N55-M160L3-V2 Cisco Nexus 5596 Layer 3 Expansion Module, v2
Cisco N55-M160L3-V2 Nexus 5596 Layer 3 Expansion Module V2
Cisco Nexus 5596 Layer 3 Expansion Module V2 for Advanced Data Center Routing
The Cisco N55-M160L3-V2 Nexus 5596 Layer 3 Expansion Module is a Version 2 Generic Expansion Module (GEM) designed to extend Layer 3 routing capabilities on compatible Cisco Nexus 5596UP and 5596T switches. It provides hardware-based routing functionality for enterprise and data-center networks, helping organizations expand their existing switching infrastructure without replacing the entire chassis.
Featuring up to 160 Gbps of Layer 3 capacity and a forwarding rate of up to 240 million packets per second (Mpps), the Cisco N55-M160L3-V2 supports demanding routing and aggregation workloads. Its Version 2 ASIC architecture provides enhanced IPv4 host and multicast route table capacity with compatible Cisco NX-OS releases. The module integrates with the Nexus 5500 platform and requires the appropriate Layer 3 base license and software configuration.
The Cisco Nexus 5596 N55-M160L3-V2 Layer 3 Expansion Module is suitable for data-center routing, enterprise network aggregation, and Layer 3 capacity expansion in compatible Nexus 5596 environments. Before purchasing, verify switch compatibility, NX-OS requirements, licensing, and installation procedures, as the module is not hot-swappable and requires the switch to be powered down for installation or removal.
Product Specifications – Cisco N55-M160L3-V2 Nexus 5596 Layer 3 Expansion Module V2
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Specification |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Manufacturer |
Cisco Systems |
|
Complete Product Name |
Cisco Nexus 5596 Layer 3 Expansion Module, Version 2 |
|
Part Number |
N55-M160L3-V2 |
|
Product Type |
Layer 3 Generic Expansion Module (GEM) |
|
Product Family |
Cisco Nexus 5500 Series |
|
Compatible Switches |
Cisco Nexus 5596UP and 5596T, subject to configuration |
|
Primary Function |
Adds hardware-based Layer 3 routing services |
|
Layer 3 Forwarding Capacity |
Up to 160 Gbps |
|
Forwarding Rate |
Up to 240 million packets per second (Mpps) |
|
ASIC Generation |
Version 2 Layer 3 ASIC |
|
IPv4 Host Table |
Up to 16,000 entries with supported software |
|
IPv4 Multicast Route Table |
Up to 8,000 entries with supported software |
|
Software Platform |
Cisco NX-OS |
|
Minimum Software Enhancement |
NX-OS Release 5.2(1)N1(1b) or later for increased table sizes |
|
Base License Requirement |
Cisco Nexus 5500 Layer 3 Base License (N55-BAS1K9), included with the hardware purchase but requiring installation |
|
Physical Ports |
No external front-panel network ports; provides Layer 3 services to switch I/O ports |
|
Installation |
Dedicated expansion-module slot |
|
Hot-Swappable |
No; switch must be powered down before installation or removal |
|
Field-Replaceable Unit |
Yes |
|
Product Status |
Discontinued |
|
Primary Applications |
Data-center routing, Layer 3 aggregation, and enterprise network expansion |
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FAQs
Q1. What is the Cisco N55-M160L3-V2?
The Cisco N55-M160L3-V2 is a Layer 3 expansion module designed to enhance routing capabilities on compatible Cisco Nexus 5596 Series switches.
Q2. Who should buy the Cisco N55-M160L3-V2?
The Cisco N55-M160L3-V2 is suitable for enterprises, data centers, and network operators maintaining compatible Nexus 5596 infrastructure and requiring expanded Layer 3 networking functionality.
Q3. Is a refurbished Cisco N55-M160L3-V2 worth buying?
Yes. A professionally refurbished Cisco N55-M160L3-V2 can provide reliable Layer 3 expansion capabilities and compatibility with existing Nexus 5596 infrastructure while offering a practical lower-cost alternative to new equipment.
Q4. What does the Cisco N55-M160L3-V2 provide?
The Cisco N55-M160L3-V2 provides Layer 3 expansion functionality, enabling compatible Nexus 5596 switches to support additional routing capabilities for data center network deployments.
Q5. Which switch is compatible with the Cisco N55-M160L3-V2?
The Cisco N55-M160L3-V2 is designed for use with compatible Cisco Nexus 5596 Series switches and should be installed according to Cisco hardware and software compatibility requirements.
