Nexus 3636C‑R Switch

Product Overview

The Nexus 3636C‑R is a fixed‑configuration, high-speed Ethernet switch designed for data center deployment as a spine or high-density aggregation platform. It features 36 QSFP28 ports that operate at 40 GbE or 100 GbE speeds and can be breakout-configured into 4×25 GbE or 4×10 GbE per port. The switch is optimized for scalable environments such as IP storage, DMZ, big data, edge routing, and high-performance fabrics. It runs a data-center-class operating system providing programmability, automation, and comprehensive Layer 2/3 functionality.

Key Benefits

High-Performance Architecture

  • Wire-rate Layer 2 and Layer 3 forwarding with large buffers
  • Up to 7.2 Tbps switching capacity and 3.34 billion packets per second (pps)
  • Designed for spine, aggregation, and high-traffic applications

Flexible Port and Speed Support

  • 36 QSFP28 ports supporting 40 GbE or 100 GbE
  • Breakout option: 4×25 GbE or 4×10 GbE per port
  • Supports DAC, AOC, and fiber optics for 10/25/40/50/100 GbE

High Availability and Scalability

  • Virtual Port Channel (vPC) for multipathing
  • Hot-swappable fans and power supplies
  • Graceful Insertion and Removal (GIR) support

NX‑OS Data Center Features

  • Programmability via Python, Embedded Event Manager (EEM), REST/NETCONF interfaces
  • Built-in diagnostics such as Ethanalyzer
  • Full Layer 3 unicast and multicast routing: BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, RIPv2, PIM-SM, SSM, MSDP

Application Scenarios

  • Data Center Spine or Aggregation
  • Edge Routing and DMZ
  • Big Data and Storage Networks
  • Cloud and Virtualized Data Centers
  • High-Performance Distributed Systems

SKU List

SKU Description
N3K-C3636C-R 36× QSFP28 40/100 GbE data center switch

Weight and Dimensions

SKU Weight Dimensions (H × W × D)
N3K-C3636C-R ~12.3 kg 1RU rack, 4.2 × 44 × 79.3 cm

Technical Specifications

  • Ports: 36 QSFP28 (40/100 GbE, breakout 4×25 GbE or 4×10 GbE), 1× 10/100/1000 Mbps management, RS‑232 console, USB
  • Performance: 7.2 Tbps switching capacity, 3.34 billion pps, jumbo frames up to 9216 bytes
  • Scalability: 750,000 MAC addresses, 4096 VLANs, 256 EtherChannels with vPC
  • Memory & Storage: 32 GB DRAM, 128 GB boot flash
  • Power & Cooling: Redundant AC/DC, forward/reverse airflow, hot-swappable PSUs/fans
  • Software & Management: NX‑OS, CLI, Python, NETCONF/RESTCONF, EEM, telemetry
  • Routing & Protocols: Full Layer 3 unicast/multicast (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, RIPv2, PIM-SM, SSM, MSDP), VRF support
  • High Availability: vPC multipathing, hot/cold patching, GIR mode, redundant power and cooling