Cisco Nexus N9K-C9364C-GX – High-Performance Data Center Switch

The Cisco Nexus N9K-C9364C-GX is a high-performance, low-latency, 1/10/25/40/100G-capable data center switch designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern enterprise networks, cloud environments, and high-performance computing applications. As part of the Cisco Nexus 9000 Series, this switch provides flexible connectivity, advanced automation capabilities, and unparalleled reliability, making it ideal for data centers, service providers, and large-scale IT infrastructures.

Overview of Cisco N9K-C9364C-GX

The N9K-C9364C-GX is engineered for high-density 100G and 40G connectivity, supporting modern workloads, SDN (Software-Defined Networking), and cloud-scale environments. With 48 fixed 40/100-Gbps QSFP28 ports, this switch delivers both high throughput and low latency, enabling businesses to run demanding applications such as virtualization, analytics, and hyperscale networking.

Key Highlights:

• 48 QSFP28 Ports: Supports 40G or 100G connections with high bandwidth.

• High Throughput: 7.68 Tbps switching capacity for ultra-fast data processing.

• Low Latency: Sub-microsecond latency for high-performance applications.

• Cisco NX-OS Software: Provides programmable, modular, and automated network management.

• Data Center Focus: Optimized for spine-leaf architectures, multi-tenant environments, and SDN.

Key Features and Benefits

1. High-Density 100G Connectivity

• 48 QSFP28 ports allow flexible deployment of 40G or 100G links.

• Ideal for aggregation or spine-leaf designs in large data centers.

• Supports breakout mode for multiple lower-speed connections.

2. Ultra-Fast Switching Capacity

• 7.68 Tbps switching capacity ensures high-speed traffic handling.

• Forwarding rate of 2.88 Bpps supports data-intensive workloads.

• Reduces network bottlenecks for high-performance computing and cloud applications.

3. Advanced Software-Defined Networking (SDN)

• Compatible with Cisco ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure) for automated network management.

• Programmable network infrastructure with APIs for rapid deployment.

• Supports VXLAN overlays and segment routing for modern data center designs.

4. Reliability and Redundancy

• Dual redundant power supplies and fans ensure continuous operation.

• High MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) for mission-critical applications.

• Supports hot-swappable components for minimal downtime.

5. Scalability and Flexibility

• Perfect for large-scale enterprise and cloud environments.

• Spine-leaf architecture compatibility allows easy horizontal scaling.

• Supports multi-protocol traffic including Ethernet, Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE), and IP storage.

6. Security and Network Segmentation

• VXLAN and VRF-Lite support for multi-tenant network isolation.

• Access control lists (ACLs) for secure data center connectivity.

• Supports encryption and policy-based segmentation for sensitive workloads.

Technical Specifications

Industrial and Enterprise Applications

1. Data Center Aggregation

• Spine-leaf architecture for east-west traffic optimization.

• High-speed connections for virtualization and cloud computing.

• Ideal for hyperscale and enterprise-grade environments.

2. High-Performance Computing (HPC)

• Low-latency, high-bandwidth switch for supercomputing clusters.

• Supports parallel workloads, AI/ML, and big data analytics.

3. Cloud and Multi-Tenant Environments

• VXLAN overlays allow secure, scalable multi-tenant deployments.

• Supports dynamic provisioning and automated network segmentation.

4. Storage Networking

• FCoE support allows integration of storage traffic over Ethernet.

• High throughput ensures reliable data access for enterprise storage solutions.

Deployment and Configuration

Step 1: Rack and Power Installation

• Install the N9K-C9364C-GX in a standard 19” data center rack (2 RU).

• Connect dual redundant power supplies to independent circuits.

Step 2: Connect QSFP28 Ports

• Use QSFP28 cables or modules for 40G/100G connections.

• Configure breakout mode if multiple 10G/25G connections are required.

Step 3: Configure Network via NX-OS or ACI

• Assign VLANs, VXLAN overlays, and VRFs.

• Enable ACLs and QoS policies for traffic prioritization.

• Integrate with Cisco ACI for automated deployment and monitoring.

Step 4: Test Connectivity and Redundancy

• Verify uplinks and downlinks using ping tests and SNMP monitoring.

• Check failover by simulating power or link loss.

Step 5: Monitoring and Maintenance

• Use NX-OS CLI, GUI, or REST API for daily monitoring.

• Schedule firmware updates during maintenance windows.

• Document all port assignments, VLANs, and policies.

Comparison with Other Nexus 9000 Models

✅ Why N9K-C9364C-GX Stands Out:

• Higher port density for 100G applications.

• Ultra-low latency for HPC and cloud workloads.

• Seamless ACI integration for modern automated data centers.

Troubleshooting Guide

1. Port Link Issues

   • Check QSFP28 module compatibility.

   • Inspect cables and connectors for damage.

2. High Latency or Packet Loss

   • Verify VXLAN overlays or QoS configurations.

   • Check for network congestion or faulty modules.

3. Power or Fan Failure

   • Ensure redundant PSU and fans are connected.

   • Hot-swap defective components immediately.

4. ACI Integration Errors

   • Verify proper controller configuration.

   • Ensure firmware versions match supported ACI versions.

Maintenance Plan

Daily: Monitor system health and link status.
Monthly: Review logs, SNMP alerts, and CPU/memory usage.
Quarterly: Test failover of power and links.
Annually: Upgrade firmware, inspect cables, clean racks, and check airflow.

Real-World Use Cases

• Cloud Provider Data Center: Supports massive multi-tenant networks with VXLAN overlays.

• Enterprise HPC Cluster: Low-latency interconnect for AI and analytics workloads.

• Financial Services: Handles ultra-low latency trading networks and high-volume transactions.

• University or Research Labs: HPC clusters for simulations, big data, and AI experiments.

FAQs

Q1: Can N9K-C9364C-GX support 10G/25G connections?
A: Yes, via breakout mode on QSFP28 ports.

Q2: What is the max switching capacity?
A: 7.68 Tbps with 2.88 Bpps forwarding rate.

Q3: Does it support SDN?
A: Yes, fully compatible with Cisco ACI and NX-OS programmable APIs.

Q4: Is it suitable for HPC environments?
A: Yes, ultra-low latency and high bandwidth make it ideal.

Q5: How do I ensure high availability?
A: Use dual power supplies, redundant links, and hot-swappable modules.

Cisco Nexus N9K-C9364C-GX – The Ultimate Data Center Switch Guide

The Cisco Nexus N9K-C9364C-GX is designed for high-performance, low-latency, cloud-scale data center networks. Whether it’s enterprise, hyperscale cloud, or high-performance computing (HPC), this switch delivers 48 QSFP28 ports capable of 40/100G throughput with 7.68 Tbps switching capacity, making it one of the most versatile and powerful switches in the Cisco Nexus 9000 Series.

This guide will cover:

• Technical specifications

• Deployment strategies and spine-leaf architecture

• Advanced performance optimization

• Security best practices

• Maintenance and troubleshooting

• Real-world use cases

• Buyer guidance and purchasing considerations

1. Detailed Technical Specifications

Key Features in Detail:

1. 48 QSFP28 Ports – Supports breakout mode to divide 100G links into 4x25G connections for flexible connectivity.

2. High Capacity & Low Latency – 7.68 Tbps throughput with 2.88 billion packets per second (Bpps) forwarding ensures ultra-low latency for HPC and financial trading networks.

3. Cisco NX-OS & ACI Compatibility – Fully programmable, supports SDN, automation, and seamless integration with Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure.

4. Redundant Hardware – Dual hot-swappable power supplies and fans minimize downtime.

2. Advanced Deployment Strategies

Spine-Leaf Architecture

The N9K-C9364C-GX is ideal for spine-leaf architecture in modern data centers:

• Spine Layer: Acts as the backbone with 100G uplinks.

• Leaf Layer: Connects servers, storage, and edge devices.

Example Design:

• Deploy 4 x N9K-C9364C-GX switches as the spine.

• Connect 16 leaf switches (N9K-C93180YC-EX) via 100G QSFP28 uplinks.

• Use VXLAN overlay for multi-tenant networks and scalability.

Benefits:

• Low-latency east-west traffic.

• High availability and redundancy.

• Scales horizontally for massive data center growth.

3. Performance Optimization

1. Port Utilization: Aggregate multiple links with port channels for higher throughput.

2. VXLAN & Overlay Networks: Efficiently segment traffic for multi-tenant environments.

3. QoS (Quality of Service): Prioritize latency-sensitive applications like HPC or VoIP.

4. Buffer Tuning: Adjust buffer sizes for large-scale workloads.

5. Monitoring & Analytics: Use SNMP, NX-OS telemetry, and ACI analytics for proactive performance monitoring.

4. Security Best Practices

1. VLAN Segmentation: Isolate tenants and applications.

2. Access Control Lists (ACLs): Restrict unauthorized traffic.

3. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Ensure only authorized personnel configure switches.

4. MACsec Encryption: Encrypt traffic for sensitive data.

5. Firmware Updates: Regularly update NX-OS for security patches.

5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Routine Checks:

• Verify PSU and fan redundancy.

• Monitor temperature and CPU/memory utilization.

• Inspect port connectivity and errors.

Common Troubleshooting Scenarios:

1. QSFP28 Port Not Recognized:

   • Check module compatibility.

   • Reseat the module and test another port.

2. High Latency or Packet Drops:

   • Validate port channel configurations.

   • Review QoS policies.

3. ACI Integration Issues:

   • Confirm controller and switch software versions match.

   • Validate VXLAN overlay configuration.

4. Power Supply Failure:

   • Swap to redundant PSU.

   • Inspect AC/DC input voltage.

6. Real-World Use Cases

Enterprise Data Centers

• Aggregates server traffic and storage.

• Ensures low latency for virtualization and analytics workloads.

Hyperscale Cloud

• Supports massive east-west traffic between compute nodes.

• Enables automation through Cisco ACI for rapid tenant provisioning.

High-Performance Computing

• Ideal for AI/ML clusters, simulations, and big data processing.

• Low-latency, high-bandwidth connectivity between nodes.

Financial Services Networks

• Ultra-low latency for trading networks.

• High availability for mission-critical transactions.

7. Buyer Guidance

• Network Size: N9K-C9364C-GX is ideal for medium to large data centers.

• Traffic Requirements: High-density 100G connections for low-latency, high-throughput applications.

• Scalability Needs: Supports spine-leaf and VXLAN architectures for future growth.

• Redundancy Requirements: Dual PSU and hot-swappable components ensure continuous uptime.

8. FAQs

Q1: Can this switch support 10G and 25G connections?
A: Yes, via QSFP28 breakout mode.

Q2: What is the maximum switching capacity?
A: 7.68 Tbps with 2.88 Bpps forwarding.

Q3: Is the switch compatible with SDN?
A: Yes, fully compatible with Cisco ACI and programmable APIs.

Q4: Can it handle high-performance computing workloads?
A: Yes, ultra-low latency and high throughput make it ideal.

Q5: How is high availability ensured?
A: Redundant power, fans, and hot-swappable components, plus spine-leaf design support.

Cisco Nexus N9K-C9364C-GX – The Ultimate Data Center Switch Guide

The Cisco Nexus N9K-C9364C-GX is a high-performance, low-latency, data center switch designed for modern enterprise, hyperscale cloud, and high-performance computing (HPC) networks. With 48 QSFP28 ports, 7.68 Tbps switching capacity, and sub-microsecond latency, it is optimized for cloud, virtualization, storage, and mission-critical applications.

This guide covers:

• Technical specifications

• Deployment strategies & spine-leaf architecture

• Step-by-step ACI integration

• Performance benchmarking

• Advanced troubleshooting & maintenance

• Security best practices

• Real-world case studies

• Buyer guidance & purchase options

1. Technical Specifications – Deep Dive

Highlights:

• 48 QSFP28 Ports: Supports breakout mode for 4x25G per port.

• Ultra-Low Latency: Ideal for HPC, financial trading, and AI workloads.

• Cisco NX-OS & ACI: Enables SDN, automation, and policy-driven networks.

• Redundant Components: Hot-swappable PSUs and fans for high availability.

2. Deployment Strategies

Spine-Leaf Architecture

The N9K-C9364C-GX excels in spine-leaf deployments:

Example Design:

• Spine Layer: 4 x N9K-C9364C-GX switches.

• Leaf Layer: 16 x N9K-C93180YC-EX switches connecting servers and storage.

• VXLAN Overlay: Provides multi-tenant network segmentation.

• L2/L3 Forwarding: Supports high-speed east-west traffic in data centers.

Benefits:

• Low-latency connectivity

• High throughput & scalability

• Redundant paths for high availability

Deployment Diagram Description (for WordPress):

• Spine switches at the top layer

• Leaf switches below connected via 100G uplinks

• Server racks connected to leaf switches via 10G/25G or 40G links

• VXLAN overlays visualized with colored virtual tunnels

Step-by-Step Deployment

Step 1: Rack & Power Setup

• Install switch in 19” rack (2RU).

• Connect dual redundant power supplies to separate circuits.

Step 2: Port Connections

• Connect QSFP28 uplinks to leaf/spine switches.

• Configure breakout ports for multi-speed connections.

Step 3: Software Configuration

• Assign VLANs, VXLAN overlays, and VRFs.

• Configure ACLs, QoS policies, and monitoring.

Step 4: Testing & Validation

• Ping all connected devices.

• Simulate link or PSU failure to verify redundancy.

• Use SNMP or NX-OS telemetry for traffic monitoring.

3. Cisco ACI Integration

Why ACI?

Cisco ACI allows policy-driven, automated networking, reducing configuration errors and deployment time.

Integration Steps:

1. Connect N9K-C9364C-GX switches to APIC controllers.

2. Configure leaf/spine roles in NX-OS.

3. Define Endpoint Groups (EPGs) for applications.

4. Apply QoS and security policies via ACI GUI.

5. Verify overlay VXLAN tunnels and L3 routing.

Advanced Tip: Use ACI Multi-Pod or Multi-Site architecture for geographic redundancy.

4. Performance Benchmarking

• Throughput: 7.68 Tbps switching capacity

• Forwarding Rate: 2.88 Bpps

• Latency: Sub-microsecond

• Supported Workloads:

  • HPC clusters

  • AI/ML training

  • Virtualized environments with >1,000 VMs per rack

  • Multi-tenant cloud deployments

Optimization:

• Configure port channels to aggregate links.

• Tune buffer sizes for large-scale traffic.

• Enable QoS to prioritize critical workloads.

5. Security Best Practices

• VLAN segmentation for isolation

• ACLs to block unauthorized traffic

• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

• MACsec encryption for sensitive data

• Regular NX-OS firmware updates

6. Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Routine Maintenance:

• Monitor PSU/fan redundancy

• Check temperature, CPU, memory

• Inspect cables and QSFP modules

Troubleshooting Scenarios:

1. Port Not Recognized: Reseat QSFP module, verify compatibility

2. High Latency: Check port channels, QoS policies, buffer utilization

3. ACI Controller Errors: Ensure software versions match and VXLAN overlay is configured correctly

4. Power Failure: Switch to redundant PSU and inspect voltage

7. Real-World Case Studies

Hyperscale Cloud Provider

• Spine: N9K-C9364C-GX

• Leaf: N9K-C93180YC-EX

• VXLAN overlays for multi-tenant cloud workloads

• Result: 99.999% uptime and automated provisioning

Financial Services

• Ultra-low latency trading network

• Redundant spine-leaf design with dual PSU

• FCoE for storage access

• Result: Sub-microsecond latency, high reliability

University HPC Lab

• AI/ML clusters and HPC simulations

• N9K-C9364C-GX spine switches for high-speed interconnect

• Result: Scalable network supporting thousands of VMs and nodes

8. Buyer Considerations

• Scale: Ideal for medium-to-large data centers

• Traffic: High-density 100G for HPC, cloud, or enterprise workloads

• Redundancy: Dual PSU and hot-swappable fans

• Scalability: Spine-leaf and VXLAN compatible

• Management: Supports NX-OS CLI, GUI, SNMP, REST API

9. Extended FAQs

Q1: Can this switch support 10G or 25G endpoints?
A: Yes, breakout mode supports multi-speed connections.

Q2: Is it compatible with SDN/ACI?
A: Fully compatible, with programmable APIs and automation support.

Q3: Can it handle HPC workloads?
A: Yes, ultra-low latency and high throughput make it ideal.

Q4: How is high availability ensured?
A: Redundant power, fans, spine-leaf redundancy, and hot-swappable components.

Q5: How do I monitor performance?
A: Use NX-OS telemetry, SNMP, or Cisco ACI analytics dashboards.

Cisco Nexus N9K-C9364C-GX – The Complete Ultimate Data Center Switch Guide

The Cisco Nexus N9K-C9364C-GX is a high-density, high-performance, low-latency 40/100G switch designed for modern enterprise, hyperscale cloud, and high-performance computing (HPC) environments. Combining 48 QSFP28 ports, 7.68 Tbps switching capacity, sub-microsecond latency, and Cisco NX-OS/ACI integration, it provides unmatched performance, automation, and reliability for mission-critical workloads.

1. Technical Overview – Deep Dive

Key Features & Benefits:

1. 48 QSFP28 Ports – Flexible 40/100G connectivity with breakout mode.

2. Ultra-Low Latency – Ideal for HPC, AI/ML, financial trading, and cloud workloads.

3. ACI Integration – Automates data center policies and scaling.

4. Redundant Components – Dual PSU and fans ensure zero downtime.

5. High Scalability – Spine-leaf and multi-pod architecture ready.

2. Spine-Leaf Architecture – Deployment Examples

The N9K-C9364C-GX excels in spine-leaf topologies, providing low-latency and high-bandwidth connectivity.

Deployment Example 1 – Enterprise Data Center:

• Spine Layer: 4 x N9K-C9364C-GX switches

• Leaf Layer: 16 x N9K-C93180YC-EX switches connecting servers and storage

• VXLAN overlay for multi-tenant environments

• Benefits: High availability, low-latency east-west traffic

Deployment Example 2 – Multi-Site Cloud Environment:

• Use multi-pod architecture

• Spines connected across data centers with VXLAN EVPN overlays

• Centralized ACI controller manages policies across sites

• Benefits: Seamless multi-site expansion and disaster recovery

Diagram Description (WordPress-ready):

• Spine switches at the top layer

• Leaf switches beneath

• Servers and storage racks connected to leaf

• VXLAN tunnels highlighted with color-coded overlays

3. Step-by-Step Multi-Site ACI Deployment

1. Connect Spine Switches to APIC Controllers

   • Configure N9K-C9364C-GX switches as spine in ACI topology.

2. Configure Leaf Switch Roles

   • Assign leaf switches and connect endpoints (servers/storage).

3. Create Endpoint Groups (EPGs)

   • Group applications logically for policy enforcement.

4. Define Tenant & VRF

   • Segregate networks with tenants and VRFs for multi-site isolation.

5. Configure VXLAN Overlays

   • Enable overlays between pods for cross-site connectivity.

6. Apply QoS Policies

   • Prioritize latency-sensitive workloads like HPC or financial apps.

7. Enable Security Policies

   • ACLs, RBAC, MACsec encryption for sensitive workloads.

8. Monitor via ACI Dashboard

   • Check health, traffic, latency, and alerts.

9. Test Failover

   • Simulate spine or leaf failure; verify ACI automation reroutes traffic.

10. Document Deployment

• Maintain topology diagrams, VLAN/EPG assignments, and overlay configs.

4. Performance Benchmarks

• Switching Capacity: 7.68 Tbps

• Forwarding Rate: 2.88 Bpps

• Latency: <1 microsecond for 40/100G ports

Optimization Tips:

• Use port channels to aggregate links

• Tune buffers for high-traffic applications

• Enable QoS for critical applications

• Use NX-OS telemetry for proactive monitoring

5. Security Best Practices

1. Segmentation with VLANs & VXLAN

2. ACLs for traffic restriction

3. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

4. MACsec Encryption

5. Regular Firmware Updates

6. Maintenance & Troubleshooting – 10-Step Workflow

1. Monitor PSU and fan redundancy

2. Check CPU, memory, and temperature logs

3. Verify port connectivity and LED status

4. Inspect QSFP28 modules for proper seating

5. Check breakout configuration for 25/10G ports

6. Test link aggregation and port channels

7. Validate VXLAN overlays and routing tables

8. Review QoS policies for latency-sensitive traffic

9. Simulate failover scenarios

10. Document changes, configurations, and test results

7. Real-World Case Studies

Case Study 1 – Hyperscale Cloud Provider:

• Spine: N9K-C9364C-GX

• Leaf: N9K-C93180YC-EX

• VXLAN overlays for multi-tenant cloud

• Result: 99.999% uptime, automated provisioning

Case Study 2 – Financial Trading Network:

• Ultra-low latency spine-leaf with redundant power

• FCoE for storage access

• Result: Sub-microsecond latency, high reliability

Case Study 3 – University HPC Cluster:

• AI/ML and simulation workloads

• Spine switches provide low-latency interconnect

• Result: Supports thousands of VMs and compute nodes

8. Network Optimization Tips

• Aggregate ports for maximum throughput

• Prioritize workloads with QoS and traffic shaping

• Use VXLAN overlays for multi-tenant segmentation

• Regular firmware updates for performance and security

• Monitor using NX-OS telemetry or ACI analytics

9. Buyer Guidance & Future-Proofing

• Scale: Medium-to-large data centers

• Traffic Needs: High-density 100G and multi-speed breakout

• Redundancy: Dual PSU, hot-swappable fans, spine-leaf redundancy

• Automation: Full ACI integration

• Future-Proofing: Multi-pod, VXLAN, and SDN ready

10. FAQs – Extended

Q1: Can it support 10G or 25G endpoints?
A: Yes, breakout mode supports multiple lower-speed connections.

Q2: Is it SDN/ACI compatible?
A: Fully compatible, programmable via APIs.

Q3: Suitable for HPC?
A: Yes, ultra-low latency and high throughput.

Q4: How is high availability ensured?
A: Redundant PSUs, fans, spine-leaf redundancy, hot-swappable components.

Q5: How to monitor performance?
A: NX-OS telemetry, SNMP, and ACI analytics dashboards.

Why Buy from Choicecycle Singapore

For businesses in Singapore seeking the Cisco N9K-C9364C-GX, Choicecycle provides:

• Authentic Cisco Nexus products

• Expert guidance on data center network design

• Installation, configuration, and support services

Contact Choicecycle:

• WhatsApp: +65 9853 4404

• Email: [email protected]

• Website: https://sgcctv.biz

• Store: Sim Lim Square #02-81, Singapore

• Hours: 11 AM – 8 PM