The Cisco Nexus N2K-C2348TQ is a high-performance Nexus 2000 Series Fabric Extender (FEX) designed to deliver scalable, low-latency 10G Base-T server connectivity while dramatically simplifying data center operations. Acting as a remote line card for a parent Cisco Nexus switch, the N2K-C2348TQ enables a modern top-of-rack (ToR) architecture with end-of-row management, reducing cabling complexity, operational overhead, and overall deployment costs.
Equipped with 48 copper RJ-45 ports supporting 100M/1G/10G Ethernet, this fabric extender allows organizations to migrate seamlessly from 1G to 10G over standard Cat6a or Cat7 cabling - making it a cost-effective choice for high-density server access. For upstream connectivity, six 40G QSFP+ uplinks provide up to 240 Gbps of aggregate bandwidth, ensuring ample capacity and low oversubscription for demanding workloads.
Built for modern data centers, the Cisco N2K-C2348TQ features cut-through switching for ultra-low latency, a 32 MB shared buffer for traffic bursts, and hot-swappable redundant power supplies and fans for high availability. Fully managed by supported Cisco Nexus parent switches (5000, 6000, 7000, and 9000 Series), it delivers centralized control, consistent policy enforcement, and simplified operations - ideal for virtualized, cloud, and enterprise data center environments.
| Specification Category |
Details |
| Product Name |
Cisco Nexus N2K-C2348TQ |
| Manufacturer |
Cisco Systems |
| Product Series |
Cisco Nexus 2000 Series |
| Category |
Fabric Extender (FEX) |
| Model / Part Number |
N2K-C2348TQ |
| Product Description |
High-performance Nexus 2000 Series Fabric Extender providing scalable 10G Base-T server connectivity with simplified management through parent Nexus switches |
| Device Role |
Remote line card for parent Nexus switch |
| Host Interfaces (Downlinks) |
48 × 100M / 1G / 10G Base-T RJ-45 ports |
| Fabric Interfaces (Uplinks) |
6 × 40G QSFP+ ports |
| Maximum Uplink Bandwidth |
Up to 240 Gbps |
| Forwarding Mode |
Cut-through switching |
| Packet Buffer |
32 MB shared buffer |
| Latency |
Ultra-low latency (cut-through architecture) |
| Cable Support |
Category 6a / Category 7 copper cabling |
| Airflow Options |
Port-side Intake or Port-side Exhaust |
| Power Supplies |
Dual redundant, hot-swappable AC or DC PSUs |
| Cooling |
Redundant hot-swappable fan modules |
| Energy Efficiency |
Optimized low-power design |
| Form Factor |
1RU rack-mountable |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) |
1.72 × 17.3 × 17.5 inches |
| Management Model |
Managed exclusively through parent Nexus switch |
| Supported Parent Switches |
Cisco Nexus 5000, 6000, 7000, and 9000 Series |
| Oversubscription Support |
High uplink density reduces congestion |
| Deployment Architecture |
Top-of-Rack with End-of-Row management |
| Resiliency Features |
Redundant power and cooling, no local control plane |
| Typical Use Cases |
Data center ToR deployments, 10G copper server access, scalable Nexus fabrics |
| Key Advantage |
Cost-effective migration from 1G to 10G over copper with centralized management |
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FAQs:
Q1. Does the N2K-C2348TQ function as a standalone switch?
No, Cisco Fabric Extenders (FEX) are not standalone switches. They must be connected to a parent Cisco Nexus switch, which manages the FEX as a remote line card.
Q2. What type of cabling is required for 10G speeds on the host ports?
To achieve 10Gbps performance over the 48 RJ45 ports, you should use Category 6a (up to 100 meters) or Category 7 cabling. Standard Category 6 may support shorter distances.
Q3. Can the 40G QSFP+ fabric ports be used for 10G uplinks?
Yes. Using QSFP-to-SFP+ breakout cables or adapters, the 40G fabric ports can be broken out into 4x10G links to connect to parent switches that only support 10G interfaces.
Q4. Does this FEX support FCoE (Fibre Channel over Ethernet)?
Yes, the N2K-C2348TQ supports FCoE, allowing for the consolidation of LAN and SAN traffic over the 10G Base-T copper infrastructure.
Q5. How do I know which airflow model I need?
The airflow must match your data center's cooling design. If your cold aisle is at the front of the rack (port side), you need "Port-side Intake." If the cold aisle is at the rear, you need "Port-side Exhaust."
