Cisco Nexus N9K-C93180YC-FX3=

High-Performance 100G Data Center Switch | Cloud-Scale, Low-Latency, Secure Networking

Introduction to Cisco Nexus N9K-C93180YC-FX3=

The Cisco Nexus N9K-C93180YC-FX3= is a next-generation 1RU fixed-configuration data center switch engineered to meet the demanding requirements of modern enterprise data centers, cloud environments, colocation facilities, and service providers. As part of the Cisco Nexus 9300-FX3 Series, this model delivers ultra-low latency, massive bandwidth, and advanced programmability, making it ideal for leaf-spine architectures, high-density server connectivity, and high-speed storage networks.

Designed for organizations transitioning to 100G, 25G, and 10G Ethernet, the N9K-C93180YC-FX3= offers a powerful blend of performance, flexibility, and security. It supports Cisco NX-OS, ACI mode, and open networking features, enabling businesses to build scalable, automated, and future-ready data center infrastructures.

Product Overview

The N9K-C93180YC-FX3= is a high-capacity, non-blocking, cut-through switch optimized for top-of-rack (ToR) and end-of-row (EoR) deployments. It features a versatile port configuration that supports multiple Ethernet speeds while maintaining low power consumption and high forwarding efficiency.

Key Highlights

• 48 × 1/10/25G SFP28 ports

• 6 × 40/100G QSFP28 uplinks

• Up to 3.6 Tbps switching capacity

• Ultra-low latency (sub-microsecond)

• Cisco NX-OS & ACI support

• Programmable and automation-ready

• High availability with redundant components

Hardware Architecture and Design

Compact 1RU Form Factor

The Cisco Nexus N9K-C93180YC-FX3= comes in a compact 1RU chassis, making it perfect for high-density racks where space efficiency is critical. Despite its compact size, it delivers enterprise-grade performance typically associated with much larger modular switches.

Port Density and Flexibility

One of the strongest advantages of this model is its port versatility:

• 48 SFP28 ports

  • Supports 1G, 10G, and 25G

  • Ideal for servers, hypervisors, storage arrays, and access switches

• 6 QSFP28 uplink ports

  • Supports 40G and 100G

  • Perfect for spine connections or high-speed aggregation

This flexible design allows IT teams to scale gradually, protecting investments while enabling future upgrades.

Performance and Switching Capacity

Massive Throughput

The N9K-C93180YC-FX3= delivers up to 3.6 Tbps of switching bandwidth, ensuring smooth data flow even in high-traffic, latency-sensitive environments such as:

• Virtualized data centers

• AI / ML workloads

• Big data analytics

• Financial trading platforms

Ultra-Low Latency

With cut-through forwarding, the switch achieves sub-microsecond latency, which is critical for applications requiring real-time response and deterministic performance.

Advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 Capabilities

Layer 2 Features

• VLAN, QinQ

• VXLAN bridging

• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP, RSTP, MST)

• Link Aggregation (LACP)

• Jumbo frame support

Layer 3 Features

• IPv4 / IPv6 routing

• BGP, OSPF, IS-IS

• ECMP for scalable traffic distribution

• Anycast gateway

• VRF segmentation

These features enable the switch to function seamlessly in complex enterprise and cloud network designs.

VXLAN and EVPN Support

The Cisco Nexus N9K-C93180YC-FX3= is fully optimized for VXLAN EVPN, allowing organizations to build scalable, multi-tenant data center fabrics.

Benefits of VXLAN EVPN

• Extends Layer 2 networks over Layer 3

• Simplifies large-scale segmentation

• Enables workload mobility

• Improves network efficiency and resiliency

This makes the switch ideal for private cloud, hybrid cloud, and multi-tenant colocation environments.

Cisco ACI Compatibility

The FX3 series is designed to work natively with Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI).

ACI Advantages

• Centralized policy-based management

• Automated provisioning

• Enhanced visibility and troubleshooting

• Faster application deployment

Organizations using Cisco ACI can deploy the N9K-C93180YC-FX3= as a leaf switch within an ACI fabric, achieving consistent policy enforcement across the data center.

Network Automation and Programmability

Programmable Infrastructure

The switch supports modern automation frameworks, enabling DevOps and NetOps teams to manage infrastructure like code.

Supported technologies include:

• REST APIs

• NETCONF / YANG

• Python scripting

• Ansible automation

• OpenConfig

This reduces manual configuration errors and accelerates deployment cycles.

Security Features

Security is deeply integrated into the Cisco Nexus N9K-C93180YC-FX3=.

Built-In Security Capabilities

• Secure boot and image signing

• MACsec support (encryption at Layer 2)

• Control plane policing (CoPP)

• Role-based access control (RBAC)

• Secure management access (SSH, TACACS+, RADIUS)

These features help organizations protect critical workloads and sensitive data within the data center.

High Availability and Reliability

Redundant Components

The switch is designed for mission-critical environments, offering:

• Redundant, hot-swappable power supplies

• Redundant fan modules

• Front-to-back or back-to-front airflow options

Non-Stop Operations

Features like In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU) and stateful failover minimize downtime during maintenance or upgrades.

Power Efficiency and Cooling

The N9K-C93180YC-FX3= is engineered for energy efficiency, reducing operational costs over time.

• Optimized power consumption

• Efficient airflow design

• Lower heat output per port

This makes it suitable for green data centers and environments with strict power budgets.

Typical Deployment Scenarios

Leaf-Spine Architecture

The switch excels as a leaf node in modern data center fabrics, connecting servers at 25G and uplinking to spines at 100G.

High-Density Server Access

Ideal for virtualization clusters, Kubernetes platforms, and hyper-converged infrastructure.

Storage Networking

Supports high-performance storage traffic for iSCSI, NFS, NVMe-over-TCP, and other IP-based storage protocols.

Who Should Use the N9K-C93180YC-FX3=

This switch is ideal for:

• Enterprise IT departments

• Cloud service providers

• Financial institutions

• Data center operators

• System integrators

• Managed service providers

Organizations that demand speed, scalability, security, and automation will find this model an excellent fit.

Long-Term Value and Lifecycle

Cisco Nexus switches are known for their long operational lifespan, often exceeding 7–10 years with proper maintenance and software updates. Cisco’s extensive support ecosystem ensures long-term availability of updates, patches, and technical assistance.

Why Choose Cisco Nexus N9K-C93180YC-FX3=

• Proven Cisco reliability

• Future-ready high-speed connectivity

• Deep automation and programmability

• Strong security architecture

• Ideal for cloud-scale deployments

This switch is not just a piece of hardware — it is a strategic investment in your data center’s future.

Buying Considerations

Before purchasing, consider:

• Required port speeds (10G / 25G / 100G)

• Data center airflow direction

• Power supply redundancy needs

• NX-OS vs ACI deployment model

• Future expansion plans

Where to Buy Cisco N9K-C93180YC-FX3= in Singapore

For authentic Cisco products, expert consultation, and competitive pricing, purchase from a trusted local supplier.

Detailed Use Cases for Cisco Nexus N9K-C93180YC-FX3=

Enterprise Core Data Center Deployment

In large enterprise environments, the Cisco Nexus N9K-C93180YC-FX3= is commonly deployed as a Top-of-Rack (ToR) leaf switch, connecting hundreds of servers running mission-critical workloads. Its ability to support 25G server access ensures optimal performance for:

• ERP systems

• Databases

• Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)

• Private cloud platforms

With 100G uplinks, traffic is efficiently aggregated toward spine switches without bottlenecks.

Cloud and Hyperscale Infrastructure

For cloud service providers and hyperscale operators, density and efficiency are everything. The N9K-C93180YC-FX3= delivers:

• High port density in 1RU

• Predictable latency

• Automation-first design

These features allow operators to scale out rapidly, deploy thousands of switches with consistent configurations, and reduce operational overhead through automation.

Financial Services and Low-Latency Applications

Banks, trading firms, and fintech companies choose this model due to its cut-through forwarding and sub-microsecond latency. These characteristics are critical for:

• High-frequency trading (HFT)

• Risk analysis platforms

• Real-time fraud detection

• Market data distribution

Every microsecond matters, and the FX3 series is built precisely for that requirement.

AI, Big Data, and High-Performance Computing (HPC)

Modern AI and analytics workloads generate massive east-west traffic. The Cisco Nexus N9K-C93180YC-FX3= supports:

• High-throughput data pipelines

• Scalable VXLAN fabrics

• High-speed server interconnects

This makes it suitable for AI clusters, GPU farms, and distributed analytics platforms.

Comparison: FX3 vs FX2 vs GX Series

FX3 vs FX2

The FX3 offers better performance headroom, making it more future-proof for high-growth environments.

FX3 vs GX Series

The GX series is designed for ultra-high performance and advanced telemetry, but the FX3 provides a better balance of:

• Cost

• Power efficiency

• Port flexibility

For most enterprises, FX3 delivers the best ROI without over-engineering.

Data Center Fabric Design with N9K-C93180YC-FX3=

Leaf-Spine Architecture Explained

In a modern leaf-spine design:

• Leaf switches connect servers and endpoints

• Spine switches provide high-speed interconnection between leaves

The N9K-C93180YC-FX3= excels as a leaf switch, offering:

• 25G downlinks for servers

• 100G uplinks to spines

• Predictable latency regardless of traffic patterns

Scalability Benefits

As your environment grows, adding new racks simply means adding more leaf switches. The FX3 integrates seamlessly into existing fabrics without requiring architectural changes.

Software and Licensing Overview

Cisco NX-OS Software

The switch runs Cisco NX-OS, a data center–optimized operating system offering:

• High stability

• Modular design

• Advanced troubleshooting tools

• Long-term software support

Licensing Considerations

Depending on deployment, licensing may include:

• Base NX-OS features

• Advanced routing

• Automation and telemetry features

Your reseller can help ensure the correct licensing model for your use case.

Telemetry, Monitoring, and Visibility

The Cisco Nexus N9K-C93180YC-FX3= supports real-time telemetry streaming, allowing IT teams to:

• Monitor traffic patterns

• Detect congestion early

• Optimize performance

• Improve troubleshooting speed

This is especially valuable in large-scale, automated data centers.

Operational Efficiency and Automation Benefits

Reduced Manual Configuration

By leveraging automation tools such as Ansible and Python, organizations can:

• Deploy configurations consistently

• Reduce human error

• Accelerate rollouts

Faster Troubleshooting

Advanced visibility tools reduce mean time to resolution (MTTR), minimizing downtime and operational risk.

Environmental and Sustainability Benefits

The FX3 series is designed with energy efficiency in mind, helping organizations:

• Reduce power consumption

• Lower cooling requirements

• Support sustainability initiatives

This contributes to lower total cost of ownership (TCO) over the product lifecycle.

Reliability in Mission-Critical Environments

Designed for 24/7 Operation

The N9K-C93180YC-FX3= is built to operate continuously in demanding environments such as:

• Data centers

• Financial trading floors

• Healthcare IT infrastructure

Proven Cisco Quality

Cisco Nexus switches are known for their long-term reliability, with many deployments running for 7–10 years or more.

Common FAQs

Is the N9K-C93180YC-FX3= suitable for small data centers?

Yes. While powerful, it can also be deployed in mid-sized and growing data centers, especially where future expansion is planned.

Can it support mixed 10G and 25G environments?

Absolutely. The SFP28 ports are fully flexible and backward-compatible.

Is this switch suitable for non-ACI deployments?

Yes. It supports standalone NX-OS mode, making it ideal for traditional and custom architectures.

Does it support IPv6?

Yes. Full IPv6 routing and VXLAN IPv6 support are available.

Investment Protection and Future-Proofing

The Cisco Nexus N9K-C93180YC-FX3= protects your investment by:

• Supporting emerging standards

• Offering software-based feature expansion

• Integrating with modern automation tools

This ensures your network remains relevant as technologies evolve.

Why System Integrators Prefer This Model

System integrators favor the FX3 because it offers:

• Predictable performance

• Flexible design options

• Easy integration into existing Cisco ecosystems

It simplifies project delivery while ensuring customer satisfaction.

Final Thoughts

The Cisco Nexus N9K-C93180YC-FX3= is more than a high-speed switch — it is a cornerstone of modern data center networking. Combining performance, scalability, security, and automation, it empowers organizations to build agile infrastructures capable of supporting today’s workloads and tomorrow’s innovations.

Real-World Network Design Scenarios Using N9K-C93180YC-FX3=

Scenario 1: Virtualized Enterprise Data Center

In a virtualized enterprise environment, hundreds or thousands of virtual machines generate intense east-west traffic. The Cisco Nexus N9K-C93180YC-FX3= supports this model by providing:

• High-density 25G connectivity for hypervisors

• VXLAN-based network segmentation

• Predictable low-latency switching

This ensures consistent performance even during peak workload migrations or backup operations.

Scenario 2: Hybrid Cloud Interconnect

Organizations running hybrid cloud architectures require seamless connectivity between on-premises infrastructure and public cloud environments. The FX3 switch integrates smoothly with:

• SD-WAN edge routers

• Cloud gateways

• Private interconnect services

This allows secure, high-throughput data exchange while maintaining centralized control.

Scenario 3: Storage-Heavy Workloads

For environments with large storage clusters, such as backup systems, data lakes, or virtualization storage, the FX3 offers:

• Lossless Ethernet capabilities

• Jumbo frame support

• High buffer efficiency

These features reduce packet loss and improve throughput for storage protocols.

Traffic Engineering and Load Balancing

Equal-Cost Multi-Path (ECMP)

The N9K-C93180YC-FX3= supports ECMP routing, allowing traffic to be distributed evenly across multiple uplinks. This results in:

• Better utilization of available bandwidth

• Reduced congestion

• Higher fault tolerance

Intelligent Buffer Management

Cisco’s advanced buffering algorithms help absorb microbursts common in data center traffic, improving application stability and user experience.

Day-2 Operations and Maintenance

Simplified Ongoing Management

Once deployed, the FX3 is easy to maintain thanks to:

• Modular software design

• Predictable upgrade paths

• Extensive logging and monitoring

Network administrators can perform routine tasks without disrupting production workloads.

In-Service Software Upgrades

ISSU capabilities allow software updates with minimal downtime, which is critical for environments requiring high availability.

Risk Reduction and Business Continuity

Redundancy by Design

The switch supports:

• Dual power supplies

• Redundant fans

• Multiple uplinks

This ensures that single component failures do not impact overall network availability.

Failure Isolation

Leaf-spine architecture using FX3 switches naturally isolates failures to individual racks, reducing blast radius and improving resilience.

Buyer Psychology: Why Customers Choose FX3

Confidence in Cisco Ecosystem

Buyers often select the N9K-C93180YC-FX3= because it fits seamlessly into the broader Cisco portfolio, including:

• Cisco ACI

• Cisco security platforms

• Cisco monitoring and analytics tools

This reduces integration risk and vendor complexity.

Long-Term Support Assurance

Cisco’s long product lifecycles and support commitments provide peace of mind for IT decision-makers planning multi-year investments.

Compliance and Industry Alignment

The FX3 platform helps organizations align with industry standards and compliance requirements by supporting:

• Network segmentation

• Secure access control

• Traffic monitoring and auditing

This is particularly important for regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, and government.

Deployment Best Practices

Cable Management and Airflow Planning

Proper airflow direction selection (front-to-back or back-to-front) ensures optimal cooling and extends hardware lifespan.

Port Planning Strategy

Enterprises are encouraged to adopt 25G at the server level while reserving 100G for aggregation, ensuring balanced cost and performance.

Return on Investment (ROI) Analysis

Lower Total Cost of Ownership

Although premium in class, the FX3 delivers long-term savings through:

• Reduced downtime

• Lower operational overhead

• Improved energy efficiency

Scalability Without Replacement

As bandwidth demands grow, organizations can scale by upgrading optics rather than replacing the switch itself.

Integration with Modern IT Practices

DevOps and NetOps Alignment

The switch supports infrastructure-as-code workflows, enabling tighter collaboration between development and operations teams.

Cloud-Native Networking

FX3-based fabrics support containerized workloads and orchestration platforms such as Kubernetes.

Future Technology Readiness

Prepared for Emerging Workloads

With support for high-speed interfaces and programmable features, the N9K-C93180YC-FX3= is ready for:

• AI-driven analytics

• Edge computing

• Next-generation applications

Expanded FAQ Section

How long does the N9K-C93180YC-FX3= typically last?

With proper cooling and maintenance, deployments commonly last 7–10 years or longer.

Is this switch suitable for colocation data centers?

Yes. Its density, efficiency, and flexibility make it a popular choice for multi-tenant colocation facilities.

Can it coexist with older Nexus models?

Yes. The FX3 integrates smoothly with earlier Nexus 9000 series switches.

Final Expansion Summary

The Cisco Nexus N9K-C93180YC-FX3= represents a mature, proven, and future-ready data center switching platform. It balances performance, flexibility, reliability, and automation, making it an ideal choice for organizations that cannot afford compromise in their network infrastructure.

Strategic Value in Modern Data Centers

Beyond raw performance, the Cisco Nexus N9K-C93180YC-FX3= delivers strong strategic value for organizations planning long-term infrastructure growth. Its flexible port speeds allow gradual migration from 10G to 25G and 100G without disruptive hardware changes. This adaptability helps IT teams align network upgrades with business timelines and budgets. Combined with robust automation, telemetry, and security capabilities, the switch reduces operational complexity while improving visibility and control. For enterprises focused on stability, scalability, and future readiness, the N9K-C93180YC-FX3= stands out as a reliable foundation for modern, high-performance data center networks.

📞 Contact Choicecycle (SGCCTV Singapore)

Choicecycle / SGCCTV Singapore
📍 Store Location: Sim Lim Square #02-81, Singapore
🕘 Operating Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
📞 WhatsApp: +65 9853 4404
📧 Email: enquiry@choicecycle.com.sg
🌐 Website: https://sgcctv.com.sg

Our team provides professional advice, genuine Cisco hardware, and after-sales support to help you deploy the right networking solution with confidence.