Datasheet

Data Sheet

developed tools. The switch family uses Cisco NX-OS for superior operational efficiency, pervasive security,

and continuous operation even through software upgrades.

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Software manageability and serviceability features include Smart Call Home and automated parameter

exchange (through DCBX). Security is enhanced through role-based access control (RBAC); support for

authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA), remote TACACS+, and RADIUS servers; and Secure

Shell (SSH) access.

Applications

The Cisco Nexus 5000 Series supports a number of application scenarios that use it as an access-layer switch co-

located with servers in data center racks or for middle-of-row deployments.

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As an access-layer switch, it can be used purely as a 10 Gigabit Ethernet switch, consolidating 10 Gigabit

Ethernet connections into a smaller number of server connections trunked to the aggregation layer.

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In conjunction with the Cisco Nexus 2148T Gigabit Ethernet Fabric Extender, the Cisco Nexus 5000 Series

can be a high-density Gigabit Ethernet switching system, consolidating more than 576 Gigabit Ethernet

connections within a single management plane.

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As a rack-level I/O consolidation platform, the switch carries Ethernet traffic from servers to the aggregation

layer and carries FCoE traffic to existing Fibre Channel SANs.

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As a crucial element in data center I/O consolidation, the switch enables I/O consolidation at the access layer

and provides interoperability with the Cisco Nexus 5000 Series and other standards-based products.

The capability of the Cisco Nexus 5000 Series to function in all these capacities helps protect investment in the data

center with a deployment model in which additional features can be enabled as they are needed.

Rack-Level 10 Gigabit Ethernet Access-Layer Switch

The Cisco Nexus 5000 Series is designed with the density, performance, front-to-back cooling, and rear port

configuration that make it ideal for aggregating a large number of 10 Gigabit Ethernet links from servers into a

smaller number of uplinks to aggregation-layer switches. The switch port density allows each switch to support a

single rack or neighboring racks using the SFP+ direct-attach 10 Gigabit copper cabling option. The Cisco Nexus

5000 Series Switches can be purchased with only the Ethernet capabilities enabled, allowing IT departments to

deploy them in parallel with existing Fibre Channel SANs. Figure 7 shows an active-active pair of Cisco Nexus 5000

Series Switches cross-connected to redundant Ethernet NICs in servers. Instead of using multiple Gigabit Ethernet

connections to servers for LAN, virtual machine mobility applications, and Small Computer System Interface over IP

(iSCSI) SAN support, customers can combine their traffic over a consolidated, lossless, low-latency 10 Gigabit

Ethernet fabric.