N5K C5624Q Unified Fabric 10/40G ToR Data Center Switch
Product Summary
The Cisco Nexus N5K-C5624Q is a compact, high-performance 10/40 Gigabit Ethernet and FCoE (Fibre Channel over Ethernet) switch, specifically designed for top-of-rack (ToR) deployments in enterprise and data center environments. It delivers wire-rate performance, unified fabric capabilities, and scalability, making it suitable for converged infrastructures.
Product Description
The Cisco N5K-C5624Q belongs to the Nexus 5600 series and offers a dense, low-latency solution for both Ethernet and Fibre Channel environments. It supports 12 native 40-Gigabit Ethernet QSFP+ ports, which can be configured as 48 x 10G ports using breakout cables, and 2 expansion module slots that provide flexibility for additional Ethernet or Fibre Channel interfaces.
This switch enables converged network architectures with FCoE support, allowing both storage and LAN traffic to coexist on a single infrastructure. With its high throughput, robust layer 2 and 3 feature set, and Cisco NX-OS software, it’s an ideal solution for medium to large enterprise data centers looking for agility and high-speed networking.
Key Features
12 x 40-Gigabit Ethernet QSFP+ ports
Support for breakout into 48 x 10G ports
2 module slots for expansion (Ethernet or Fibre Channel)
Wire-rate Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching
Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) support
Cisco NX-OS with programmability and automation
Low-latency, high-throughput switching
Compact 1RU form factor, front-to-back airflow
Redundant, hot-swappable power supplies and fans
Product Specifications Table
| Specification | Detail |
| Model Number | N5K-C5624Q |
| Default Ports | 12 x 40G QSFP+ |
| Port Breakout Support | Up to 48 x 10G (via breakout cables) |
| Expansion Slots | 2 (for Ethernet or FC modules) |
| Switching Throughput | Up to 960 Gbps |
| Forwarding Rate | Up to 720 Mpps |
| Layer 2/3 Support | Yes |
| FCoE Support | Yes |
| Software | Cisco NX-OS |
| Form Factor | 1RU |
| Airflow | Front-to-back |
| Power Supply | Dual, hot-swappable |
Similar Models Comparison Table
| Model | Ports Configuration | Throughput | FCoE Support | Primary Use Case |
| N5K-C5624Q | 12 x 40G (QSFP+), up to 48 x 10G | 960 Gbps | Yes | High-performance ToR with FCoE |
| N5K-C5672UP | 48 x 10G + 6 x 40G | 1.44 Tbps | Yes | Dense 10G/40G with unified fabric |
| N5K-C5548UP | 32 x Unified Ports + Expansion | 960 Gbps | Yes | Fibre Channel/Ethernet mix |
| N3K-C3172PQ-XL | 48 x 10G + 6 x 40G | 1.4 Tbps | No | Low-latency 10G Ethernet ToR |
