Cisco N2K-C2248TP-E Switch

Key Features of the Cisco N2K-C2248TP-E Switch

Enterprise-Grade Distributed Modular System Architecture

The Cisco N2K-C2248TP-E represents a revolutionary approach to data center access architecture, functioning as remote line cards for parent cisco nexus switch infrastructure. This fabric extender and the parent switch together form a distributed modular system that essentially extends the capabilities of the parent cisco switch throughout your network infrastructure. The architecture enables physical topologies with the flexibility and benefits of both top of rack (ToR) and end of row deployments, providing exceptional scalability for modern data centers. Unlike traditional switch deployments, the N2K-C2248TP-E eliminates management complexity by using the parent switch as a single point of management and policy enforcement, significantly reducing operations overhead.

High-Density 48 Port Gigabit Ethernet Connectivity

The N2K-C2248TP-E delivers exceptional server connectivity with 48 port 100/1000Base-T host interfaces, making it ideal for high-density server environments requiring gigabit ethernet speeds. Each port supports auto-negotiation and full duplex capabilities, ensuring optimal performance across diverse server configurations. The unit also features four 10 gigabit ethernet fabric interfaces that connect to the parent cisco nexus switch, providing 40 Gbps of aggregate fabric bandwidth in each direction (80 Gbps full duplex). This configuration delivers superior port density compared to traditional top of rack switches while maintaining 1.2:1 oversubscription ratios, ensuring consistent network quality and performance for mission-critical applications.

Advanced Buffer Management and Quality Assurance

Setting the N2K-C2248TP-E apart from standard fabric extender models, this unit includes 32MB of shared buffering that enhances performance for demanding workloads such as large-volume databases, distributed storage, and video editing applications. The enhanced buffer architecture provides superior packet buffering capabilities compared to similar items in the Nexus 2000 series, enabling consistent performance under varying traffic patterns. Combined with hardware forwarding at 176 Gbps or 131 million packets per second, the system delivers enterprise-grade reliability and scalability. The device supports comprehensive quality of service features including eight hardware queues per port, configurable tail-drop thresholds, and egress strict-priority queuing.

Simplified Operations and Zero-Touch Deployment

The N2K-C2248TP-E exemplifies cisco’s commitment to operational simplicity through its zero-touch installation and automatic configuration capabilities. The fabric extender automatically downloads software images from the parent switch, eliminating the need for separate device management and reducing the number of management points by up to 90% compared to traditional switch deployments. In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU) support enables transparent software upgrades without network disruption, while comprehensive diagnostic capabilities including power-on self-test and Cisco Generic Online Diagnostics ensure reliable operations. The device’s compatibility with data center hot-aisle and cold-aisle designs, combined with redundant hot-swappable power supplies and fan modules, provides the reliability and flexibility demanded by modern data center products designed for 24/7 operations.

Specifications of the Cisco N2K-C2248TP-E Switch

Hardware Configuration

The N2K-C2248TP-E fabric extender delivers robust hardware specifications optimized for demanding data center environments. The unit features a compact 1RU form factor measuring 1.72 x 17.3 x 17.7 inches and weighing 17.7 pounds when fully loaded with dual power supplies and fan modules. The device includes two hot-swappable N2200-PAC-400W power supplies providing redundant operation, with typical power consumption of 95W and maximum draw of 110W. The cisco parent switch compatibility includes Nexus 5000, 6000, 7000, and 9000 series models, ensuring broad deployment flexibility across different network infrastructure configurations.

Environmental and Power Requirements

The N2K-C2248TP-E operates reliably in demanding data center environments with operating temperatures from 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C) and humidity ranges from 5% to 95% non-condensing. The unit supports operation at altitudes up to 10,000 feet, making it suitable for diverse deployment scenarios. Power supply compatibility includes both AC and DC options with choice of airflow direction to accommodate different rack configurations. The device meets comprehensive compliance standards including UL 60950-1, EN 60950-1, FCC Part 15 Class A, and RoHS-6, ensuring quality and security in regulated environments.

Software Capabilities and Compatibility

Feature support for the N2K-C2248TP-E is primarily derived from the parent switch capabilities, providing consistency across your network infrastructure. The device supports advanced Layer 2 features including IEEE 802.1Q VLAN encapsulation, EtherChannel technology on uplinks, PortChannel on server ports, and jumbo frame support up to 9216 bytes. Quality of service capabilities include IEEE 802.1p CoS marking, eight hardware queues per port, per-port QoS configuration, and local policing with 64 policers. Management features encompass in-band fabric extender management, comprehensive SNMP MIB support, XML NETCONF support, and integration with Cisco Data Center Network Manager (DCNM).

Family Comparison and Scalability

Within the Nexus 2000 series family, the N2K-C2248TP-E offers enhanced capabilities compared to the standard C2248TP model, primarily through its expanded 32MB buffer architecture that targets high-performance workloads. The model provides superior scalability with support for up to 24 fabric extenders per Nexus 5600 platform switch, enabling deployments of up to 1,152 gigabit ethernet servers per parent switch. Compared to the 10GE variants like the 2232PP and 2248PQ, the c2248tp e focuses on gigabit ethernet density while maintaining the benefits of simplified operations and distributed modular system architecture. Distance capabilities extend up to 10km between the fabric extender and parent switch using appropriate SFP+ optics, supporting diverse data center physical topologies including top of rack, end of row, and middle of row deployments.

At Network Republic, our end-user accounts are covered by a 1-Year Warranty on all hardware—whether New, New Open Box, New Pull, Refurbished, or Refurbished by Manufacturer —from the date of delivery. This warranty covers hardware defects under normal use and allows for repair, replacement, or in-house credit at our discretion.

For resellers and wholesale purchases, we offer a 30-Day Warranty limited strictly to functional issues or defects upon arrival, including dead-on-arrival (DOA) items; it does not apply to problems arising after prolonged use. Resellers are responsible for inspecting and testing products within the 30-day window. This warranty excludes accidental damage, misuse, cosmetic wear, third-party modifications, and software-related issues unrelated to hardware failure. Check out our full warranty policy here.

Software licenses are not covered under the standard return and warranty policies and need to be activated on the hardware within 7 days of receipt. Any issues need to be reported immediately, within 10 days, so we can issue an exchange. Under no circumstances will refunds be issued for software licenses.