Blog, Networking Device
OPTCORE SFP+/QSFP+ and Patch Cable For Cisco N3K Switches
Mar
Cisco Nexus 3000 Series Overview
The Cisco Nexus 3000 Series is a group of fixed-configuration switches built for data centers. They run Cisco NX-OS and are often deployed as top-of-rack switches to connect servers and storage devices.
Depending on the model, Nexus 3000 switches support Ethernet speeds from 10 GbE to 100 GbE. The common interface types include SFP+, SFP28, QSFP+, and QSFP28, which makes it easy to connect different generations of network equipment in the same environment. In many data centers, these switches sit close to the servers and handle high-speed traffic between racks or to the aggregation layer.
Low-Latency Switching
One thing people often talk about with the Nexus 3000 series is latency. Some models deliver sub-microsecond switching latency, which is very useful in environments where every microsecond matters. Because of this, engineers often deploy the switches in financial trading networks and high-performance computing clusters, where predictable network performance matters.
High-Density Ethernet Interfaces
Another practical advantage is the port density. Many Nexus 3000 models provide a large number of SFP+, SFP28, QSFP+, or QSFP28 ports, supporting speeds from 10G to 100G. This allows network engineers to increase bandwidth without replacing the entire switching layer. As traffic grows, you can use faster optics or breakout configurations to boost capacity.
NX-OS Operating System
The Nexus 3000 series runs on Cisco NX-OS, which is designed specifically for data center networks. Compared to traditional switch operating systems, NX-OS provides better support for automation and programmability. Many engineers use it alongside orchestration tools.
Layer 2 and Layer 3 Networking
These switches support both layer 2 and layer 3 networking. This design lets engineers use the switches in modern leaf-and-spine networks, which are popular in data centers. In practice, the Nexus 3000 can work either as an access switch or as part of an aggregation layer, depending on the network design.
Redundant Hardware Design
Most Nexus 3000 models include redundant power supplies and hot-swappable fan modules. For production systems, this is a big deal. You can replace the hardware components without shutting down the switch, keeping the network up and running during maintenance.
Application Scenarios of Cisco Nexus 3000 Switches
Based on the characteristics described above, engineers use Nexus 3000 Series switches in a variety of data center network scenarios.
Top of Rack Switching
The Nexus 3000 Series switches generally serve in top-of-rack switching applications. Top-of-rack switching refers to a network topology in which a network device or a switch connects a set of servers within a single rack. The high port density of Nexus 3000 series switches helps connect dozens of servers within a single rack.
High-Performance Computing
In high-performance computing applications, a large amount of data transfer occurs between nodes. Nexus 3000 series switches have a low-latency architecture, ensuring consistent performance in terms of communicating with servers.
Cloud and Virtualized Infrastructure
Cloud infrastructure applications generally need a network infrastructure that can support a variety of virtualization platforms and containerization solutions. NX-OS, a network operating system used in Nexus series switches, helps in managing the network infrastructure in a cloud environment.
Cisco Nexus 3000 Series Models
There are multiple models of Cisco N3K Series Switch to choose from. A table is listed below for your reference.
| Model | Description |
| Base Part Number | |
| N3K-C3048TP-1GE | Nexus 3000 with 48p 10/100/1000 Base-T ports and 4p 10G SFP+ |
| N3K-C3016Q-40GE | Nexus 3000 with 16p 40G QSFP+ |
| N3K-C3064PQ | Nexus 3000 with 48p 10G SFP+ and 4p 40G QSFP+ |
| N3K-C3064PQ-10GX | Nexus 3000 with 48p 10G SFP+ and 4p 40G QSFP+ |
| N3K-C3064TQ-10GT | Nexus 3000 with 48p 10GBase-T and 4p 40G QSFP+ |
| N3K-C31108PC-V | Nexus 3000 with 48p 10G SFP+ and 6p 40/100G QSFP28 |
| N3K-C31108TC-V | Nexus 3000 with 48p 10GBase-T and 6p 40/100G QSFP28 |
| N3K-C3132C-Z | Nexus 3000 with 32p 40/100G QSFP28 |
| N3K-C3132Q-40GE | Nexus 3000 with 32p 40G QSFP+ |
| N3K-C3132Q-V | Nexus 3000 with 32p 40G QSFP+ |
| N3K-C3164Q | Nexus 3000 with 64p 40G QSFP+ |
| N3K-C3172PQ | Nexus 3000 with 48p 10G SFP+ and 6p 40G QSFP+ |
| N3K-C3172PQ-XL | Nexus 3000 with 48p 10G SFP+ and 6p 40G QSFP+ |
| N3K-C3172TQ | Nexus 3000 with 48p 10GBase-T and 6p 40G QSFP+ |
| N3K-C3636C-R | Nexus 3000 with 36p 40/100G QSFP28 |
Compatible SFP+/QSFP+ Transceiver and Cable for Cisco Nexus 3000 Switches
To ensure the efficient operation of the switch, compatible optical modules are essential. As a one-stop optical fiber solution provider, OPTCORE is pleased to offer you a selection of transceivers and cables.
| OEM Part Number | Description |
| 10G SFP+ Module | 10G SFP+ Module |
| SFP-10G-SR | 10GBASE-SR SFP+ Module for MMF S-Class |
| SFP-10G-SR-X | 10GBASE-SR SFP+ Module for MMF |
| SFP-10G-SR-S | multirate 10GBASE-SR, 10GBASE-SW and OTU2e SFP+ Module for MMF, extended temperature range |
| SFP-10G-LR | 10GBASE-LRM SFP+ Module for MMF and SMF |
| SFP-10G-LR-X | 10GBASE-LR SFP+ Module for SMF S-Class |
| SFP-10G-LR-S | 10GBASE-LR SFP+ Module for SMF |
| SFP-10G-LRM | multirate 10GBASE-LR, 10GBASE-LW and OTU2e SFP+ Module for SMF, extended temperature range |
| SFP-10G-ER | 10GBASE-ER SFP+ Module for SMF S-Class |
| SFP-10G-ER-S | 10GBASE-ER SFP+ Module for SMF |
| SFP-10G-ZR | 10GBASE-ZR SFP+ Module for SMF S-Class |
| SFP-10G-ZR-S | multirate 10GBASE-ZR, 10GBASE-ZW and OTU2e SFP+ Module for SMF |
| SFP-10G-BXD-I | Cisco 10GBASE-BX10-D Bidirectional for 10km |
| SFP-10G-BXU-I | Cisco 10GBASE-BX10-U Bidirectional for 10km |
| SFP-10G-BX40D-I | Cisco 10GBASE-BX40-D Bidirectional for 40km |
| SFP-10G-BX40U-I | Cisco 10GBASE-BX40-U Bidirectional for 40km |
| 10G SFP+ CWDM/DWDM Module | 10G SFP+ CWDM/DWDM Module |
| CWDM-SFP10G-1470 | 10GBASE-CWDM 1470nm SFP+ 40km Transceiver Module |
| CWDM-SFP10G-1490 | 10GBASE-CWDM 1490nm SFP+ 40km Transceiver Module |
| CWDM-SFP10G-1510 | 10GBASE-CWDM 1510nm SFP+ 40km Transceiver Module |
| CWDM-SFP10G-1530 | 10GBASE-CWDM 1530nm SFP+ 40km Transceiver Module |
| CWDM-SFP10G-1550 | 10GBASE-CWDM 1550nm SFP+ 40km Transceiver Module |
| CWDM-SFP10G-1570 | 10GBASE-CWDM 1570nm SFP+ 40km Transceiver Module |
| CWDM-SFP10G-1590 | 10GBASE-CWDM 1590nm SFP+ 40km Transceiver Module |
| CWDM-SFP10G-1610 | 10GBASE-CWDM 1610nm SFP+ 40km Transceiver Module |
| DWDM-SFP10G-ER | 10GBASE-DWDM SFP+ (100-GHz ITU grid) 40km Transceiver Module |
| 10/25G SFP28 Transceiver | 10/25G SFP28 Transceiver |
| SFP28-25G-SR-CSC | Compatible 25G SFP28 SR Transceiver |
| SFP-10/25G-SR-S | Compatible 10/25GBASE-SR SFP28 850nm 100m Transceiver |
| SFP-25G-SR-S-I | Compatible 25GBASE-SR SFP28 850nm 100m Industrial Transceiver |
| SFP-25G-LR-CSC | Compatible 25G SFP28 1310nm 10km Transceiver |
| SFP-25G-ESR-S | Compatible 25GBASE-eSR SFP28 850nm 300m Transceiver |
| SFP-10/25G-CSR-S | Compatible 10/25GBASE-SR SFP28 850nm 400m Transceiver |
| SFP-25G-BX10-D-CSC | Compatible 25G SFP28 BiDi 1330nm-TX/1270nm-RX 10km Transceiver |
| SFP-25G-BX10-U-CSC | Compatible 25G SFP28 BiDi 1270nm-TX/1330nm-RX 10km Transceiver |
| SFP-25G-CW1270-CSC | Compatible 25G CWDM SFP28 1270nm 10km Transceiver |
| SFP-25G-CW1290-CSC | Compatible 25G CWDM SFP28 1290nm 10km Transceiver |
| SFP-25G-CW1310-CSC | Compatible 25G CWDM SFP28 1310nm 10km Transceiver |
| SFP-25G-CW1330-CSC | Compatible 25G CWDM SFP28 1330nm 10km Transceiver |
| SFP-25G-ER-S | Compatible 25GBASE-ER SFP28 1310nm 30km Transceiver |
| SFP-25GLR-DWxx-CSC | Compatible 25G DWDM SFP28 LR 10km Transceiver |
| 40G QSFP+ Transceiver | 40G QSFP+ Transceiver |
| QSFP-40G-SR4-CSC | Compatible 40GBASE-SR4 MMF 850nm QSFP+ Transceiver |
| QSFP-40G-SR4-CSC | Compatible 40GBASE-SR4 MMF 850nm QSFP+ Transceiver |
| QSFP-40G-eSR4-CSC | Compatible 40GBASE-ESR4 QSFP+ 850nm 300m Transceiver |
| QSFP-40G-LR4-CSC | Compatible 40GBASE-LR4 QSFP+ 1310nm 10km Transceiver |
| QSFP-40G-LR4-CSC | Compatible 40GBASE-LR4 QSFP+ 1310nm 10km Transceiver |
| QSFP-40G-IR4-CSC | Compatible 40GBASE-IR4 QSFP+ 1310nm 2km Transceiver |
| QSFP-40G-LR4-CSC | Compatible 40GBASE-LR4 QSFP+ 1310nm 10km Transceiver |
| QSFP-40G-PSM-LR4-CSC | Compatible 4x10GBASE-LR QSFP+1310nm 10km MTP/MPO Transceiver |
| QSFP-40G-SR-BiDi-CSC | Compatible 40GBASE-SR-BiDi QSFP+ Duplex LC 100m Transceiver |
| QSFP-40G-ER4-CSC | Compatible 40GBASE-ER4 QSFP+ SMF 1271~1331nm 40km Transceiver |
| 10G SFP+ Copper Cables | 10G SFP+ Copper Cables |
| SFP-H10GB-CU1M | 10GBASE-CU SFP+ Cable 1 Meter, passive |
| SFP-H10GB-CU1-5M | 10GBASE-CU SFP+ Cable 1.5 Meter, passive |
| SFP-H10GB-CU2M | 10GBASE-CU SFP+ Cable 2 Meter, Passive |
| SFP-H10GB-CU2-5M | 10GBASE-CU SFP+ Cable 2.5 Meter, Passive |
| SFP-H10GB-CU3M | 10GBASE-CU SFP+ Cable 3 Meter, passive |
| SFP-H10GB-CU5M | 10GBASE-CU SFP+ Cable 5 Meter, passive |
| SFP-H10GB-ACU7M | 10GBASE-CU SFP+ Cable 7 Meter, active |
| SFP-H10GB-ACU10M | 10GBASE-CU SFP+ Cable 10 Meter, active |
| 10G SFP+ Active Optical Cables | 10G SFP+ Active Optical Cables |
| SFP-10G-AOC1M | 10GBASE-AOC SFP+ Optical Cable, 1 Meter |
| SFP-10G-AOC2M | 10GBASE-AOC SFP+ Optical Cable, 2 Meter |
| SFP-10G-AOC3M | 10GBASE-AOC SFP+ Optical Cable, 3 Meter |
| SFP-10G-AOC5M | 10GBASE-AOC SFP+ Optical Cable, 5 Meter |
| SFP-10G-AOC7M | 10GBASE-AOC SFP+ Optical Cable, 7 Meter |
| SFP-10G-AOC10M | 10GBASE-AOC SFP+ Optical Cable, 10 Meter |
Conclusion
On the whole, the Cisco N3K Series has become a widely used solution across various data centers. This product works perfectly in data centers that need to handle high traffic volumes.
However, various engineers in online networking groups also point out some drawbacks. One such drawback is related to the NX-OS licensing model. Some users have cited that the NX-OS model is more complicated than other switch systems. Another drawback cited by some engineers is related to power consumption. The power consumption is higher in some situations due to high-speed optical interfaces.
Despite some drawbacks, many data centers still use the Cisco Nexus 3000 Series whenever they need high-speed connectivity. Setting up these networks requires various optical transceivers and patch cables.
Read more
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