Product Overview
The N3K-C3524P-XL is a high-performance switch in the Cisco Nexus 3000 Series, featuring 24 fixed 10G SFP+ ports and designed for low-latency, high-density, top-of-rack (ToR) data center deployments. It is ideal for environments that require deterministic network performance and high port throughput.
Product Description
The Cisco N3K-C3524P-XL is a 1RU, Layer 2 and Layer 3 non-blocking 10 Gigabit Ethernet switch with 24 fixed SFP+ ports and 2 expansion module slots. Built for high-frequency trading, storage, and cloud-scale applications, it delivers ultra-low latency and wire-speed switching. It runs on the NX-OS operating system, offering robust features such as VXLAN, advanced QoS, multicast, and comprehensive L2/L3 protocols.
This model belongs to the “XL” line, which supports enhanced buffer space and larger forwarding tables, making it suitable for scale-out architectures and data-intensive workloads. With flexible connectivity options and redundancy features, the N3K-C3524P-XL is a trusted choice for mission-critical infrastructures.
Key Features
24 fixed 10G SFP+ ports for high-density server or fabric connectivity
2 modular slots for uplink or breakout module flexibility
Ultra-low latency for time-sensitive workloads
NX-OS based, supporting advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 features
Enhanced buffer for bursty traffic patterns
Redundant, hot-swappable power supplies and fans
Ideal for financial trading, cloud, and high-performance computing
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Model Number | N3K-C3524P-XL |
| Switching Capacity | 480 Gbps |
| Forwarding Rate | 357.1 Mpps |
| Ports | 24 x 1/10G SFP+ |
| Expansion Slots | 2 (for uplink modules) |
| Latency | ~250 nanoseconds |
| Buffer Size | 12 MB |
| Layer Support | Layer 2 and Layer 3 |
| Operating System | Cisco NX-OS |
| Form Factor | 1 RU |
| Redundancy | Dual power supplies and fans (hot-swap) |
| Application | ToR switching, HFT, cloud, HPC |
Similar Models Comparison Table
| Model | Ports | Expansion Slots | Buffer Size | Latency | Application Focus |
| N3K-C3524P-XL | 24 x 10G SFP+ | 2 | 12 MB | ~250 ns | Ultra-low latency, HPC |
| N3K-C3064PQ-10GX | 48 x 10G SFP+ + 4 x 40G | None | 9 MB | ~800 ns | Data center ToR |
| N3K-C3172PQ | 48 x 10G + 6 x 40G | None | 12 MB | ~700 ns | VXLAN, cloud networks |
| N3K-C3548P-XL | 48 x 10G SFP+ | 4 | 12 MB | ~250 ns | Low latency applications |
| N3K-C3232C | 32 x 100G QSFP28 | None | 16 MB | ~550 ns | Spine-leaf fabric |
