Nexus Modules/LineCards Naming Conventions

Hi Guys, Finally I am back!! I have been into Cisco Data Center Technologies from a long time. The first and most important thing one should know is to get an understanding of how to take a brief specification information of the Nexus Switches Chassis and I/O Modules from the names/Model numbers. As I am more into the 7k series switches so I shall be taking examples of 7k switches

Chassis Identification:

Exact Model number tells two things:

1. Series of Nexus Switch/Chassis

2. Number of Slots in the chassis

For Example the 7k series has following models.

7004- 7000 Series and 4 Slots

7009- 7000 Series and 9 Slots

7010- 7000 Series and 10 Slots

7018- 7000 Series and 18 Slots

7702- 7700 Series and 2 Slots

7706- 7700 Series and 6 Slots

7710- 7700 Series and 10 Slots

7718 - 7700 Series and 18 Slots

Modules Identification:

Line Card Name will give you a bunch of information about its specifications. Below is one of the Line Card name taken as an example:

N77-M348XP-23L

N77 M3 48 X P 23L

N77 / N7K

Its indicates the type of chassis. N77 is 7700 chassis and N7K is 7000 chassis

M3 / M2 / M1 / F2 / F3

Indicates the series of Linecard. Detailed comparison chart can be seen on below link:

Comparision Charts

Indicates the number of ports on the linecard.

X / F / C / G

Indicates the speed of ports:

G is 1 Gig

X is 10 Gig

F is 40 Gig

C is 100 Gig

T / P / S / 2 / Q / K

This will tell you the type of interface.

T is RJ45

S is SFP

P is SFP+

Q is QSFP+

K is Cisco CPAK

2 is X2

23L

The first digit (2) is the minimum number of fabric modules required for the card to operate, while the last digit (3) is the number of fabric modules required for the card to operate at maximum capacity.

Additionally, if the module has an additional "L" at the end, it designates that the module is a XL module. Primarily found on M1/M2 cards, and specifies that the card has extended hardware ressources (more routes, more MAC addresses etc.).

Source : Network Club