Cisco Nexus 9336C-FX2 Ethernet Switch

The Cisco Nexus 9336C-FX2 Ethernet Switch is purpose-built for modern data centers and high-density enterprise networks that demand blazing throughput, flexible connectivity, and rock-solid security in a compact 1RU footprint. This high-performance switch delivers an impressive 7.2 terabits per second of backbone bandwidth and forwards traffic at more than 2.8 billion packets per second, enabling data center spine-leaf fabrics, campus interconnects, and dense aggregation layers to run at scale with minimal latency. Designed to adapt to evolving workloads, the 9336C-FX2 supports a broad range of port speeds—from 1 Gbps up to 100 Gbps—with breakout capabilities across all ports, giving you the flexibility to optimize cabling, conserve rack space, and future-proof your network as demands shift. Every port on the FX2 series is equipped for wire-rate MACsec encryption, ensuring secure data-in-motion without sacrificing performance. With Cisco’s proven NX-OS foundation, advanced quality of service, and robust management features, the Nexus 9336C-FX2 is a dependable backbone for growing data centers and multi-tenant environments alike.

• The Cisco Nexus 9336C-FX2 pairs 7.2 Tbps of total switching bandwidth with forwarding rates exceeding 2.8 Bpps, delivering rapid, predictable performance for multifaceted data-center fabrics. This combination supports large scale, low-latency traffic flows—from storage arrays and hyperconverged platforms to virtualization workloads and multi-tenant networks—while maintaining consistent latency profiles even under peak load.
• Flexibility at the port level is a core strength. This 1RU switch supports 1/10/25/40/100-Gbps port speeds and includes breakout on all ports, enabling you to tailor uplink and server connectivity to your exact topology. The breakout capability simplifies cabling strategies, reduces footprint, and enables rapid adaptation to changing rack and spine-leaf designs without requiring new hardware investments.
• Security is woven into the fabric of the FX2 series. All ports provide wire-rate MACsec encryption, enabling robust protection for data-in-motion across inter- or intra-data-center paths. This security model helps meet stringent compliance requirements while preserving high performance and low latency, making it suitable for sensitive workloads and multi-tenant environments.
• Compact yet dense, the 1U form factor of the Nexus 9336C-FX2 delivers remarkable scalability within tight rack footprints. The streamlined chassis design minimizes power and cooling demands while maximizing interface density, helping data centers optimize space, power budgets, and operational efficiency without compromising on throughput or reliability.
• Designed for deployment flexibility and ongoing scalability, the Nexus 9336C-FX2 integrates seamlessly with Cisco’s NX-OS management environment and supports features that simplify operations. From streamlined provisioning and policy-based automation to centralized management and telemetry, this switch helps network teams accelerate rollout, simplify day-2 operations, and improve visibility across complex fabric topologies.

Technical Details of Cisco Nexus 9336C-FX2 Ethernet Switch

• Bandwidth: 7.2 Tbps
• Forwarding rate: >2.8 Bpps
• Form factor: 1U rack unit (1RU)
• Port speeds: Supports 1/10/25/40/100-Gbps with flexible breakout on all ports
• Encryption: All ports support wire-rate MACsec encryption
• Breakout: Breakout is supported on all ports

How to Install Cisco Nexus 9336C-FX2 Ethernet Switch

• Plan your topology: Determine spine-leaf or collapsed core architecture needs, map uplinks and server connections, and identify management network interfaces to dedicate for out-of-band access and telemetry.
• Prepare the rack: Install 19-inch rails in a stable rack, ensuring proper clearance for air flow and cable management. Verify power availability and environment conditions (temperature and airflow) per Cisco guidelines.
• Mount and secure the switch: Slide the NX-9336C-FX2 into the rack, align mounting points, and secure with screws. Attach any cable-management bars or blanking panels as required to optimize airflow and reduce cable crossover.
• Connect power and management access: Connect power cords to a reliable power source, and configure an out-of-band management path (if applicable). Establish initial console access through the dedicated management port or console port to begin setup.
• Connect data and uplink ports: Attach server NICs, storage connections, and uplinks to the appropriate ports. Apply breakout cables where needed to realize 1G/10G/25G/40G/100G link configurations. Ensure cable runs are tidy and labeled for future maintenance.
• Initial configuration and security: Boot the switch and perform initial firmware validation. Configure basic management IP, enable MACsec on required ports, and set up basic network policies (VRFs, VLANs, and QoS) according to your design. Validate connectivity with test traffic and monitor telemetry for anomalies.
• Monitoring and validation: Use Cisco’s management tools (such as NX-API, RESTCONF, or a centralized telemetry platform) to verify operational status, port counters, and security settings. Run end-to-end tests to confirm performance targets and security posture.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What is the primary benefit of the Cisco Nexus 9336C-FX2 for data centers?
  A: It combines high-throughput 7.2 Tbps with flexible 1/10/25/40/100-Gbps port options, breakout on all ports, and wire-rate MACsec encryption on every port, enabling scalable, secure, and dense spine-leaf or aggregation deployments in a compact 1U form factor.
• Q: Can all ports be breakout, and why is that important?
  A: Yes. Breakout on all ports provides topology flexibility, allowing you to convert high-speed links into multiple lower-speed connections as needed. This capability helps optimize cabling, reduce switch counts, and support evolving workloads without swapping hardware.
• Q: How does MACsec encryption impact performance?
  A: The CX2 family, including the 9336C-FX2, supports wire-rate MACsec on all ports, delivering encrypted data at line rate with minimal impact on throughput or latency, which is ideal for security-conscious environments and compliant multi-tenant architectures.
• Q: What workloads is the 9336C-FX2 best suited for?
  A: It is well-suited for data center spine-leaf fabrics, high-density server aggregation, and campus interconnects requiring high bandwidth, low latency, and strong security. Its flexible speeds and breakout options make it adaptable to a range of virtualized, storage, and AI/ML workloads.
• Q: What management features support operational efficiency?
  A: The switch runs Cisco NX-OS, offering robust management, automation integrations, telemetry, and policy-based networking capabilities that simplify provisioning, monitoring, and day-2 operations across large deployments.