Description
More Information on the Switch
The N5K-C5548P-FA is a Cisco Nexus 5548P switch, which is a high-performance, 1RU (rack unit) switch that is designed for use in data center environments. This switch features 32 ports that support both 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 GbE) and Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) protocols. This allows the switch to handle high-bandwidth workloads such as virtualization and storage traffic.
- The switch also supports advanced features such as virtual PortChannel (vPC), Quality of Service (QoS), and security features such as access control lists (ACLs) and Network Admission Control (NAC). vPC allows the switch to create a virtualized PortChannel to provide redundancy and increase bandwidth. QoS allows to prioritize certain types of traffic over others, ensuring that critical applications get the bandwidth they need.
- The switch is managed through Cisco’s NX-OS operating system, which provides a comprehensive set of tools for configuring, monitoring, and troubleshooting the network. The switch is a fully-appliance model which means that all the necessary licenses are pre-installed and ready to use out of the box.
The Cisco N5K-C5548P-FA Nexus 5548 switch is a powerful networking device designed to meet the demands of modern data centers. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the key features and functionalities of this switch, exploring its specifications, capabilities, and the benefits it brings to network infrastructure. From fixed ports to airflow design, we’ll cover it all in simple English to make this technical information accessible to a wide audience.
Key Specifications
Let’s start by breaking down the essential specifications of the Cisco N5K-C5548P-FA Nexus 5548 switch.
Form Factor
- The Nexus 5548 boasts a compact and efficient design, making it suitable for various networking environments. Its form factor is optimized for data center deployments, where space and efficiency are crucial considerations.
Port Configuration
- The switch features 32 fixed ports, providing a robust foundation for building a high-performance network. These ports support 0/100/1000Base-T, offering flexibility to accommodate various networking requirements.
Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus (SFP+)
- One of the standout features of the Nexus 5548 is its compatibility with Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus (SFP+) modules. SFP+ technology enables the switch to support high-speed data transmission, crucial for data-intensive applications and scenarios.
Performance and Speed
Now, let’s delve into the performance aspects of the Cisco Nexus 5548 switch, emphasizing its speed capabilities and how it contributes to an efficient network infrastructure.
Fast and Gigabit Ethernet Support
- The switch supports both Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet, catering to a wide range of network speeds. This versatility ensures that the Nexus 5548 can handle diverse workloads, from basic data transfer to bandwidth-intensive tasks.
Front-to-Back Airflow
- Efficient cooling is paramount for any network device, especially in data centers where multiple devices are densely packed. The Nexus 5548 incorporates a front-to-back airflow design, ensuring that heat is dissipated effectively, maintaining optimal operating temperatures for prolonged reliability.
Advanced Features and Capabilities
Beyond its basic specifications, the Cisco Nexus 5548 switch offers advanced features and capabilities that set it apart in the networking landscape.
Scalability
- Scalability is a key consideration in modern networking and the Nexus 5548 addresses this by providing a scalable platform that can grow with the evolving needs of an organization. Whether expanding the network or accommodating new technologies, this switch offers the flexibility to scale up without compromising performance.
Enhanced Security
- Security is a top priority in network infrastructure, and the Nexus 5548 incorporates advanced security features to safeguard data and communication. From access control to threat detection, the switch provides a robust security framework that helps organizations mitigate potential risks.
Deployment Considerations
To make informed decisions about incorporating the Cisco Nexus 5548 into a network infrastructure, it’s crucial to understand how the switch can be effectively deployed.
Data Center Integration
- The switch is particularly well-suited for data center environments, where its compact form factor, high port density, and efficient cooling contribute to an optimized data center footprint. Its compatibility with SFP+ modules further enhances its suitability for data-intensive applications.
Network Virtualization
- As organizations increasingly embrace virtualization technologies, the Nexus 5548 supports network virtualization, enabling the creation of virtual networks within a physical infrastructure. This capability enhances resource utilization and provides greater flexibility in managing network resources.
Extraordinary Performance
The N5K-C5548P-FA Cisco Nexus 5548P 32-port managed switch is designed for high-performance networking environments. It is capable of providing wire-speed performance for all ports, meaning that it can handle the maximum amount of data that each port is capable of transmitting at full speed without any bottlenecks. This makes it suitable for high-bandwidth workloads such as virtualization and storage traffic.
- The switch supports both 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 GbE) and Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) protocols, which allows it to handle a wide range of data types and enables it to provide high-speed connectivity for both data and storage traffic.
- The switch also supports advanced features such as virtual PortChannel (vPC), which allows it to create a virtualized PortChannel to provide redundancy and increase bandwidth. Additionally, it also supports Quality of Service (QoS) which allows prioritizing certain types of traffic over others, ensuring that critical applications get the bandwidth they need.
- In terms of power consumption, this model is energy efficient and its power consumption is relatively low for a switch of its class.
High Power and Innovation
- The Cisco Nexus 5548P is a 32-port managed switch that is part of the Cisco Nexus 5000 series. It is designed for use in data center environments and offers a variety of features to improve performance and scalability.
- Regarding power, the “N5K-C5548P-FA” model is a fan-assisted version that provides additional cooling to support high-density environments. It also offers several energy-efficient features, such as Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) and EnergyWise technology. PoE+ allows the switch to power devices connected to it, such as IP phones and wireless access points, reducing the need for additional power supplies. EnergyWise technology allows the switch to monitor and control energy usage, helping to reduce energy costs.
- In terms of innovation, the switch is powered by the Cisco NX-OS operating system, which is known for its robust feature set and flexibility. It supports a variety of protocols and technologies, including Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE), Data Center Bridging (DCB), and Virtual PortChannel (vPC). These features allow for a more efficient and flexible data center network infrastructure. The switch also supports advanced features like FabricPath, OTV, and VXLAN, making it a versatile solution for data center environments.
Main Information about this Cisco N5K-C5548P-FA
- Model Number of SKU# N5K-C5548P-FA
- Product Line: Nexus
- Type: Networking
- Product Type: Switch Chassis
Performance Features
- Ethernet Technology:
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Fast Ethernet
- 10 Gigabit Ethernet
- Network Technology: 10/100/1000Base-T
- Number of Total Expansion Slots: 33
- Expansion Slot Type: SFP+
- Number of SFP+ Slots: 32
Power Specifications
- Input Voltage:220 V AC
- 110 V AC
- Power Source: Power Supply
- Total Number of Network Ports: 32
Miscellaneous Information
- Package Contents:
- Nexus 5548P Switch Chassis
- 2 x 750W AC Power Supplies
- Fan Trays
- Green Compliance: Yes
- Green Compliance Certificate/Authority: RoHS-6
Finally, the Cisco N5K-C5548P-FA Nexus 5548 switch is a versatile and powerful networking solution designed to meet the demands of modern data centers. From its compact form factor to advanced features like SFP+ support and enhanced security, this switch offers a comprehensive solution for organizations seeking a reliable and scalable networking infrastructure. Understanding its specifications, performance aspects, deployment considerations, and management features is crucial for making informed decisions about integrating the Cisco Nexus 5548 into a network environment.
