Nexus Switches

Nexus switches are a line of data center switches developed by Cisco Systems. They are designed to provide high-performance and reliable connectivity within data center environments. Nexus switches are known for their scalability, low latency, and advanced features that cater specifically to the needs of data centers.

Fig 1: Nexus Switches

Here are a few key characteristics and features of Nexus switches:

High-density and high-speed connectivity: Nexus switches offer a range of port densities, including 1 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE), 10 GbE, 40 GbE, and 100 GbE interfaces, allowing for flexible connectivity options.

Low-latency and high-performance: These switches are built to deliver low-latency switching, enabling fast and efficient data transfers within the data center network.

Virtualization support: Nexus switches provide features like Virtual Port Channels (vPC), which allow for the creation of virtual links between switches and improve the resiliency and scalability of the network infrastructure.

Unified Fabric: Nexus switches support Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE), enabling convergence of data and storage networks onto a single fabric, simplifying the network architecture and reducing costs.

Enhanced security: Nexus switches include various security features such as Access Control Lists (ACLs), Secure Shell (SSH), and role-based access control, which help protect the network infrastructure and data center resources.

Data center-specific features: Nexus switches incorporate features like Data Center Bridging (DCB) for lossless Ethernet, support for Data Center Interconnect (DCI), and integration with orchestration and automation platforms, making them well-suited for data center environments.

It's worth noting that Cisco's Nexus switch portfolio includes various models and series, each with its own set of features and capabilities, tailored for different deployment scenarios and requirements within the data center.