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Jack Hayes
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NX-OS Essentials for XF Nexus 3K provides core functionality efficiently and predictably for enterprise networks.
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NX-OS ESSENTIALS FOR XF NEXUS 3K
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N3K-ES-XF=
- Description:
- NX-OS ESSENTIALS FOR XF NEXUS 3K
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- Brand:
- Cisco
- GTIN:
- 882658558313
- Condition:
- Warranty:
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- List Price:
$13,096.00
- Price:
$6,908.0047.3% off
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N3K-ES-XF= Overview
N3K-ES-XF=-NX-OS ESSENTIALS FOR XF NEXUS 3K is an operating system built specifically for Cisco Nexus 3K series switches, delivered as an OEM license with a lifetime duration for device-based deployment. It provides core network functionality with a focus on IT management and enterprise data center use cases.
Designed for seamless integration into enterprise networks, this product is digitally delivered and activates without additional keys, ensuring a straightforward online activation process. It is ideal for IT administrators managing SMB and large-scale network deployments, while its focus on Cisco hardware compatibility reinforces its role in robust network operations.
N3K-ES-XF= price is $6,908.00, a 47.3% saving from the Cisco list price of $13,096.00. N3K-ES-XF= is in stock and available for next-day dispatch. (terms applied)
Request bulk order quote for N3K-ES-XF= for additional pricing. Browse the full Cisco Nexus 3000 Switch Licenses series or explore all Cisco products.
N3K-ES-XF= Specifications
- Use Case
- Enterprise
- Product Type
- Software License
- License Type
- OEM
- License Duration
- Lifetime
- User Count
- N/A
- Platform Compatibility
- N/A
- Delivery Method
- Digital Key
- Bit Version
- N/A
- Cloud Integration
- N/A
- Support Included
- Vendor Support Required
- ESD (Electronic Software Delivery)
- Yes
- Compliance Certifications
- N/A
- Product Region
- Global
- Device Count
- 1 Device
- Language Support
- English
- Activation Type
- Not Required
- Software Category
- Operating System
- Software Format
- Downloadable
- Renewable
- N/A
- License Key Included
- No
- Product Name
- N3K-ES-XF=-NX-OS ESSENTIALS FOR XF NEXUS 3K
N3K-ES-XF= Use Case
Multi-Tenant VXLAN EVPN Overlay in Enterprise Data Centers
An enterprise service provider uses N3K-ES-XF NX-OS Essentials on Nexus 3000 switches to build a scalable, multi-tenant VXLAN EVPN overlay fabric. By enabling advanced layer-2/3 segmentation and VXLAN routing at wire-speed, network teams achieve seamless tenant isolation, simplified provisioning, and capacity scaling to 100G, driving 40% faster service on-boarding with zero downtime.
Ultra-Low-Latency Fabric for Financial Trading Platforms
A global trading firm deploys Cisco Nexus 3K with N3K-ES-XF NX-OS Essentials to optimize east-west traffic for high-frequency trading. Leveraging cut-through switching, precision QoS, and segment-routing, the solution delivers sub-microsecond latency and deterministic performance. Traders benefit from real-time market data distribution and sub-millisecond trade execution, boosting revenue by minimizing slippage risk.
Automated Data Center Fabric Provisioning and Telemetry
An IT operations team implements NX-OS Essentials on Nexus 3000 to automate leaf-spine fabric deployment via native REST APIs and Ansible modules. Real-time streaming telemetry and centralized policy templates accelerate configuration consistency across 500+ switches. The outcome: 70% reduction in manual configuration errors, 50% faster provisioning cycles, and end-to-end compliance visibility.
Quality Certifications
To get the detailed certification, please go to the Compliance Center.
Product Comparison Table 
| N3K-ES-XF= |  N3K-SEC-5Y |  N3K-LAN3K9 |  N3K-OE-NBI-SAI1.2 |  N3K-AD-XF2-3Y | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Software License | Software License | Software License | Software License | Software License |
| Software Category | Operating System | Security | Network Management | Network Management | Operating System |
| License Type | OEM | Subscription | Volume | Subscription | Subscription |
| License Duration | Lifetime | N/A | Lifetime | 1 Year | 3 Years |
| Use Case | Enterprise | Enterprise | Enterprise | Enterprise | Enterprise |
| User Count | N/A | N/A | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited |
| Device Count | 1 Device | 1 Device | Unlimited | N/A | 1 Device |
| Platform Compatibility | N/A | N/A | Cross-Platform | N/A | N/A |
| Delivery Method | Digital Key | Email Delivery | Digital Key | Email Delivery | Digital Key |
| Activation Type | Not Required | Online Activation | Online Activation | Not Required | Online Activation |
| Language Support | English | English | English | English | English |
| Bit Version | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Cloud Integration | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Software Format | Downloadable | N/A | N/A | N/A | Downloadable |
| Support Included | Vendor Support Required | Vendor Support Required | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Product Name | N3K-ES-XF=-NX-OS ESSENTIALS FOR XF NEXUS 3K | N3K-SEC-5Y-NX-OS Security for XF Nexus 3K | N3K-LAN3K9-Nexus 3408-S layer 3 LAN Enterprise License | N3K-OE-NBI-SAI1.2-Nexus 3K OE NBI Package SAI1.2 Support | N3K-AD-XF2-3Y-NX-OS Advantage for XF Nexus 3K, 3 year |
| License Key Included | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| ESD (Electronic Software Delivery) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Renewable | N/A | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Compliance Certifications | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Product Region | Global | Global | Global | Global | Global |
Reviews & Ratings
A
Amelia Ward
5
Professional-grade usability and smooth deployment.
B
Benjamin Brooks
5
Stable operations and minimal setup effort.
G
Grace Hayes
5
Reliable enterprise-grade performance.
O
Owen Ward
5
Easy activation and strong network reliability.
Questions & Answers
What is Cisco NX-OS Essentials for XF Nexus 3000 Series (SKU: N3K-ES-XF=)?
Cisco NX-OS Essentials for XF Nexus 3000 Series is a perpetual feature license that unlocks core Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching, routing, QoS, ACLs and high-availability functions on Nexus 3000 platforms.
Which key features are included in the NX-OS Essentials for XF license?
NX-OS Essentials delivers VLAN and STP services, OSPF/BGP routing, ACL enforcement, QoS policies, vPC, Port Channels, and in-service software upgrades (ISSU).
How does NX-OS Essentials differ from Enterprise Services on Nexus 3000?
NX-OS Essentials covers core switching and routing; Enterprise Services adds advanced overlays (VXLAN, OTV), multicast optimization, dynamic fabric automation and enhanced security.
Which Nexus 3000 models support the NX-OS Essentials for XF license?
The NX-OS Essentials for XF license is supported on all Cisco Nexus 3000 Series switches, including 3016, 3048, 3064, 3064X, 3124PQ and related variants.
How do I install the NX-OS Essentials license on a Nexus 3000 switch?
Upload the .lic file to flash, then execute “license install <filename>” in the NX-OS CLI and reload the switch to activate the features.
Can I upgrade from NX-OS Essentials to an Enterprise Services license?
Yes. Purchase the license upgrade SKU via Cisco or an authorized partner, apply the new license file and reload the switch to enable Enterprise features.
Is the NX-OS Essentials license persistent after a system reload?
Yes. The Essentials license is perpetual and remains active across reboots, power cycles and compatible software upgrades.
What is the term and model for the NX-OS Essentials license?
NX-OS Essentials is a perpetual (permanent) software license; support and updates are provided through optional SMARTnet or Cisco Solution Support contracts.
How can I verify the status of my NX-OS Essentials license?
Run “show license usage” or “show license status” in the NX-OS CLI to view installed licenses, feature entitlements and expiration information.
Does NX-OS Essentials include dynamic routing protocols?
Yes. It supports static routing plus OSPF, BGP and RIP for comprehensive Layer 3 connectivity within the data center.
What is the maximum VLAN capacity under NX-OS Essentials?
The license supports up to 4096 VLANs per switch, in line with Nexus 3000 Series platform specifications.
How do I purchase the NX-OS Essentials for XF Nexus 3000 license?
Order NX-OS Essentials using SKU N3K-ES-XF= through Cisco’s Commerce Workspace, Cisco.com or an authorized reseller.
Can I transfer the NX-OS Essentials license to another Nexus 3000 device?
Yes. License re-host and transfer are supported via the Cisco Product License Registration portal, subject to Cisco’s licensing policy.
Where can I download the NX-OS Essentials software image?
Download the NX-OS Essentials image from the Cisco Software Download portal using a valid Cisco.com account and service contract.
Does Cisco provide technical support for NX-OS Essentials licenses?
Yes. Technical support, software updates and hardware replacement are available via Cisco SMARTnet or Solution Support contracts.
How do I renew or extend support for my NX-OS Essentials license?
Renew or extend SMARTnet or Solution Support contracts through Cisco or your reseller before the service expiration date for uninterrupted coverage.