Cisco Nexus 5548P 32-Port Managed Rack-Mount Switch

Overview

The Cisco N5K-C5548P-FA is a managed rack-mount switch designed to deliver high performance and reliability in data center and enterprise networks. It features 32 SFP+ ports that provide 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, enabling fast data transfer for demanding applications. Its compact 1U chassis fits standard racks, making it a practical choice for organizations that need to optimize space without compromising network capacity.

With a front-to-back cooling design, this switch supports both hot-aisle and cold-aisle data center configurations, ensuring efficient airflow and stable operating temperatures. Dual hot-swappable power supplies and fans allow maintenance or component replacement without interrupting network service, which is crucial for environments where uptime is essential.

Key features

• 32 SFP+ ports delivering 10 Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed connectivity across your network
• Advanced protocol support including VLAN, Quality of Service (QoS), and multiple spanning tree to manage complex network traffic effectively
• Compact 1U rack-mount design that saves valuable data center space while maintaining high port density
• Dual hot-swappable power supplies and fans that enable continuous operation during maintenance or hardware replacement
• Front-to-back airflow compatible with common data center cooling strategies, improving thermal management
• Support for jumbo frames up to 9216 bytes, enhancing data transfer efficiency for large packets
• Large MAC address table capacity (32K entries) to support extensive network scalability and device connectivity
• Power redundancy with a 1+1 scheme to increase reliability and reduce downtime risks

Key specs

• Ports: 32 SFP+ ports
• Network speed: 10 Gigabit Ethernet
• Form factor: 1U rack-mount chassis
• Cooling: Front-to-back airflow design
• Power supplies: Dual hot-swappable with 1+1 redundancy
• MAC address table size: 32,000 entries
• Jumbo frame support: Up to 9216 bytes

Connectivity and compatibility

This switch is designed to integrate seamlessly into medium to large enterprise and data center environments. The 32 SFP+ ports support fiber optic connections, making it suitable for high-speed uplinks and server connections. Its managed capabilities allow it to work with a variety of network protocols and management tools, including SNMP and SSH, providing secure and flexible remote administration.

• Supports VLAN for network segmentation and improved security
• Quality of Service (QoS) features to prioritize critical traffic
• Multiple spanning tree protocols to prevent network loops and ensure redundancy
• Remote management via SNMP and SSH for secure configuration and monitoring

Performance and reliability

The Cisco N5K-C5548P-FA is built to maintain high availability and consistent performance in demanding network environments. Its dual hot-swappable power supplies and fans allow for hardware maintenance without downtime, while the front-to-back airflow design helps maintain optimal temperatures. The large MAC address table and jumbo frame support contribute to efficient handling of large and complex network traffic.

Ideal uses and environments

This switch fits well in data centers, enterprise networks, and service provider infrastructures that require robust 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity and high port density. It is a strong choice for organizations upgrading their network backbone or expanding capacity to support growing data demands. IT teams will appreciate its advanced management features and reliability, which help maintain smooth network operations.