more than enough for the most data-intensive operations to keep up with your business needs.
This article will provide you with an informative comparison of the low-end (4-slot switch) and high-end (18-slot switch) options so that you can decide based on the data center size you need to cater for.
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Moreover, we provide information regarding the highly efficient power supplies designed for the 7000 series and show you exactly how to configure Layer 3 routed interfaces, sub-interfaces, and VLAN networks. Let’s dig in!
4-Slot Switch vs. 18-Slot Switch
The table below compares 4-slot and 18-slot switch options for the Nexus 7000 series. The main comparisons include the product compatibility, switching capacity, and performance.
| Specs / Slot Count | 4-Slot Switch | 18-Slot Switch |
| Product Compatibility | Does not use fabric modules | Supports fabric1 and fabric2 modules |
| Max Local Switching Capacity | 600 Gbps | 600 Gbps |
| Max Inter-Slot Switching Capacity | 440 Gbps | 550 Gbps |
| Performance | 1.44 billion packets per second (bpps) | 11.5 bpps |
| Data Center Deployment | Small to Medium | Large |
The differences are quite prominent, besides the maximum local switching capacity, which is consistent across the 7000 series at 600 Gbps. However, a big consideration is that the 4-slot switch does not support fabric modules.
Fabric modules work together to increase the total throughput of the chassis. If you require a high level of scalability, choose a 9, 10, or 18-slot switch supporting both fabric1 and fabric2 modules, allowing you to increase your bandwidth needs if required. Therefore, 4-slot is designed for smaller to medium sized data centers, whereas the 9, 10, and 18-slot switches are designed for larger, enterprise-grade data centers.
Schedule a call with us today to learn more about getting the right switch for your needs. If you're unsure of what's the best fit, then we will walk through your requirements and get you on track to meeting business demands.
Power Supplies
The Cisco Nexus 7000 series AC power supply modules deliver highly efficient, loading sharing, hot-swappable features to the 7000 series switches. The power supplies are an incredible 90 percent efficient, preventing excessive power wastage as heat.
Additionally, much like the scalability of the 7000 series switches, the power supplies can also be scaled thanks to their variable output ranging from 1400 to 7500 watts.
Three power options are available, namely, 3, 6, and 7.5 kW. The 3 kW supplies are ideal for the 4-slot switches, and the 6 and 7.5 kW supplies are ideal for the 9, 10, and 18-slot switches. Although one power supply can be used to operate a switch chassis, when it comes to ensuring your data center has a high up-time, power redundancy is vital.
Three power redundancy options are available:
- Power Supply Redundancy
- Input Source Redundancy
- Power Supply and Input Source Redundancy
| Power Supply | This mode guards against failure of one of the power supplies. The redundant power available to the system is the sum of all power outputs less one of the maximum rated power supplies |
| Input Source | This mode guards against failure of one power supply or input circuit (grid). The power available to the system is the minimum power from both grids. If one of the power supplies fails, the operational power redundancy mode changes to the combined mode (Only supported with 220V). |
| Power Supply and Input Source | This mode guards against the failure of one power supply or one grid. The power available is the minimum power from the input source and power supply redundancy. If one of the power supplies fails, the operational power redundancy mode changes to the power supply redundancy (N+1) mode. |
Does your data center need performance the 7000 series brings? If so, get in touch with us today or click below to get your quote started.
Network Time Protocol Configuration
Network Time Protocol (NTP) is a protocol used to synchronize computer clock times in a network. It belongs to and is one of the oldest parts of the TCP/IP protocol suite. The term NTP applies to both the protocol and the client-server programs that run on computers. NTP synchronizes the time of day among other time servers and clients with the goal that you can relate any troubleshooting or errors from different system devices. Check out the configuration here!
Here at PivIT, we offer a fresh approach to sourcing, maintaining, and servicing your data center infrastructure. We’ve reimagined the status-quo and offer our customers strategies not found in the traditional IT channels. Our focus is to examine your CAPEX/OPEX limitations and present you with options to free up your budget, achieve your goals and Do IT Better.