N2K-C2348UPQ – 48×1/10G SFP/SFP+ – 6x40G QSFP+ Fabric Ports – Nexus FEX
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N2K-C2348UPQ Description
N2K-C2348UPQ is a Cisco Nexus 2348UPQ Fabric Extender for rack-edge connectivity under a supported Nexus parent switch. It provides 48 1/10G SFP/SFP+ host interfaces, unified-capable host ports, Fibre Channel support on up to 24 ports depending on parent platform support, and six 40G QSFP+ fabric interfaces. Fabric options include QSFP+ transceivers or 40G-to-4x10G breakout, with 1440 Gbps / 1080 Mpps hardware forwarding, three hot-swappable fans with 2+1 redundancy, and port-side intake or exhaust airflow choices. The fabric extender supports dense 10G SFP/SFP+ host access with 40G fabric uplinks.
Quick Specs
|
Parameter |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
SKU |
N2K-C2348UPQ |
|
Product Type |
Cisco Nexus Fabric Extender |
|
Product Model |
Cisco Nexus 2348UPQ |
|
Host Interfaces |
48 x 1/10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP/SFP+ |
|
Host Port Capability |
Unified-capable ports |
|
Fibre Channel Support |
2/4/8/16G Fibre Channel on up to 24 ports, depending on parent platform support |
|
Fabric Interfaces |
6 x 40 Gigabit Ethernet QSFP+ |
|
Fabric Port Options |
QSFP+ transceivers or 40G QSFP+ to 4 x 10G SFP+ breakout cables |
|
BiDi Optics Support |
Supported on 40G fabric ports |
|
Hardware Forwarding |
1440 Gbps / 1080 Mpps |
|
Fan Modules |
3 hot-swappable fans with 2+1 redundancy |
|
Airflow |
Port-side exhaust or port-side intake |
|
Management Port |
1 HDMI management/console port |
Product Performance
Key Features
N2K-C2348UPQ gives engineers 48 fiber-based 1/10G host ports, making it suitable for racks where server or appliance access is built around SFP and SFP+ optics rather than RJ-45 copper.
The host ports support Ethernet and Fibre Channel options under the parent-platform conditions confirmed by Cisco. This matters when buyers are evaluating a unified LAN/SAN access design rather than a simple Ethernet-only FEX.
The six QSFP+ parent-facing ports allow high-density fabric connectivity to the upstream Nexus switch, with support for QSFP+ optics, 40G BiDi optics, or 40G-to-10G breakout cabling where the design requires it.
As a Nexus Fabric Extender, this model is not positioned as an independent switch. It extends a supported Nexus parent switch, so port management, software handling, and operational policy are planned through the parent platform.
Cisco lists two hot-swappable power supplies with 1+1 redundancy and three hot-swappable fans with 2+1 redundancy, which helps data center teams plan serviceable rack deployments.
This SKU depends on several order choices: airflow, AC/DC or high-voltage power supply, host optics, fabric optics or cables, and parent-switch compatibility. Confirming these items before purchase reduces incorrect accessory orders.
Application Scenarios
Use N2K-C2348UPQ when a rack needs 48 SFP/SFP+ host ports and the network design requires centralized operation from a supported Nexus parent switch.
Choose this SKU when engineers are evaluating converged access and need to verify Ethernet, FCoE, or Fibre Channel behavior against the specific parent Nexus platform and software release.
Deploy N2K-C2348UPQ when the buyer already uses Nexus 2300 Fabric Extenders and needs additional fiber-based host access with 40G QSFP+ fabric uplinks.
Product Comparison
|
Parameter |
N2K-C2348UPQ |
N2K-C2348TQ |
N2K-C2348TQ-E |
N2K-C2332TQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Product Model |
Nexus 2348UPQ |
Nexus 2348TQ |
Nexus 2348TQ-E |
Nexus 2332TQ |
|
Host Interface Count |
48 |
48 |
48 |
32 |
|
Host Interface Type |
1/10G SFP/SFP+ unified-capable |
100M/1/10GBASE-T RJ-45 |
100M/1/10GBASE-T RJ-45 |
100M/1/10GBASE-T RJ-45 |
|
Fabric Interface Count |
6 x 40G QSFP+ |
6 x 40G QSFP+ |
6 x 40G QSFP+ |
4 x 40G QSFP+ |
|
Fabric Speed |
480 Gbps full duplex |
480 Gbps full duplex |
480 Gbps full duplex |
320 Gbps full duplex |
|
Oversubscription Ratio |
2:1 |
2:1 |
2:1 |
2:1 |
|
Hardware Forwarding |
1440 Gbps / 1080 Mpps |
1440 Gbps / 1080 Mpps |
1440 Gbps / 1080 Mpps |
960 Gbps / 720 Mpps |
|
FCoE Support |
Supported, parent-platform dependent |
Supported on supported parent platforms |
Supported on supported parent platforms |
Supported on supported parent platforms |
|
Power and Fans |
2 power supplies / 3 fans |
2 power supplies / 3 fans |
2 power supplies / 3 fans |
2 power supplies / 3 fans |
- Choose N2K-C2348UPQ when the rack needs SFP/SFP+ 1/10G fiber host ports and unified-capable access under a supported Nexus parent switch.
- Choose N2K-C2348TQ or N2K-C2348TQ-E when the host side needs 10GBASE-T RJ-45 copper instead of SFP/SFP+ ports.
- Choose N2K-C2332TQ when 32 RJ-45 host ports are enough and the design does not need the 48-port 2348 platform.
- Verify parent-switch and software support before positioning any Nexus 2300 FEX, because the FEX does not operate as a standalone switch.
Selection Guide
1. Choose N2K-C2348UPQ for 48-port SFP/SFP+ FEX access
Select N2K-C2348UPQ when the project needs 48 fiber-based 1G/10G host ports and six 40G QSFP+ fabric ports under a supported Cisco Nexus parent switch.
2. Choose a TQ model if host ports must be RJ-45 copper
If servers or appliances require 100M/1G/10GBASE-T copper access, compare N2K-C2348TQ, N2K-C2348TQ-E, or N2K-C2332TQ instead of the SFP/SFP+ UPQ model.
3. Verify unified-port requirements before ordering
If the buyer needs Fibre Channel or FCoE behavior, confirm the parent Nexus platform, software release, port mode, and cabling plan before finalizing the quote.
4. Confirm fabric optics, airflow, and power choices
Before purchase, confirm QSFP+ fabric optics or breakout cables, SFP/SFP+ host optics, port-side intake or exhaust airflow, AC/DC or high-voltage power supply type, rack accessories, quote, stock, lead time, warranty handling, and shipping destination.
Ordering Checklist
|
Check Item |
What to Confirm |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
|
Parent Switch |
Supported Cisco Nexus parent switch family and operating mode |
The Fabric Extender is managed by the parent Nexus switch |
|
Software Release |
NX-OS or ACI release support for the selected FEX topology |
Confirms discovery, management, and feature behavior |
|
Host Optics |
SFP or SFP+ transceivers for connected hosts |
The 48 host ports require the correct optical or copper SFP media |
|
Fabric Links |
QSFP+ transceivers, BiDi optics, or 40G-to-10G breakout cables |
Determines how the FEX connects to the parent switch |
|
Unified Port Use |
Ethernet, FCoE, or Fibre Channel requirements |
Prevents quoting the wrong platform for converged access |
|
Airflow Direction |
Port-side exhaust or port-side intake |
Airflow must match rack hot-aisle and cold-aisle design |
|
Power Supply Type |
AC, DC, or high-voltage power supply option |
Prevents mismatch with the data center power design |
Optional Add-ons
|
Model |
Description |
|---|---|
|
NXA-FAN-30CFM-F= |
Cisco Nexus FEX fan module, standard airflow, port-side exhaust |
|
NXA-FAN-30CFM-B= |
Cisco Nexus FEX fan module, reversed airflow, port-side intake |
|
N2200-PAC-400W= |
Cisco Nexus 2200 AC power supply, standard airflow, port-side exhaust |
|
N2200-PAC-400W-B= |
Cisco Nexus 2200 AC power supply, reversed airflow, port-side intake |
|
N2200-PDC-400W= |
Cisco Nexus 2200 DC power supply, standard airflow, port-side exhaust |
|
N2200-PDC-350W-B= |
Cisco Nexus 2200 DC power supply, reversed airflow, port-side intake |
|
NXA-PHV-500W= |
Nexus Access 500W 277VAC/HVDC power supply, port-side exhaust |
|
NXA-PHV-500W-B= |
Nexus Access 500W 277VAC/HVDC power supply, port-side intake |
|
FET-10G |
Cisco Fabric Extender Transceiver for 10G fabric links |
|
FET-40G |
Cisco Fabric Extender Transceiver for 40G fabric links |
Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| SKU | N2K-C2348UPQ | Product Type | Cisco Nexus Fabric Extender |
| Product Model | Cisco Nexus 2348UPQ | Host Interfaces | 48 x 1/10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP/SFP+ |
| Host Port Capability | Unified-capable ports | Fibre Channel Support | 2/4/8/16G Fibre Channel on up to 24 ports, depending on parent platform support |
| Fabric Interfaces | 6 x 40 Gigabit Ethernet QSFP+ | Fabric Port Options | QSFP+ transceivers or 40G QSFP+ to 4 x 10G SFP+ breakout cables |
| BiDi Optics Support | Supported on 40G fabric ports | Fabric Speed | 480 Gbps full duplex |
| Oversubscription Ratio | 2:1 | Hardware Forwarding | 1440 Gbps / 1080 Mpps |
| Shared Buffer | 32 MB | Form Factor | 1RU |
| Power Supplies | 2 hot-swappable power supplies with 1+1 redundancy | Fan Modules | 3 hot-swappable fans with 2+1 redundancy |
| Airflow | Port-side exhaust or port-side intake | Management Port | 1 HDMI management/console port |
| Management Model | Managed by Cisco Nexus parent switch | Typical Power | 125W at 30m |
| Maximum Power | 200W | Heat Dissipation | 425 BTU/hour typical / 680 BTU/hour maximum |
Get More Information
Need pricing, stock, or shipping details for the N2K-C2348UPQ ? Layer23-Switch can help you check current availability, lead time, and delivery options for this. Send us the part number, quantity, and destination country via live chat or email sales@layer23-switch.com for a fast quotation.
Quality Certifications
Customer Reviews
Questions & Answers
-
What type of Fabric Extender is N2K-C2348UPQ?
-
How many 40G fabric ports does N2K-C2348UPQ provide?
-
Does N2K-C2348UPQ support Fibre Channel?
-
Which forwarding figures apply to N2K-C2348UPQ?
-
How does N2K-C2348UPQ differ from N2K-C2348TQ?
-
Can N2K-C2348UPQ use BiDi optics on its fabric ports?
-
Which fan arrangement cools N2K-C2348UPQ?
-
When is N2K-C2348UPQ the wrong Fabric Extender?
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