1

We have new customer and they said their traffic requirement is ~40GB so i am planning to order some hardware and have some question or doubt in mind.

I am planning to put Nexus 5000 for Core layer for L3 routing with HSRP and for Access Layer Nexus 3000

My question is does Nexus 5000 are capable to run full 40G IP traffic?

or any other suggestion would be welcome.

enter image description here

Improve this question
10
  • Is it really 40 GB (over what time period?), or is it a bandwidth requirement of 40 Gbps?
    – Ron Maupin ♦
    Commented Dec 21, 2017 at 21:30
  • 1
    I would also strongly suggest you have a link between the two Nexus 5Ks. Then, you can eliminate HSRP.
    – Ron Maupin ♦
    Commented Dec 21, 2017 at 21:34
  • at present 40G but it may go 60G over the time but not more than that, Yes we will have link between both switch it was just missing in diagram.
    – Satish
    Commented Dec 21, 2017 at 21:35
  • What do you mean by G? Is it giga bytes (and over what period of time) or is it the usual bandwidth of bits per second? 40GB would be gigabytes, normally a measure of storage, but 40 Gb would be a bandwidth measurement. What, specifically, do you mean by ~40GB?
    – Ron Maupin ♦
    Commented Dec 21, 2017 at 21:41
  • It is 40Gbps (sorry for GB) so all i need to know does N5K capable to handle that IP traffic on QSFP+ port
    – Satish
    Commented Dec 21, 2017 at 21:45

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
4
  1. The 5600-series can switch 40G at line rate (...as in full 40Gbit/s flows) but won't ever be able to switch full 100G interfaces (nb - fabric is limited to 40G flows). The 5500 can only support 40G in a 4x10G mode (...no flow over 10Gbit/s). The 50x0 is strictly 10G only.
  2. Unless you actively need certain features (specifically native FC termination or FabricPath) the 5K isn't really a great choice for a new network build. Most of the 3K or 9K line will be both substantially cheaper and faster, with most modern devices supporting ports that can support 100G or 40G.
  3. If you're trying to connect to an upstream ISP then the 5K (...even 5600) really isn't ideal, as they weren't built to support much ACL density and have very small routing tables. Other models (both within the Cisco Nexus line and from other vendors) will be far more appropriate to task.
  4. When you consider modern switching platforms it's likely that you'll find that a higher-speed aggregation switch (...consisting of mostly 40/100G ports) might make a lot more sense. The access switches would then also connect at 40 or 100 and can then supply whatever speed is necessary.
Improve this answer
8
  • Thanks! You are suggesting I should use N3K in core with 40G interface, any specific model you suggest?
    – Satish
    Commented Dec 22, 2017 at 12:39
  • We have Nexus 3064QP L3 switches can i use them for core?
    – Satish
    Commented Dec 23, 2017 at 2:02
  • In the Cisco world, (9K or 3K) - take a look at 9236C or 3232C for 40/100G switching. If you want to do pure 40G (wouldn't suggest it) check out the 3132Q-V or 9272Q. The 9K versions will tend to be able to support more routes and more ACL's. I'd suggest taking a look at the respective data sheets and scalability to see which best fits your requirements.
    – rnxrx
    Commented Dec 23, 2017 at 2:07
  • 3064PQ has 48 ports of 10G and 4 ports of 40G. It has a pretty limited table size and number of ACL's. It's been end-of-sale for 5+ years and is almost beyond vendor support. It's probably not what I'd use to build a new network.
    – rnxrx
    Commented Dec 23, 2017 at 2:12
  • @mxrx problem is our ISP going to provide 4x10G (40G bonded link), its not going to be single 40G fiber. so i am looking for 10G switches. when you say limited table size and number of ACL? We are not going to run any ACL etc at this point.
    – Satish
    Commented Dec 23, 2017 at 13:56

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.