N3K-C3636C-R – 36×40/100G QSFP28 Ports – 16GB Buffer – Nexus 3600 R-Series
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N3K-C3636C-R Description
N3K-C3636C-R is a Cisco Nexus 3636C-R switch on the Nexus 3600 platform, built as a 1RU data center switch for spine, IP storage, DMZ, big data, and edge routing deployments, with 36 QSFP28 ports for 40G or 100G Ethernet, 4 x 10G or 4 x 25G breakout support, 7.2 Tbps switching capacity, up to 3.34 bpps forwarding, and a 16 GB dynamic buffer, while the chassis supports port-side exhaust or port-side intake airflow and redundant AC or DC power supplies.
Quick Specs
|
Parameter |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Product ID |
N3K-C3636C-R |
|
Cisco model |
Nexus 3636C-R |
|
Product type |
1RU fixed-form-factor data center switch |
|
Data ports |
36 QSFP28 ports |
|
Native port speeds |
40 or 100 Gigabit Ethernet |
|
Breakout modes |
4 x 10G or 4 x 25G per QSFP28 port |
|
MACSec ports |
8 QSFP28 ports |
|
Switching capacity |
7.2 Tbps |
|
Forwarding rate |
Up to 3.34 bpps |
|
Dynamic buffer |
16 GB |
|
Airflow options |
Port-side exhaust or port-side intake |
Product Performance
Key Features
N3K-C3636C-R concentrates the interface layout around 36 QSFP28 ports, so the order fits racks that need dense 40G or 100G connectivity instead of a large SFP access block.
Each QSFP28 port can run native 40G or 100G, and Cisco also documents 4 x 10G and 4 x 25G breakout operation, making cable and optic planning part of the order review.
Cisco identifies eight ports that can be used for MACSec, so encrypted transport requirements should be mapped to the correct port plan before the BOM is released.
The 16 GB dynamic buffer profile separates this model from N3K-C36180YC-R, which Cisco specifies with 8 GB, and should be considered when buffer depth is part of the design justification.
The chassis uses dual redundant power supplies and three redundant fans, with hot-swappable fan replacement timing documented in the Cisco specifications.
Cisco lists N3K-LAN1K9 for the Enhanced Layer 3 package and N3K-LAN1K9XL in ordering information, so routing feature entitlement should be checked separately from the switch chassis.
Application Scenarios
Select N3K-C3636C-R when the rack design needs a 1RU Nexus switch with many QSFP28 ports and native 40G or 100G connectivity across the switching fabric.
This model fits designs that value Cisco’s 16 GB buffer profile together with extensive Layer 2 and Layer 3 functions, especially where traffic bursts or routing scale are part of the technical review.
N3K-C3636C-R is the better comparison target when a BOM is moving from many 1G, 10G, or 25G SFP links toward a QSFP28-first layout. If the deployment still needs 48 SFP connections in the same switch, N3K-C36180YC-R remains the closer fit.
Product Comparison
|
Parameter |
N3K-C3636C-R | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Product type |
1RU fixed-form-factor data center switch |
1RU fixed-form-factor data center switch |
1RU data center switch |
|
Primary interface layout |
36 QSFP28 ports |
48 SFP ports plus 6 QSFP28 ports |
48 SFP ports plus 6 QSFP28 ports |
|
Native QSFP28 speed |
40G or 100G |
40G or 100G |
40G or 100G |
|
SFP access ports |
Not listed on the chassis |
48 ports supporting 1G, 10G, or 25G |
48 ports supporting 1G, 10G, or 25G |
|
QSFP28 breakout |
4 x 10G or 4 x 25G |
4 x 10G or 4 x 25G |
4 x 10G or 4 x 25G |
|
MACSec scope |
8 QSFP28 ports |
6 QSFP28 ports |
6 QSFP28 ports |
|
Switching capacity |
7.2 Tbps |
1.8 Tbps |
480 Gbps |
|
Forwarding rate |
Up to 3.34 bpps |
Up to 1.67 bpps |
360 mpps |
|
Dynamic buffer |
16 GB |
8 GB |
8 GB |
|
System memory |
32 GB |
32 GB |
16 GB |
|
Fan modules |
3 redundant fans |
2 fan modules |
Four hot-swappable fans with 3+1 redundancy |
|
Layer 3 license PID |
N3K-LAN1K9 or N3K-LAN1K9XL reference |
N3K-LAN1K9 |
N3K-LAN1K9 |
- In an N3K-C3636C-R vs N3K-C36180YC-R comparison, the main difference is interface layout: N3K-C3636C-R has 36 QSFP28 ports, while N3K-C36180YC-R keeps 48 SFP ports plus 6 QSFP28 ports.
- The N3K-C3636C-R difference also includes the 7.2 Tbps switching capacity, 3.34 bpps forwarding rate, and 16 GB buffer values shown in the comparison table.
- For buyers deciding which model to choose, the N3K-C3636C-R comparison should focus on QSFP28 density, buffer requirement, MACSec port count, and whether the design still needs a 48-port SFP access block. N3K-C3524P-XL is included as an additional same-family comparison point.
Selection Guide
1. Match the chassis to a QSFP28-first design
Order N3K-C3636C-R when the confirmed requirement is a 36-port QSFP28 Nexus 3600 switch for native 40G or 100G links.
2. Use the SFP-heavy alternative only for access density
Move to N3K-C36180YC-R when the deployment still requires 48 SFP ports for 1G, 10G, or 25G connections in the same 1RU chassis.
3. Treat breakout and MACSec planning as port-level checks
Map 4 x 10G or 4 x 25G breakout needs and MACSec placement during technical review, because the chassis has 36 QSFP28 ports but Cisco identifies only 8 ports for MACSec.
4. Build the support lines around cooling, power, and license
Confirm port-side intake or exhaust airflow, AC or DC power inputs, and the required Enhanced Layer 3 license line before price, stock, warranty support, or shipping details are reviewed.
Ordering Checklist
|
Check Item |
What to Confirm |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
|
Exact chassis PID |
N3K-C3636C-R without the equals-suffixed spare form |
Keeps the order tied to the primary Nexus 3636C-R chassis line |
|
Interface plan |
36 QSFP28 ports for 40G, 100G, or breakout use |
Prevents substitution with N3K-C36180YC-R when SFP access ports are actually required |
|
MACSec placement |
Which of the 8 MACSec-capable ports will be used |
Avoids assigning encrypted links to ports outside the confirmed MACSec scope |
|
Airflow set |
Port-side exhaust or port-side intake for fans and power supplies |
Cooling direction must match the rack airflow plan and field-replaceable parts |
|
Power design |
AC or DC power supply type and redundancy requirement |
The switch supports AC and DC inputs, but the PSU selection drives the final BOM |
|
License scope |
Enhanced Layer 3 license need and Cisco Nexus 9000 licensing scheme reference |
Routing features such as OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP may require the separate license line |
|
Optics and cabling |
100G compatibility matrix plus DAC, AOC, or breakout cable choice |
QSFP28 mode and media selection affect whether the switch can be installed as selected |
Optional Add-ons
|
Model |
Description |
|---|---|
|
N3K-LAN1K9 |
Cisco Nexus 3636C-R Enhanced Layer 3 license reference |
|
N3K-LAN1K9XL |
Nexus 3000 Layer 3 LAN Enterprise License |
|
NXA-FAN-65CFM-PI |
Nexus fan, 65CFM, port-side intake airflow |
|
NXA-FAN-65CFM-PE |
Nexus fan, 65CFM, port-side exhaust airflow |
|
NXA-PAC-2KW-PI |
Nexus 9000 2KW AC power supply, port-side intake |
|
NXA-PAC-2KW-PE |
Nexus 9000 2KW AC power supply, port-side exhaust |
|
NXA-PDC-2KW-PI |
Nexus 9000 2KW DC power supply, port-side intake |
|
NXA-PDC-2KW-PE |
Nexus 9000 2KW DC power supply, port-side exhaust |
Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product ID | N3K-C3636C-R | Cisco model | Nexus 3636C-R |
| Product type | 1RU fixed-form-factor switch | Order description | Nexus 3636C-R switch, 36p QSFP28 MACSEC |
| Primary role | Data center spine switching | Form factor | 1RU |
| Data ports | 36 QSFP28 ports | Native port speeds | 40 or 100 Gigabit Ethernet |
| QSFP28 breakout | 4 x 10G or 4 x 25G modes | MACSec ports | 8 ports |
| Switching capacity | 7.2 Tbps | Forwarding rate | Up to 3.34 bpps |
| Line-rate support | Layer 2 and Layer 3 on all ports for packets larger than 115 bytes | Maximum MTU | Up to 9216 bytes |
| Dynamic buffer | 16 GB | System memory | 32 GB |
| Bootflash memory | 128 GB | MAC address scale | 750,000 |
| VLAN scale | 4096 VLANs | Ingress ACL entries | 7000 |
| Maximum LPM routes | 128,000 | IP host entries | 750,000 |
| Layer 3 multicast entries | 64,000 | EtherChannels | 256 with vPC |
| Ports per EtherChannel | 32 | Management ports | RJ-45 or SFP management port |
| Console port | 1 RS-232 serial console port | USB port | 1 USB port |
| Power supply selection | NXA-PAC-2KW-PI 2000W AC, NXA-PAC-2KW-PE 2000W AC, NXA-PDC-2KW-PI 2000W DC, or NXA-PDC-2KW-PE 2000W DC selected by airflow and input type | Power supply types | AC and DC power inputs with airflow-specific PSU line items |
| Typical operating power | 921 W | Maximum power | 1341 W |
| AC input voltage | 100 to 240 VAC | AC frequency | 50 to 60 Hz |
| Power supply efficiency | 89 to 91% at 220V | Maximum heat dissipation | 2631 MBTU |
| Cooling airflow | Forward port-side exhaust or reverse port-side intake | Fan modules | 3 redundant fans |
| Fan replacement note | Hot-swappable, must swap within 31 minutes | Dimensions | 1.65 x 17.3 x 31.22 in. (4.2 x 44 x 79.3 cm) |
| Operating temperature | 32 to 104 F (0 to 40 C) | Storage temperature | -40 to 158 F (-40 to 70 C) |
| Operating humidity | 10 to 85% noncondensing | Storage humidity | 5 to 95% noncondensing |
| Operating altitude | Up to 13,123 ft | Layer 3 license PID | N3K-LAN1K9 or N3K-LAN1K9XL reference |
| Enhanced Layer 3 features | Full OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP | NX-OS support reference | Cisco NX-OS Release 9.2(2) lists N3K-C3636C-R as supported hardware |
| Transceiver support reference | Cisco 100-Gigabit Ethernet compatibility matrix |
Get More Information
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