The Cisco Nexus® 3000 Series Switches are a comprehensive portfolio of 1, 10, and 40 Gigabit Ethernet switches built from a switch-on-a-chip (SoC) architecture. Introduced in April 2011, this series has established itself as a leader in high frequency trading, high-performance computing, and big data environments by pairing high performance and low latency with innovations in performance visibility, automation, and time synchronization.
Cisco Nexus 3500 Platform Overview
The Cisco Nexus 3500 platform further extends the leadership of the Cisco Nexus 3000 Series by including the innovative Algorithm Boost (or Algo Boost) technology. Algo Boost technology, built into the switch application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), allows the Nexus 3548 to achieve exceptional Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching latencies of less than 200 nanoseconds (ns). In addition, Algo Boost contains several innovations for latency, forwarding features, and performance visibility:
• Three configurable modes for low latency:
– Normal mode: This mode is excellent for environments needing low latency and high scalability. In this mode, latencies as low as 250 ns can be paired with the higher of the Layer 2 and Layer 3 scaling values listed later in this document in Table 5.
– Warp mode: For those customers with smaller environments who demand the lowest latencies possible, warp mode consolidates forwarding operations within the switching ASIC, lowering latency by up to an additional 20 percent compared to normal operation. In this mode, latencies as low as 190 ns can be paired with the smaller of the Layer 2 and Layer 3 scaling values listed later in this document in Table 5.
– Warp SPAN: In some environments, a stream of traffic entering one port simply needs to be copied to a list of outgoing ports as quickly as possible without processing or modification. The Nexus 3548's warp SPAN capability allows all traffic entering a single port on the switch to be replicated to any number of destination ports at latencies as low as 50 ns.
• Hitless Network Address Translation (NAT)1: In many financial trading environments, trade orders must be sourced from the IP space of the provider, requiring NAT at the border between networks. The Cisco Nexus 3500 platform can perform NAT for IPv4 unicast routed packets without incurring any additional latency.
• Active buffer monitoring: Even on the lowest-latency switches, data packets can incur a millisecond or more of latency during periods of congestion. Today's switches do not adequately inform administrators about the presence of this congestion, leaving them unaware and hindered in their ability to address the conditions causing suboptimal performance. Previous buffer utilization monitoring techniques were based entirely on software polling algorithms with polling intervals higher than 100ms, which can miss important congestion events. In contrast, Algo Boost accelerates the collection of buffer utilization data in hardware, allowing sampling intervals of 10 ns or less.
• Advanced traffic mirroring2: The Algo Boost technology on the Cisco Nexus 3500 platform facilitates not only network troubleshooting by supporting Switched Port Analyzer (SPAN) and Encapsulated Remote SPAN (ERSPAN) technologies, but also in-service network monitoring with enhancements including the capability to:
– Apply user-configurable filters to reduce the amount of captured traffic to a specified flow or protocol
– Capture a sample of eligible packets, such as one out of every thousand
– Truncate packets after a user-defined threshold
– Insert a nanosecond-level timestamp in the ERSPAN header of captured packets (requires ERSPAN and Precision Time Protocol [PTP])*
• IEEE 1588 PTP with pulse-per-second* (PPS) output
– The capability to build and maintain a synchronized, accurate timing solution is the basis for successful provisioning and management of high-performance trading networks and applications. Using IEEE 1588 PTP, Cisco Nexus 3000 Series Switches can deliver highly accurate precision time synchronization to applications within existing network infrastructure with no need to invest in and deploy a separate timing network.
– Network administrators deploying IEEE 1588 PTP often find it challenging to measure the accuracy to which each device is synchronized. To assist this effort, the Cisco Nexus 3500 platform includes a 1-PPS output port that can be used to measure timing drift from the grandmaster clock.
Cisco Nexus 3548 Switch
The Cisco Nexus 3548 Switch (Figure 1), the first member of the Cisco Nexus 3500 platform, is a compact one-rack-unit (1RU) form-factor 10 Gigabit Ethernet switch providing line-rate Layer 2 and 3 switching at ultra low latency. The switch runs the industry-leading Cisco® NX-OS Software operating system, providing customers with comprehensive features and functions that are widely deployed globally. The Cisco Nexus 3548 contains no physical layer (PHY) chips, allowing low latency and low power consumption. This switch supports both forward and reversed airflow schemes and both AC and DC power inputs.
Figure 1. Cisco Nexus 3548 Switch
The Cisco Nexus 3548 has the following hardware configuration:
• 48 fixed Enhanced Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP+) ports (1 Gbps or 10 Gbps)
• Dual redundant, hot-swappable power supplies
• Four individual, redundant, hot-swappable fans
• One 1-PPS timing port, with the RF1.0/2.3 QuickConnect connector type
• Two 10/100/1000 management ports
• One RS-232 serial console port
• One USB port
• Locator LED
• Locator LED button
Support for both forward (port-side exhaust) and reversed (port-side intake) airflow schemes is available. `Port-side exhaust' scheme would be used when the cold air flows in through the side having the fans (facing the cold aisle) and exhausts out of the side having the ports (facing the hot aisle). `Port-side intake' scheme would be used when the air flows in through the ports (facing the cold aisle) and leaves through the side having the fans (facing the hot aisle).
Colored handles on each fan or power supply clearly indicate the airflow direction, as seen in Figures 2 and 3.
Figure 2. Cisco Nexus 3548 with Blue Handles Indicating Forward Airflow
Figure 3. Cisco Nexus 3548 with Red Handles Indicating Reversed Airflow
Cisco NX-OS Software Overview
Cisco NX-OS is a data center-class operating system built with modularity, resiliency, and serviceability at its foundation. Cisco NX-OS helps ensure continuous availability and sets the standard for mission-critical data center environments. The self-healing and highly modular design of Cisco NX-OS makes zero-impact operations a reality and provides exceptional operational flexibility.
Focused on the requirements of the data center, Cisco NX-OS provides a robust and comprehensive feature set that meets the networking requirements of present and future data centers. With an XML interface and a command-line interface (CLI) like that of Cisco IOS® Software, Cisco NX-OS provides state-of-the-art implementations of relevant networking standards as well as a variety of true data center-class Cisco innovations.
Cisco NX-OS Software Benefits
Table 1 summarizes the benefits that Cisco NX-OS Software offers.
Table 1. Benefits of Cisco NX-OS Software
Feature
Benefit
Common software throughout the data center: Cisco NX-OS runs on all Cisco data center switch platforms (Cisco Nexus 7000, 5000, 4000, 2000, and 1000V Series).
• Simplification of data center operating environment
• End-to-end Cisco Nexus and Cisco NX-OS fabric
• No retraining necessary for data center engineering and operations teams
Software compatibility: Cisco NX-OS interoperates with Cisco products running any variant of Cisco IOS Software and also with any networking OS that conforms to the networking standards listed as supported in this data sheet.
• Transparent operation with existing network infrastructure
• Open standards
• No compatibility concerns
Modular software design: Cisco NX-OS is designed to support distributed multithreaded processing. Cisco NX-OS modular processes are instantiated on demand, each in a separate protected memory space. Thus, processes are started and system resources allocated only when a feature is enabled. The modular processes are governed by a real-time preemptive scheduler that helps ensure timely processing of critical functions.
• Robust software
• Fault tolerance
• Increased scalability
• Increased network availability
Troubleshooting and diagnostics: Cisco NX-OS is built with unique serviceability functions to allow network operators to take early action based on network trends and events, enhancing network planning and improving network operations center (NOC) and vendor response times. Smart Call Home and Cisco Online Health Management System (OHMS) are some of the features that enhance the serviceability of Cisco NX-OS.
• Quick problem isolation and resolution
• Continuous system monitoring and proactive notifications
• Improved productivity of operations teams
Ease of management: Cisco NX-OS provides a programmatic XML interface based on the NETCONF industry standard. The Cisco NX-OS XML interface provides a consistent API for devices. Cisco NX-OS also provides support for Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) Versions 1, 2, and 3 MIBs.
• Rapid development and creation of tools for enhanced management
• Comprehensive SNMP MIB support for efficient remote monitoring
Role-based access control (RBAC): With RBAC, Cisco NX-OS enables administrators to limit access to switch operations by assigning roles to users. Administrators can customize access and restrict it to the users who require it.
• Effective access control mechanism based on user roles
• Improved network device security
• Reduction in network problems arising from human error
Cisco NX-OS Software Packages for Cisco Nexus 3548
The software packages for the Cisco Nexus 3548 offer flexibility and a comprehensive feature set and are consistent with Cisco Nexus access switches. The default system software has a comprehensive Layer 2 feature set with extensive security and management features. To enable certain Layer 3 IP unicast and multicast routing functions, NAT, warp mode, or Warp SPAN, additional licenses must be installed, as described in Table 2. See Table 6 later in this document for a complete software feature list.
Table 2. Software Licensing for Cisco Nexus 3548
Software Package
Features Supported
System default (no license required)
• Comprehensive Layer 2 feature set: VLAN, IEEE 802.1Q trunking, Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), Unidirectional Link Detection (UDLD) (Standard and Aggressive), Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP), Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP), Spanning Tree Protocol guards
• Security: Authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA), access control lists (ACL), storm control, and configurable Control-Plane Policing (CoPP)
• Management features: Cisco Data Center Network Manager (DCNM) support, console, Secure Shell Version 2 (SSHv2) access, Cisco Discovery Protocol, SNMP, and syslog
Base license (N3K-BAS1K9)
• Layer 3 IP routing: Inter-VLAN routing, static routes, Routing Information Protocol Version 2 (RIPv2), ACLs, Open Shortest Path First Version 2 (OSPFv2; limited to 256 routes), Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP) stub, Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP), and Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP)
LAN Enterprise license (N3K-LAN1K9); requires Base license
• Advanced Layer 3 IP Routing: OSPFv2, EIGRP, Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), and Virtual Routing and Forwarding Lite (VRF-Lite)
Algo Boost license (N3K-ALGK9)
• Algo Boost features: NAT, warp mode, and warp SPAN
Cisco Data Center Network Manager
The Cisco Nexus 3548 is supported in Cisco DCNM. Cisco DCNM is designed for the Cisco Nexus hardware platforms, which are enabled for Cisco NX-OS. Cisco DCNM is a Cisco management solution that increases overall data center infrastructure uptime and reliability, improving business continuity. Focused on the management requirements of the data center network, Cisco DCNM provides a robust framework and comprehensive feature set that can meet the routing, switching, and storage administration needs of present and future data centers. Cisco DCNM automates the provisioning process, proactively monitors the LAN by detecting performance degradation, secures the network, and simplifies the diagnosis of dysfunctional network elements.
Transceiver and Cabling Options
The Cisco Nexus 3548 supports a wide variety of 1 and 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity options. For in-rack or adjacent-rack cabling, the Cisco Nexus 3548 supports SFP+ direct-attach 10 Gigabit Ethernet copper, an innovative solution that integrates transceivers with Twinax cables into an energy-efficient and low-cost solution. For longer cable runs, multimode and single-mode optical SFP+ transceivers are supported. Table 3 lists the supported 10 Gigabit Ethernet transceiver options.
Table 3. Cisco Nexus 3548 10 Gigabit Transceiver Support Matrix
Part Number
Description
SFP-10G-SR
10GBASE-SR SFP+ module (multimode fiber [MMF])
SFP-10G-LR
10GBASE-LR SFP+ module (single-mode fiber [SMF])
SFP-10G-ER
Cisco 10GBASE-ER SFP+ Module for SMF
SFP-H10GB-CU1M
10GBASE-CU SFP+ cable 1m (Twinax cable)
SFP-H10GB-CU3M
10GBASE-CU SFP+ cable 3m (Twinax cable)
SFP-H10GB-CU5M
10GBASE-CU SFP+ cable 5m (Twinax cable)
SFP-H10GB-ACU7M
Active Twinax cable assembly, 7m
SFP-H10GB-ACU10M
Active Twinax cable assembly, 10m
The Cisco Nexus 3548 is compatible with existing Gigabit Ethernet infrastructures. Both the uplink and downlink 10 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces can also operate in Gigabit Ethernet mode. Table 4 lists the Gigabit Ethernet SFP transceivers that are supported.
Table 4. Cisco Nexus 3548 Gigabit Ethernet Transceiver Support Matrix
Part Number
Description
GLC-T
1000BASE-T SFP
GLC-SX-MM
GE SFP, LC connector SX transceiver (MMF)
GLC-SX-MMD
1000BASE-SX SFP transceiver module, MMF, 850nm, DOM
GLC-LH-SM
GE SFP, LC Connector LX/LH Transceiver
GLC-LH-SMD
1000BASE-LX/LH SFP transceiver module, MMF/SMF, 1310nm, DOM
Cisco Nexus 3000 Series Switches are supported by Cisco NX-OS Software Release 5.0 and later. Cisco NX-OS interoperates with any networking OS, including Cisco IOS Software, that conforms to the networking standards mentioned in this data sheet.
Regulatory Standards Compliance
Table 8 summarizes regulatory standards compliance for the Cisco Nexus 3000 Series.
Table 8. Regulatory Standards Compliance: Safety and EMC
Specification
Description
Regulatory compliance
• Products should comply with CE Markings per directives 2004/108/EC and 2006/95/EC
Safety
• UL 60950-1 Second Edition
• CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60950-1 Second Edition
• EN 60950-1 Second Edition
• IEC 60950-1 Second Edition
• AS/NZS 60950-1
• GB4943
EMC: Emissions
• 47CFR Part 15 (CFR 47) Class A
• AS/NZS CISPR22 Class A
• CISPR22 Class A
• EN55022 Class A
• ICES003 Class A
• VCCI Class A
• EN61000-3-2
• EN61000-3-3
• KN22 Class A
• CNS13438 Class A
EMC: Immunity
• EN55024
• CISPR24
• EN300386
• KN24
RoHS
RoHS 5 compliant except for lead press-fit connectors
Ordering Information
Table 9 provides ordering information for the Cisco Nexus 3548.
Table 9. Ordering Information
Part Number
Description
Chassis
N3K-C3548P-10G
Nexus 3548 Switch, 48 SFP+
NXA-FAN-30CFM-F
N2K/3K Individual Fan, Forward airflow (port side exhaust)
NXA-FAN-30CFM-B
N2K/3K Individual Fan, Reversed airflow (port side intake)
N2200-PAC-400W
N2K/3K 400W AC Power Supply, Forward airflow (port side exhaust)
N2200-PAC-400W-B
N2K/3K 400W AC Power Supply, Reversed airflow (port side intake)
N2200-PDC-400W
N2K/3K 400W DC Power Supply, Forward airflow (port side exhaust)
N3K-PDC-350W-B
N2K/3K 350W DC Power Supply, Reversed airflow (port side intake)
Software Licenses
N3548-BAS1K9
Nexus 3000 Layer 3 Base License
N3548-LAN1K9
Nexus 3000 Layer 3 LAN Enterprise License (Requires N3K-BAS1K9 License)
N3548-ALGK9
Nexus 3500 Algo Boost License
Spares
NXA-FAN-30CFM-F=
N2K/3K Individual Fan, Forward airflow (port side exhaust), Spare
NXA-FAN-30CFM-B=
N2K/3K Individual Fan, Reversed airflow (port side intake), Spare
N2000-PAC-400W=
N2K/3K 400W AC Power Supply, Forward airflow (port side exhaust), Spare
N2000-PAC-400W-B=
N2K/3K 400W AC Power Supply, Reversed airflow (port side intake), Spare
N2200-PDC-400W=
N2K/3K 400W DC Power Supply, Forward airflow (port side exhaust), Spare
N3K-PDC-350W-B=
N3K Series 350W DC Power Supply, Reversed airflow (port side intake), Spare
N3K-C3064-ACC-KIT=
Nexus 3548 Accessory Kit (same as Nexus 3064)
Cables and Optics
SFP-10G-SR(=)
10GBASE-SR SFP+ Module
SFP-10G-LR(=)
10GBASE-LR SFP+ Module
SFP-10G-ER(=)
Cisco 10GBASE-ER SFP+ Module for SMF
SFP-H10GB-CU1M(=)
10GBASE-CU SFP+ Cable 1 Meter, passive (twinax)
SFP-H10GB-CU3M(=)
10GBASE-CU SFP+ Cable 3 Meter, passive (twinax)
SFP-H10GB-CU5M(=)
10GBASE-CU SFP+ Cable 5 Meter, passive (twinax)
SFP-H10GB-ACU7M(=)
Active Twinax Cable Assembly, 7m
SFP-H10GB-ACU10M(=)
Active Twinax Cable Assembly, 10m
GLC-T(=)
1000BASE-T SFP
GLC-SX-MM(=)
GE SFP, LC Connector SX Transceiver
GLC-SX-MMD(=)
1000BASE-SX SFP transceiver module, MMF, 850nm, DOM
GLC-LH-SM(=)
GE SFP, LC Connector LX/LH Transceiver
GLC-LH-SMD(=)
1000BASE-LX/LH SFP transceiver module, MMF/SMF, 1310nm, DOM
Warranty
The Cisco Nexus 3000 platforms have a 1-year limited hardware warranty. The warranty includes hardware replacement with a 10-day turnaround from receipt of a return materials authorization (RMA).
Service and Support
Cisco offers a wide range of services to help accelerate your success in deploying and optimizing the Cisco Nexus 3000 Series in your data center. The innovative Cisco Services offerings are delivered through a unique combination of people, processes, tools, and partners and are focused on helping you increase operation efficiency and improve your data center network. Cisco Advanced Services uses an architecture-led approach to help you align your data center infrastructure with your business goals and achieve long-term value. Cisco SMARTnet® Service helps you resolve mission-critical problems with direct access at any time to Cisco network experts and award-winning resources. With this service, you can take advantage of the Smart Call Home service capability, which offers proactive diagnostics and real-time alerts on your Cisco Nexus 3000 Series Switches. Spanning the entire network lifecycle, Cisco Services helps increase investment protection, optimize network operations, support migration operations, and strengthen your IT expertise.