Cisco Nexus 9348GC-FXP Ethernet Switch

The Cisco Nexus 9348GC-FXP Switch is a high-performance, 1RU data center switch designed to power modern spine-and-leaf architectures with exceptional density and flexibility. Delivering 696 Gbps of backplane bandwidth and forwarding performance beyond 250 million packets per second (Mpps), this switch is built to handle demanding workloads with predictable, low-latency behavior. The 48 downlink ports are 1GBASE-T and can be flexibly configured to operate at 100 Mbps or 1 Gbps, enabling graceful migration paths and versatile cabling strategies as your network evolves. In addition, the device offers 4 SFP28 uplink ports capable of 10/25 Gbps and 2 QSFP28 uplink ports for 40/100 Gbps, providing scalable aggregation and uplink options to meet growing traffic demands. This combination makes the 9348GC-FXP an ideal choice for data-center access, campus-to-data-center connectivity, or as a leaf switch in scalable fabric deployments. Powered by the Cisco NX-OS software, it combines familiar management, robust security features, and programmable APIs to support modern automation and orchestration workflows.

• Flexible port mix: 48 x 1GBASE-T downlinks with 4 x SFP28 uplinks (10/25 Gbps) and 2 x QSFP28 uplinks (40/100 Gbps) for scalable, future-proof connectivity.
• High-performance for dense deployments: 696 Gbps switching capacity and >250 Mpps forwarding enable fast, deterministic data-plane performance for mixed workloads such as virtualization, storage, and clustering.
• Data-center ready features: Layer 2/3 switching capabilities, VLANs, QoS, ACLs, and common data-center automation and fabric technologies to support modern environments.
• Management and programmability: Cisco NX-OS with CLI, REST API, NETCONF, and SNMP for streamlined operation, monitoring, and integration with automation pipelines.
• Flexible deployment options: Suitable for top-of-rack, leaf-spine, or aggregation roles in a scalable, cost-efficient data-center design with room to grow as your network evolves.

Technical Details of Cisco Nexus 9348GC-FXP Ethernet Switch

• Form factor: 1U rack-mountable Ethernet switch
• Downlink ports: 48 x 1GBASE-T (configurable to 100 Mbps or 1 Gbps)
• Uplink ports: 4 x SFP28 (10/25 Gbps capable)
• Uplink ports: 2 x QSFP28 (40/100 Gbps capable)
• Backplane bandwidth: 696 Gbps
• Forwarding rate: >250 Mpps
• Networking features: Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching capabilities; QoS; ACLs; VLANs
• Operating system: Cisco NX-OS with CLI, APIs, and automation support
• Management: Standard Cisco management tools and protocols for ease of operation and integration into existing data-center workflows

How to install Cisco Nexus 9348GC-FXP Ethernet Switch

• Plan your rack placement and cabling layout, ensuring adequate space for air-flow and access to management ports.
• Mount the 1U switch in a standard 19-inch rack and secure it with the provided hardware.
• Connect a console cable or establish initial management access via the management network to begin configuration.
• Install required fiber or copper cables for the 48 x 1GBASE-T downlinks and connect the 4 x SFP28 and 2 x QSFP28 uplinks with appropriate transceivers or DAC/cable assemblies.
• Power on the switch and perform initial configuration: assign a hostname, configure the management interface, enable required NX-OS features, and set up basic security and access policies. Create VLANs, configure port channels as needed, and implement any routing or EVPN/VXLAN fabric settings applicable to your deployment.
• Validate connectivity with basic tests, save the configuration, and monitor device health through the NX-OS CLI or integrated management dashboards.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the primary bandwidth and forwarding performance of the Cisco Nexus 9348GC-FXP? A: It provides 696 Gbps of backplane bandwidth with forwarding performance exceeding 250 Mpps, enabling fast, low-latency data-plane operations for mixed traffic loads.
• Q: How are the ports configured? A: The switch features 48 x 1GBASE-T downlinks that can be configured to operate at 100 Mbps or 1 Gbps, 4 x SFP28 uplinks supporting 10/25 Gbps, and 2 x QSFP28 uplinks supporting 40/100 Gbps. This allows flexible migration paths and scalable uplinks as your network grows.
• Q: Is this switch suitable for data-center spine-leaf architectures? A: Yes. Its high port-density with a flexible mix of copper and optical uplinks, combined with NX-OS features and programmability, makes it appropriate for leaf or spine roles and for aggregation in scalable fabrics.
• Q: What management capabilities are included? A: The Nexus 9348GC-FXP runs Cisco NX-OS, offering a familiar CLI, REST API, NETCONF, SNMP, and automation support to integrate with orchestration and monitoring systems in modern data centers.
• Q: What are the deployment considerations? A: Consider your required uplink bandwidth, latency requirements, and growth plans. Plan for appropriate cabling, transceivers, and switch fabric features to support VXLAN EVPN or other fabric technologies relevant to your environment, and ensure power and cooling are adequate for a 1U footprint.