Cisco N7K-M206FQ-23L 6-Port 40GE Ethernet Module – High-Performance, Scalable Networking for Data Centers
The Cisco N7K-M206FQ-23L Nexus 7000 M2-Series 6-Port 40 Gigabit Ethernet Module with XL Option delivers industry-leading performance, scalability, and flexibility for high-density, high-throughput data center environments. Designed for the Cisco Nexus 7000 Series chassis, this 6-port line card offers non-blocking 40GE (Gigabit Ethernet) connectivity on every port—ideal for core networks, large-scale enterprises, service providers, and Internet peering deployments.
With support for up to 96 ports of 40GE in an 18-slot chassis, the N7K-M206FQ-23L enables scalable architecture for evolving network demands. Featuring optional XL mode support, this module unlocks expanded forwarding tables and enhanced scalability—perfect for environments that require VRF (Virtual Routing and Forwarding), VDC (Virtual Device Context), and multiple full Internet routing tables.
Built for high-performance, low-latency networking, the N7K-M206FQ-23L supports VXLAN, MPLS, EVPN, NetFlow, Segment Routing (SR-MPLS, SRv6), and QoS, making it a versatile solution for virtualized, multi-tenant, and cloud-ready infrastructures.
Whether you're building a large-scale service provider backbone, data center core, or enterprise aggregation layer, the Cisco N7K-M206FQ-23L ensures superior throughput, resilience, and total cost of ownership (TCO) reduction through its modular flexibility and software-based XL licensing upgrade.
Product Specifications: Cisco N7K-M206FQ-23L 6-Port 40GE Ethernet Module
| Category |
Details |
| Form Factor |
Line card module for Cisco Nexus 7000 Series chassis |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) |
1.75 in × 15.9 in × 21.9 in (4.45 cm × 40.39 cm × 55.63 cm) |
| Weight |
Approx. 16.5 lbs (7.5 kg) |
| Port Speed |
40 Gigabit Ethernet (40GE) per port |
| Total Ports |
6 × 40G QSFP+ |
| Breakout Support |
Yes – Each 40G QSFP+ port can be split into 4 × 10G connections |
| Switching Capacity |
240 Gbps per module |
| Forwarding Rate |
180 million packets per second (Mpps) |
| MAC Address Table |
256,000 entries |
| Buffer Size |
40 MB |
| Compatibility |
Compatible with Cisco Nexus 7000 Series chassis |
| Supported Features |
VXLAN, EVPN, MPLS, QoS, NetFlow, Segment Routing (SR-MPLS, SRv6) |
| Power Consumption |
Approx. 280W (typical), 350W (maximum) |
| Operating Temperature |
32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C) |
| Storage Temperature |
-40°F to 158°F (-40°C to 70°C) |
FAQs for Cisco N7K-M206FQ-23L
1. What transceivers are compatible with the N7K-M206FQ-23L?
It supports Cisco QSFP+ transceivers, including 40G SR4, LR4, and ER4 for different distance requirements.
2. Can this module be used in all Nexus 7000 chassis models?
Yes, but ensure your chassis has sufficient power and supervisor engine compatibility for optimal performance.
3. Does this line card support 10G connections?
Yes, each 40G QSFP+ port can be broken out into 4 × 10G connections using breakout cables.
4. What makes the XL option unique in this module?
The XL option provides enhanced scalability, supporting larger routing tables and higher performance for complex network environments.
5. Does this module support VXLAN and EVPN for data center networking?
Yes, it fully supports VXLAN, EVPN, and segment routing, making it suitable for modern data centers and cloud-scale networking.
