Product Summary
The Cisco N3K-C3172TQ-10GT is a high-performance, fixed-port data center switch designed for top-of-rack (ToR) deployment. Part of the Nexus 3000 series, it delivers ultra-low latency and high throughput, making it ideal for high-frequency trading, big data, and cloud computing environments. It supports both 10GBASE-T and 40-Gbps QSFP+ uplink ports, ensuring excellent flexibility and investment protection.
Product Description
The Cisco Nexus N3K-C3172TQ-10GT switch offers 48 ports of 10GBASE-T and 6 QSFP+ 40-Gbps uplink ports, enabling aggregation and core connectivity in modern data centers. It operates with Layer 2 and Layer 3 features and supports VXLAN, OpenFlow, and Cisco’s Programmable Fabric. This switch is designed for customers seeking high-density 10G copper connectivity with efficient power and cooling.
It runs the NX-OS software, providing advanced programmability, automation, and visibility. Designed for scalable infrastructure, this switch is highly suited for applications requiring deterministic low latency and reliable network performance.
Key Features
48 × 10GBASE-T ports + 6 × 40-Gbps QSFP+ uplinks
Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching
VXLAN support for network virtualization
Ultra-low latency (under 1 microsecond)
Power-efficient design with front-to-back airflow
Supports Cisco NX-OS and API programmability
Compact 1RU form factor for ToR deployments
Ideal for high-frequency trading and enterprise cloud
Product Specifications Table
| Specification | Detail |
| Product Code | N3K-C3172TQ-10GT |
| Port Configuration | 48 × 10GBASE-T + 6 × 40-Gbps QSFP+ |
| Switching Capacity | 1.4 Tbps |
| Forwarding Rate | 1 Bpps |
| Latency | < 1 μs |
| Layer Support | Layer 2 and Layer 3 |
| Software | Cisco NX-OS |
| Airflow | Front-to-back or back-to-front |
| Form Factor | 1RU Rack-mountable |
| Typical Use | ToR in data centers, cloud infrastructure |
Similar Models Comparison Table
| Model | Port Configuration | Uplink Type | Use Case |
| N3K-C3172PQ-XL | 48 × SFP+ + 6 × QSFP+ | Fiber | High-density SFP+ needs |
| N3K-C31128T | 96 × 10GBASE-T + 8 × 40G QSFP+ | Copper/Fiber mix | Ultra-dense 10G copper |
| N3K-C3064PQ-10GE | 48 × SFP+ + 4 × QSFP+ | Fiber | Moderate 10G density |
| N3K-C3232C | 32 × 100G QSFP28 | High-speed core switch | 100G data center core |
