N9K-C93600CD-GX – 28×40/100G QSFP28 – 8×400/100G QSFP-DD – 1RU Spine/Leaf
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N9K-C93600CD-GX Description
N9K-C93600CD-GX is a Cisco Nexus 93600CD-GX 1RU fixed-port data center switch for Nexus 9000 spine and leaf fabrics that need high-density 100G and 400G connectivity in the same chassis. It provides 28 QSFP28 ports for 10/25/40/100G links and 8 QSFP-DD ports for 10/25/40/50/100/200/400G links, with Cisco-documented 12 Tbps switching bandwidth and 4.0 Bpps forwarding performance. The platform includes 32 GB of system memory, 128 GB of SSD storage, 80 MB of system buffer, dual management ports, and selectable 1100W AC, DC, or HVAC/HVDC power-supply options with port-side intake or port-side exhaust airflow.
Quick Specs
|
Parameter |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Product ID |
N9K-C93600CD-GX |
|
Product type |
1RU fixed-port data center switch |
|
Port layout |
28 x 10/25/40/100G QSFP28 and 8 x 10/25/40/50/100/200/400G QSFP-DD |
|
Fabric role |
Cisco Nexus spine or leaf switch |
|
Switching bandwidth |
12 Tbps |
|
Forwarding rate |
4.0 Bpps |
|
System memory |
32 GB |
|
SSD storage |
128 GB |
|
System buffer |
80 MB |
|
Management ports |
1 x 10/100/1000BASE-T and 1 x 1G SFP |
|
Power supply options |
1100W AC, 1100W DC, or 1100W HVAC/HVDC |
|
Airflow options |
Port-side intake or port-side exhaust |
Product Performance
Key Features
N9K-C93600CD-GX combines 28 QSFP28 ports with 8 QSFP-DD ports, so it fits projects that need a transition point between 40/100G fabric links and selected 400G uplinks.
The switch keeps the 93600CD-GX hardware in a 1RU chassis, which is useful when rack space is tighter than the port plan allowed for a 2RU 64-port QSFP28 model.
Cisco documents minimum NX-OS and ACI images for this platform and lists ACI spine and ACI leaf support, so the order should match the intended operating mode.
The hardware guide documents QSA 10G support and breakout behavior by port range, including different rules for ports 1-24, 25-28, 29-34, and 35-36.
Cisco notes that this switch does not support 1G or 100M optics, which matters when replacing older Nexus or aggregation gear that still has low-speed transceiver exceptions.
The platform uses six fan modules and two power supply modules, with Cisco ordering options for port-side intake or port-side exhaust airflow and 1100W AC, DC, or HVAC/HVDC power.
Application Scenarios
Deploy N9K-C93600CD-GX where the fabric still has many 40G or 100G QSFP28 links but needs a smaller set of QSFP-DD ports for 100G or 400G connections. This avoids moving every link to a pure QSFP-DD platform.
Select this SKU for Nexus 9000 refresh projects that require a 1RU spine or leaf switch with both QSFP28 and QSFP-DD connectivity. The software image and ACI or NX-OS mode should be settled before the bill of materials is finalized.
Use the platform when engineers can map breakout groups and QSA links before cabling. Ports 1-24, 25-28, 29-34, and 35-36 have different documented behavior, so the optics plan should be reviewed with the port profile rather than after installation.
Product Comparison
|
Parameter |
N9K-C93600CD-GX |
N9K-C9316D-GX | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Form factor |
1RU |
2RU |
1RU |
|
Port configuration |
28 x QSFP28 plus 8 x QSFP-DD |
64 x QSFP28 |
16 x QSFP-DD |
|
QSFP28 port count |
28 |
64 |
0 |
|
QSFP-DD port count |
8 |
0 |
16 |
|
Native high-speed role |
40/100G with selected 100/400G |
Dense 40/100G |
Dense 100/400G |
|
Switching bandwidth |
12 Tbps |
12.8 Tbps |
12.8 Tbps |
|
Forwarding rate |
4.0 Bpps |
Over 4.3 Bpps |
Over 4.3 Bpps |
|
System memory |
32 GB |
Up to 32 GB |
32 GB |
|
SSD storage |
128 GB |
128 GB |
128 GB |
|
System buffer |
80 MB |
80 MB |
80 MB |
|
Power supply selection |
NXA-PAC-1100W-PI2 1100W AC, NXA-PAC-1100W-PE2 1100W AC, NXA-PDC-1100W-PI 1100W DC, NXA-PDC-1100W-PE 1100W DC, NXA-PHV-1100W-PI 1100W, or NXA-PHV-1100W-PE 1100W |
2000W AC, DC, or HVAC/HVDC |
1100W AC, DC, or HVAC/HVDC |
|
Minimum ACI image |
ACI-N9KDK9-14.2(2e) |
ACI-N9KDK9-14.2(3) |
ACI-N9KDK9-14.2(2e) |
|
Minimum NX-OS image |
NXOS-9.3.3 |
NXOS-9.3.3 |
NXOS-9.3.3 |
- In a N9K-C93600CD-GX vs N9K-C9364C-GX comparison, the main difference is port mix: N9K-C93600CD-GX adds 8 QSFP-DD ports in 1RU, while N9K-C9364C-GX focuses on 64 QSFP28 ports in 2RU.
- The N9K-C93600CD-GX difference from N9K-C9316D-GX is the QSFP28 count; N9K-C93600CD-GX keeps 28 QSFP28 ports, while N9K-C9316D-GX is a 16-port QSFP-DD platform.
- For buyers comparing which model to choose, N9K-C93600CD-GX is the middle comparison point when the design needs both QSFP28 fabric links and QSFP-DD uplinks.
Selection Guide
1. Select N9K-C93600CD-GX for mixed 100G and 400G fabric plans
Choose N9K-C93600CD-GX when the rack design needs 28 QSFP28 ports plus 8 QSFP-DD ports in a 1RU Nexus 9300-GX switch.
2. Move to N9K-C9364C-GX for maximum QSFP28 count
Use N9K-C9364C-GX when the project is centered on 64 fixed 40/100G QSFP28 ports and does not need QSFP-DD interfaces on the switch.
3. Compare N9K-C9316D-GX for denser QSFP-DD requirements
Review N9K-C9316D-GX when the BOM calls for a compact 1RU switch with 16 QSFP-DD ports instead of a mixed QSFP28 and QSFP-DD layout.
4. Lock the port profile before optics are quoted
Confirm QSA use, breakout mapping, unsupported 1G or 100M optic requirements, airflow direction, and 1100W power supply type before adding optics and cables to the quote.
Ordering Checklist
|
Check Item |
What to Confirm |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
|
Software mode |
NX-OS or ACI deployment with the required minimum image |
The switch supports both modes but the image baseline must match the fabric plan |
|
QSFP28 port plan |
Native 10G, 40G, 100G, QSA, and breakout mapping on ports 1-28 |
Cisco documents port-group rules that affect mixed-speed planning |
|
QSFP-DD port plan |
100G or 400G uplinks, converted downlink breakout use on ports 29-34, and the fabric-link role on ports 35-36 |
QSFP-DD port roles affect optics, cable, and fabric-link decisions |
|
Optics and cables |
Cisco-supported QSFP28, QSFP-DD, QSA, DAC, AOC, or breakout cable choices |
Low-speed 1G and 100M optics are not supported on this switch |
|
Airflow direction |
Port-side intake or port-side exhaust across fans and power supplies |
Fan and power supply airflow must match the rack cooling design |
|
Power supply type |
1100W AC, 1100W DC, or 1100W HVAC/HVDC modules |
The power choice must match rack input power and redundancy planning |
|
Rack accessory kit |
NXK-ACC-KIT-1RU or the required site mounting hardware |
Installation can be delayed if the rack kit is not included with the hardware order |
Optional Add-ons
|
Model |
Description |
|---|---|
|
NXA-FAN-35CFM-PI |
Nexus 35CFM fan with port-side intake airflow |
|
NXA-FAN-35CFM-PE |
Nexus 35CFM fan with port-side exhaust airflow |
|
NXA-PAC-1100W-PI2 |
Nexus AC 1100W power supply with port-side intake airflow |
|
NXA-PAC-1100W-PE2 |
Nexus AC 1100W power supply with port-side exhaust airflow |
|
NXA-PDC-1100W-PI |
Nexus 1100W DC power supply with port-side intake airflow |
|
NXA-PDC-1100W-PE |
Nexus 1100W DC power supply with port-side exhaust airflow |
|
NXA-PHV-1100W-PI |
Nexus 1100W HVAC/HVDC power supply with port-side intake airflow |
|
NXA-PHV-1100W-PE |
Nexus 1100W HVAC/HVDC power supply with port-side exhaust airflow |
|
NXK-ACC-KIT-1RU |
Nexus 9000 fixed accessory kit |
Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product ID | N9K-C93600CD-GX | Device Type | Fixed-port data center switch |
| Form Factor | 1RU | Port Layout | 28 x QSFP28 and 8 x QSFP-DD |
| QSFP28 Port Speeds | 10/25/40/100-Gigabit ports 1-28 | QSFP-DD Port Speeds | 10/25/40/50/100/200/400-Gigabit ports 29-36 |
| Management Ports | 1 x 10/100/1000BASE-T and 1 x 1G SFP | Console Port | 1 x RS-232 |
| USB Ports | 1 | Switching Bandwidth | 12 Tbps |
| Forwarding Rate | 4.0 Bpps | System Memory | 32 GB |
| SSD Storage | 128 GB | System Buffer | 80 MB |
| CPU | 4 cores | QSA Support | 10G QSA support on all ports |
| Unsupported Optic Speeds | 1G and 100M optics are not supported | Ports 1-24 Breakout | 2x50G on all ports; 4x10G and 4x25G on odd ports with even ports purged |
| Ports 25-28 Breakout | 2x50G, 4x10G, and 4x25G | Ports 29-34 Breakout | 2x50G, 4x10G, 4x25G, and 4x100G on converted downlinks |
| Ports 35-36 Role | Reserved for fabric links and cannot be converted to downlinks | Port Group Rule | Ports 1-24 operate by four-port quads; ports 25-28 operate by two-port groups |
| ACI Spine Support | Yes | ACI Leaf Support | Yes |
| Minimum ACI Image | ACI-N9KDK9-14.2(2e) | Minimum NX-OS Image | NXOS-9.3.3 |
| Power supply selection | NXA-PAC-1100W-PI2 1100W AC, NXA-PAC-1100W-PE2 1100W AC, NXA-PDC-1100W-PI 1100W DC, NXA-PDC-1100W-PE 1100W DC, NXA-PHV-1100W-PI 1100W, or NXA-PHV-1100W-PE 1100W selected by input type | Power Supply Modules | 2 modules, 1 for operation and 1 for redundancy |
| Supported AC Power Supplies | NXA-PAC-1100W-PI2, NXA-PAC-1100W-PE2 | Supported DC Power Supplies | NXA-PDC-1100W-PI, NXA-PDC-1100W-PE |
| Supported HVAC/HVDC Power Supplies | NXA-PHV-1100W-PI, NXA-PHV-1100W-PE | AC Input Voltage | 100 to 240V |
| HVAC Input Voltage | 100 to 277V | DC Input Voltage | -40 to -72V |
| HVDC Input Voltage | -240 to -380V | AC Frequency | 50 to 60 Hz |
| Fan Modules | 6 total, 5 for operations and 1 for redundancy | Supported Fan Modules | NXA-FAN-35CFM-PI, NXA-FAN-35CFM-PE |
| Airflow Options | Port-side intake or port-side exhaust | Airflow Matching Requirement | All fan modules must use the same airflow direction |
| Chassis Width | 17.37 in (44.13 cm) | Chassis Depth | 25.5 in (64.8 cm) |
| Chassis Height | 1.72 in (4.37 cm) | Chassis Weight | 28 lb (12.7 kg) |
| Operating Temperature | 32 to 104F (0 to 40C) | Nonoperating Temperature | -40 to 158F (-40 to 70C) |
| Operating Relative Humidity | 5 to 90% | Nonoperating Relative Humidity | 5 to 95% |
| Operating Altitude | 0 to 13,123 ft (0 to 4,000 m) | MTBF | 295,515 hours |
| Maximum IPv4 LPM Routes | 896,000 | Maximum IPv4 Host Entries | 896,000 |
| Maximum IPv6 LPM Routes | 448,000 | Maximum IPv6 Host Entries | 896,000 |
| Maximum MAC Address Entries | 512,000 | Maximum Multicast Routes | 32,000 |
| Maximum VLANs | 4096 with 127 reserved | Maximum VRF Instances | 16,000 |
| Maximum ECMP Paths | 64 | Maximum Port Channels | 512 |
| Maximum Links in a Port Channel | 32 | Active SPAN Sessions | 4 |
| Accessory Kit | NXK-ACC-KIT-1RU | RoHS Compliance | Yes |
| Optics Reference | Cisco transceiver support tables for supported optical modules |
Get More Information
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Quality Certifications
Customer Reviews
Questions & Answers
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Who is N9K-C93600CD-GX built for?
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How many 400G ports does N9K-C93600CD-GX have?
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When is N9K-C93600CD-GX better than N9K-C9364C?
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How does N9K-C93600CD-GX breakout work?
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Does N9K-C93600CD-GX support 10G or 1G optics?
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Can N9K-C93600CD-GX be used in ACI fabrics?
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What power and hardware profile does N9K-C93600CD-GX use?
-
What needs sizing before buying N9K-C93600CD-GX?
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