C H A P T E R 3

Using a Fabric Extender with a Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Switch

This chapter describes the Cisco Nexus 2200 Platform Fabric Extender (FEX) chassis and the components that you can connect to a Cisco Nexus 9000 Series switch.

This chapter includes the following sections:

Information About Using a Fabric Extender with a Cisco Nexus 9396PX Switch, page 3-1

Cisco Nexus 2248TP-E FEX, page 3-1

Cisco Nexus 2248TP FEX, page 3-10

Cisco Nexus 2232TM FEX, page 3-15

Cisco Nexus 2232PP FEX, page 3-21

Cisco Nexus 2224TP FEX, page 3-25

Information About Using a Fabric Extender with a Cisco Nexus 9396PX Switch

With Cisco NX-OS Release 6.1(2)I2(3) and later releases, you can extend the Cisco Nexus 9396PX switch architecture by connecting up to six FEXs as remote I/O modules. Depending on which FEX model that you connect to the switch, the FEX provides top-of-the-rack connectivity for up to 48, 32, or 24 hosts, and it becomes an extension of the parent Cisco Nexus 9396PX switch fabric, with the FEX and the switch becoming a virtual modular system. The FEX forwards all 100/1000 Ethernet or 1- and 10-Gigabit Ethernet traffic from the hosts to the switch over 10-Gbps uplinks. Traffic flows from the switch to the FEX over the 10-Gbps uplinks and to the individual hosts over 100/1000 Ethernet or 1- and 10-Gigabit Ethernet downlinks.

Cisco Nexus 2248TP-E FEX

The Cisco Nexus 2248TP-E FEX (N2K-C2248TP-E) is a stackable 1-RU FEX that has 48 100/1000 Ethernet host interfaces (downlink ports for copper RJ-45 connectors) and four 10-Gigabit Ethernet fabric interfaces (uplink ports for copper/optical SFP+ connectors). This FEX requires a 19-inch (48.26-cm) rack for its installation. Table 3-1lists its physical characteristics.

Cisco Nexus 2000 Series Hardware Installation Guide

3-1

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Cisco Systems 2000 manual Cisco Nexus 2248TP-E FEX

2000 specifications

In the year 2000, Cisco Systems, a leading technology company, was at the forefront of networking and communication solutions. With a rich history of innovation, Cisco solidified its position as a global leader in providing advanced networking technologies, hardware, and software.

One of the most significant features of Cisco in 2000 was its comprehensive portfolio of routers and switches. The company was known for its powerful routers, which were essential for managing internet traffic efficiently. Cisco’s Catalyst series of switches provided high levels of performance and scalability, enabling companies to build robust local area networks (LANs). These devices supported Ethernet technologies and catered to the growing demands of businesses for faster and more reliable connectivity.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the internet was experiencing rapid growth, and Cisco capitalized on this surge by introducing technologies that facilitated internet protocol (IP) networking. Its focus on developing IP-based solutions allowed businesses to integrate voice, video, and data services seamlessly over a single network. This was a significant advancement known as convergence, fundamentally changing how organizations approached communication.

Another characteristic of Cisco in 2000 was its commitment to security. As businesses began to increase their reliance on the internet, the risks associated with cyber threats also grew. Cisco developed security solutions such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems to help protect networks from potential attacks. The introduction of the Cisco Secure Network Architecture laid the foundation for comprehensive network security strategies.

Cisco also emphasized research and development, consistently investing in new technologies and innovations. The company was a pioneer in developing optical networking solutions, which enabled faster data transmission over long distances. This was crucial for supporting the growing bandwidth demands of the era.

Furthermore, Cisco’s collaboration with various technology partners and its global presence allowed it to provide customers with tailored solutions to meet diverse needs across different industries. The introduction of certification programs, like the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), helped create a skilled workforce equipped to deploy and manage Cisco technologies effectively.

In summary, Cisco Systems in 2000 showcased a blend of powerful routing and switching capabilities, a commitment to internet security, and innovative solutions that paved the way for future networking technologies. Its focus on convergence and relentless drive for high-performance networking made it a vital player in the evolving landscape of technology during this period.