N5K-C5596T-FA Cisco Nexus 5596T Switch
N5K-C5596T-FA Cisco Nexus 5596T 10GBASE-T Data Center Switch
High-Density, Low-Latency Top-of-Rack 10GbE Switching for Next-Gen Data Centers
Cisco Nexus N5K-C5596T-FA – High-Performance 10G Data Center Switch
The Cisco Nexus N5K-C5596T-FA is a high-density, low-latency 10GBASE-T data center switch designed to meet the demands of enterprise networks, cloud environments, and modern data centers. Featuring 48 fixed 10GBASE-T ports and 3 expansion module slots for additional 10GbE, FCoE, or 40GbE connectivity, this powerful 2RU switch delivers a switching capacity of up to 1.28 Tbps and a forwarding rate of 960 Mpps, ensuring exceptional scalability and wire-speed performance.
Built on the reliable Cisco NX-OS software, the Nexus 5596T-FA supports advanced features such as Layer 2 and Layer 3 forwarding, Virtual Port Channel (vPC) for redundancy, In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU) for non-disruptive updates, and Unified Fabric to simplify storage and Ethernet traffic on a single network. With front-to-back airflow (FA), dual redundant power supplies, and hot-swappable fans, it offers high availability and operational efficiency for mission-critical deployments.
Ideal for top-of-rack aggregation, high-performance computing (HPC), and cloud-scale applications, the Cisco N5K-C5596T-FA ensures reliable, secure, and future-ready connectivity with seamless integration into Cisco ACI, Nexus 2000 Fabric Extenders (FEX), and classic Ethernet networks.
The Cisco Nexus N5K-C5596T-FA is the perfect choice for organizations seeking high-performance 10G networking, flexible scalability, and enterprise-grade reliability in a compact, energy-efficient form factor.
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Product Specifications – Cisco Nexus N5K-C5596T-FA
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| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Number | Cisco Nexus N5K-C5596T-FA |
| Description | High-performance 2RU top-of-rack data center switch offering 48 fixed 10GBASE-T copper ports and 3 expansion slots for additional 10GbE/FCoE/40GbE connectivity. Designed for ultra-low latency, high-density 10 Gigabit Ethernet, and unified fabric architecture for enterprise and cloud environments. |
| Fixed Ports | 48 x 10GBASE-T (RJ45, copper) |
| Expansion Slots | 3 x expansion module slots (each supports 4 ports; up to 12 additional ports) |
| Optional Modules | 4 x 10GbE SFP+, 4 x FCoE, or 4 x 40GbE QSFP+ |
| Management Interfaces | 1 x Console port (RJ45), 1 x Out-of-band management port (10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet) |
| Switching Capacity | Up to 1.28 Tbps |
| Forwarding Rate | Up to 960 Mpps |
| Latency | ~3 microseconds (cut-through switching) |
| Packet Buffer | 9 MB shared memory (typical for Nexus 5500 series) |
| Maximum MTU | Jumbo frames up to 9216 bytes |
| Layer Support | Layer 2 and Layer 3 forwarding |
| Unified Fabric | Supports Ethernet and FCoE (Fibre Channel over Ethernet) |
| Virtual Port Channel (vPC) | Enables multi-pathing and redundancy |
| High Availability | ISSU (In-Service Software Upgrade), Stateful Switchover (SSO) |
| Redundancy | Dual redundant hot-swappable power supplies, hot-swappable redundant fans |
| Airflow Direction | Front-to-Back (FA) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F) |
| Typical Power Consumption | ~300W (varies with configuration and modules) |
| Software | Cisco NX-OS operating system |
| Management & Monitoring | CLI, SNMPv3, Syslog, RMON, XML API, Cisco DCNM, and model-driven telemetry |
| Security Features | Role-based access control (RBAC), Secure Boot, AAA, TACACS+, RADIUS |
| Physical Dimensions | 2RU form factor |
| Compatibility | Compatible with Cisco Nexus 2000 Fabric Extenders (FEX); integrates with Cisco ACI, Unified Fabric, and classic Ethernet networks |
| Hot-Swappable Components | Power supplies, fans, and expansion modules |
| Compliance & Standards | IEEE 802.1p, 802.1Q VLAN, 802.3ad LACP, 802.1w RSTP, 802.1s MSTP, 802.3ae 10GbE |
This Cisco Nexus N5K-C5596T-FA delivers exceptional scalability, flexibility, and high availability, making it ideal for modern data centers, cloud deployments, and enterprise networks requiring a unified fabric architecture with high-density 10G connectivity.
FAQs for N5K-C5596T-FA:
What is the airflow direction of the N5K-C5596T-FA model?
The “FA” in the model indicates Front-to-Back airflow, ideal for hot-aisle/cold-aisle data center deployments.
Can this switch support Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE)?
Yes, the Nexus 5596T supports FCoE natively, enabling unified fabric for both LAN and SAN traffic.
How many ports can the switch support in total?
The switch has 48 fixed 10GBASE-T ports and up to 12 additional ports via expansion modules, for a maximum of 60 ports.
Does it support stacking?
While it does not support stacking in the traditional sense, it supports vPC for link-level redundancy and multi-chassis aggregation.
Is the Nexus 5596T compatible with Nexus 2000 series fabric extenders?
Yes, it integrates seamlessly with Nexus 2000 Series FEX for simplified management and flexible top-of-rack deployment.
