Cisco Nexus N9K-C9364C – High-Density 100G Spine Switch for Data Centers
The Cisco Nexus N9K-C9364C is a high-performance, high-density spine switch built for modern enterprise and cloud-scale data centers. Featuring 64 QSFP28 40/100G ports, this switch delivers line-rate Layer 2 and Layer 3 performance with ultra-low latency and advanced programmability.
Optimized for Cisco ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure) deployments, the Nexus 9364C enables seamless integration into spine-leaf architectures, providing scalability, automation, and centralized policy management. With a switching capacity of 12.8 Tbps and forwarding rate of 4.8 Bpps, it ensures reliable, future-proof networking for high-demand workloads.
The Nexus N9K-C9364C supports VXLAN BGP EVPN fabrics, segment routing, and real-time telemetry, making it ideal for next-generation cloud, AI/ML, and enterprise applications. Its hot-swappable power supplies and fans with N+1 redundancy deliver enterprise-grade resiliency, while the compact 2RU form factor saves valuable rack space.
Whether deployed in ACI spine mode or NX-OS standalone, the Cisco Nexus 9364C provides unmatched flexibility, visibility, and performance for today’s evolving data centers.
| Category |
Details |
| Model Number |
N9K-C9364C |
| Description |
The Cisco Nexus 9364C is a high-density, high-performance spine switch optimized for Cisco ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure) roles in modern data centers. It delivers wire-rate Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching with 64 x 100G ports, automation, and advanced telemetry. |
| Ports & Interfaces |
- 64 x 40/100G QSFP28 ports
- 2 x 1/10G SFP+ management and utility ports
- 1 x RJ-45 console port
- 1 x USB port
- 1 x Out-of-band management port |
| Performance & Throughput |
- Switching capacity: Up to 12.8 Tbps
- Forwarding rate: Up to 4.8 Bpps (billion packets per second)
- Latency: Sub-microsecond (cut-through switching)
- MAC address table: Up to 288K entries
- IPv4/IPv6 routes: Up to 512K
- Jumbo frame support: Up to 9216 bytes |
| Architecture & Hardware |
- Fixed 2RU chassis
- Redundant & hot-swappable power supplies (AC/DC options)
- Hot-swappable fan trays with N+1 redundancy
- x86-based CPU with 16 GB RAM and 64 GB SSD
- Supports NX-OS and ACI modes |
| Software Features |
- NX-OS standalone or ACI spine mode
- VXLAN BGP EVPN fabric support
- Segment routing and programmable forwarding
- Real-time telemetry and model-driven analytics
- Automation via REST, NETCONF/YANG, Python APIs |
| ACI Spine Capabilities |
- Seamless Cisco ACI fabric integration
- Zero-touch provisioning
- Centralized policy management
- Multi-site and multi-pod ACI deployments
- Scalable spine fabric performance |
| Environmental & Power |
- Typical power consumption: 600–850W (varies by optics)
- Operating temperature: 0°C to 40°C
- Dimensions: 3.5 x 17.3 x 22.5 in (2RU)
- Weight: ~30 lbs (13.6 kg) |
FAQs for N9K-C9364C:
Is the Nexus 9364C compatible with both ACI and standalone NX-OS modes?
Yes, the switch can operate in either ACI spine mode or NX-OS standalone mode, offering deployment flexibility based on your architecture.
Can each QSFP28 port support both 40G and 100G speeds?
Yes, each of the 64 QSFP28 ports is capable of running at 40GbE or 100GbE, depending on the optics used.
What is the role of the Nexus 9364C in an ACI deployment?
It functions as a spine switch, providing high-throughput connectivity between ACI leaf switches and enabling a scalable fabric core.
Is this switch suitable for non-ACI environments?
Yes, in NX-OS mode, the Nexus 9364C works as a powerful standalone switch with Layer 2/3 capabilities and full programmability.
What kind of automation is supported?
The switch supports modern automation frameworks including REST APIs, NETCONF/YANG, Python scripting, and real-time telemetry for fabric monitoring.
