Cisco Nexus 7000 M3-Series 24-Port 40 Gigabit Ethernet Module

The Cisco Nexus 7000 M3-Series 24-Port 40 Gigabit Ethernet Module is a high-density line card purpose-built for today's data centers. Built on Cisco’s innovative Nexus M3-Series switch-on-a-chip (SoC) architecture, this module delivers a power-efficient yet high-performance packet engine designed to handle dense 40GbE workloads with minimal latency. Ideal for spine-leaf topologies, large-scale enterprise data centers, and service provider deployments, the M3-Series 24-Port module integrates seamlessly into the Nexus 7000 family to provide scalable, line-rate 40GbE connectivity, robust feature sets, and reliable operation under demanding conditions. With its flexible software integration, this module helps data centers evolve from traditional architectures to modern, high-density fabrics without compromising performance or simplicity of management.

• High-density 40GbE connectivity: 24 x 40-Gigabit Ethernet ports (QSFP+) deliver dense uplinks and server-facing connections, enabling scalable, future-ready data-center networks while reducing cabling complexity and footprint.
• Power-efficient M3-Series SoC: The Cisco Nexus M3-Series switch-on-a-chip (SoC) provides a fast, flexible packet engine that optimizes throughput per watt, helping data centers achieve higher performance with lower power consumption and cooling requirements.
• Advanced data-center features: Integrated with NX-OS on Nexus 7000, the module supports cut-through switching, per-flow visibility, QoS, congestion management, and sophisticated policy provisioning to meet modern multi-tenant and performance-critical workloads.
• Reliability and availability: Designed for use in mission-critical environments, this module supports hot-swapping within compatible Nexus 7000 chassis, along with robust backplane and fabric integration to minimize downtime during maintenance or upgrades.
• Flexible deployment for scalable architectures: Perfect for spine-leaf designs and large deployments, the module pairs density with scalable fabric architecture, enabling seamless growth as application requirements expand.

Technical Details of Cisco Nexus 7000 M3-Series 24-Port 40 Gigabit Ethernet Module

• Port count: 24 x 40-Gigabit Ethernet (QSFP+)
• Port speed: 40 GbE per port
• Module type: Nexus 7000 M3-Series line card with switch-on-a-chip (SoC) technology
• Compatibility: Cisco Nexus 7000 Series switches with supported NX-OS versions
• Fabric integration: designed to operate within the Nexus 7000 fabric architecture for high-throughput, low-latency data paths

how to install Cisco Nexus 7000 M3-Series 24-Port 40 Gigabit Ethernet Module

• Verify compatibility: confirm that your Nexus 7000 chassis model and NX-OS version support the M3-Series 24-Port 40GbE module and that a suitable line-card slot is available.
• Prepare the chassis: ensure proper grounding and follow data-center best practices for hot-swappable components. If your environment requires, perform a maintenance window to minimize impact.
• Insert the module: remove the protective cover from the slot, align the M3-Series module with the chassis backplane, and slide it in firmly until the module seats and the connectors engage securely.
• Secure and verify: once seated, secure any latching mechanisms as required by the chassis. Confirm physical recognition through the NX-OS query commands after the module powers up.
• Connect cables: attach QSFP+ fiber or DAC/Cable assemblies to the 24 ports according to your network design, ensuring proper orientation and secure connections to prevent loosening during operation.
• Initial validation: use NX-OS commands to verify module status and port readiness (for example, show module, show interface brief, show inventory). Validate that all 24 ports come up and forward traffic as expected.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: Is the Cisco Nexus 7000 M3-Series 24-Port 40-Gigabit Ethernet Module hot-swappable? A: Yes. The module is designed for hot-swappable deployment within supported Nexus 7000 chassis, allowing maintenance or upgrades with minimal downtime.
• Q: What workloads is this module best suited for? A: It is ideal for high-density data-center uplinks, large virtualization environments, multi-tenant infrastructures, and spine-leaf fabrics that require robust 40GbE connectivity and efficient packet processing.
• Q: Does it require special licenses or software features? A: The module is designed to work with standard NX-OS features on the Nexus 7000 platform. Licensing requirements depend on the specific features (QoS, virtualization, etc.) enabled in your environment.
• Q: Can this module be used with older Nexus 7000 models? A: Compatibility depends on the chassis model and NX-OS version. Refer to Cisco product compatibility matrices and Synnex specifications for the exact SKU support in your environment.
• Q: What kind of performance and throughput can I expect? A: The module delivers line-rate 40GbE performance on all ports when properly deployed within a compatible Nexus 7000 fabric, optimized by the M3-Series SoC for efficient packet processing and reduced latency.
• Q: How do I verify that the module is installed correctly? A: After installation, use NX-OS commands such as show module, show inventory, and show interface brief to confirm the module is recognized, all 24 ports are up, and the expected traffic paths are active.