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Ethan Ward
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NX-OS Essentials for XM Nexus 3K provides reliable core functionality with predictable B2B operations.
N3K-ES-XM=
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NX-OS Essentials for XM Nexus 3K
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- NX-OS Essentials for XM Nexus 3K
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- Brand:
- Cisco
- GTIN:
- 882658558313
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- Warranty:
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- List Price:
$26,787.00
- Price:
$14,133.0047.2% off
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N3K-ES-XM= Overview
N3K-ES-XM=-NX-OS Essentials for XM Nexus 3K is a network operating system software designed specifically for XM Nexus 3K series switches. Engineered for enterprise and IT administration use, it ensures seamless integration with the full capabilities of modern data center environments while providing robust management and operational efficiency.
Tailored as an OEM software license, this product is delivered via digital key with an online activation process and supports a lifetime license model. It caters primarily to enterprise use cases, with official documentation confirming compatibility on N/A platforms, 64-bit architecture, and support provided by vendor channels. This essential operating system enhances IT management, simplifying network operations for large-scale deployments.
N3K-ES-XM= price is $14,133.00, a 47.2% saving from the Cisco list price of $26,787.00. N3K-ES-XM= is in stock and available for next-day dispatch. (terms applied)
Request bulk order quote for N3K-ES-XM= for additional pricing. Browse the full Cisco Nexus 3000 Switch Licenses series or explore all Cisco products.
N3K-ES-XM= Specifications
- Product Type
- Software License
- Software Category
- Operating System
- License Type
- OEM
- License Duration
- Lifetime
- Use Case
- Enterprise
- User Count
- N/A
- Device Count
- N/A
- Platform Compatibility
- N/A
- Delivery Method
- Digital Key
- Activation Type
- Online Activation
- Language Support
- English
- Bit Version
- 64-bit
- Cloud Integration
- N/A
- Software Format
- Downloadable
- Support Included
- Vendor Support Required
- Product Name
- N3K-ES-XM=-NX-OS Essentials for XM Nexus 3K
- License Key Included
- Yes
- ESD (Electronic Software Delivery)
- Yes
- Renewable
- N/A
- Compliance Certifications
- N/A
- Product Region
- Global
N3K-ES-XM= Use Case
Scalable EVPN-VXLAN Multi-Tenant Fabric Segmentation
Using N3K-ES-XM=-NX-OS Essentials for XM Nexus 3K, IT architects in a service-provider data center implement EVPN-VXLAN underlay to deliver per-tenant microsegmentation. This scenario leverages automated MAC/ARP learning and a BGP EVPN control plane to isolate tenant domains. Outcome: Streamlined on-boarding in under 10 minutes, enhanced security isolation, and up to 50% reduction in network provisioning time.
Automated Zero-Touch Provisioning and Real-Time Telemetry
Using N3K-ES-XM=-NX-OS Essentials for XM Nexus 3K, an enterprise networking team integrates Cisco NX-API, Ansible and gNMI for zero-touch switch provisioning and continuous telemetry streaming. This technical scenario enables policy-driven configuration changes, real-time health monitoring and programmable APIs. Outcome: 80% fewer configuration errors, deployment times reduced from days to minutes, and proactive issue resolution with actionable analytics.
High-Performance AI/ML Cluster Fabric for Low-Latency Workloads
Using N3K-ES-XM=-NX-OS Essentials for XM Nexus 3K, a research lab deploys a 100 Gbps spine-leaf fabric with MLAG, ECMP and Data Center Bridging to support GPU-intensive AI/ML clusters. This technical scenario delivers sub-microsecond latency, lossless packet forwarding and non-stop fabric operations. Outcome: Accelerated model training times, consistent performance at scale and simplified expansion of GPU compute nodes.
Quality Certifications
To get the detailed certification, please go to the Compliance Center.
Product Comparison Table 
| N3K-ES-XM= |  N3K-ES-XM-3Y |  N3K-STR2K9 |  N3548-ALGK9= |  N3K-AD-XF2= | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activation Type | Online Activation | Online Activation | Online Activation | Online Activation | Not Required |
| Bit Version | 64-bit | N/A | N/A | N/A | 64-bit |
| Cloud Integration | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Compliance Certifications | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Delivery Method | Digital Key | Digital Key | Digital Key | Digital Key | Email Delivery |
| Device Count | N/A | 1 Device | N/A | 1 Device | N/A |
| ESD (Electronic Software Delivery) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Language Support | English | English | English | English | Multilingual |
| License Duration | Lifetime | Lifetime | 1 Year | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| License Key Included | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| License Type | OEM | OEM | Subscription | Volume | OEM |
| Platform Compatibility | N/A | N/A | N/A | Cross-Platform | Linux |
| Product Name | N3K-ES-XM=-NX-OS Essentials for XM Nexus 3K | N3K-ES-XM-3Y-NX-OS ESSEN FOR XM NEXUS 3K | N3K-STR2K9-Telemetry Lic for Nexus 3000 Platform XF2 | N3548-ALGK9=-Nexus 3500 Algo Boost License | N3K-AD-XF2=-NX-OS Advantage for XF2 Nexus 3K |
| Product Region | Global | Global | Global | Global | Global |
| Product Type | Software License | Software License | Software License | Software License | Software License |
| Renewable | N/A | N/A | Yes | No | N/A |
| Software Category | Operating System | Operating System | Network Management | Network Management | Operating System |
| Software Format | Downloadable | Downloadable | Downloadable | Downloadable | Downloadable |
| Support Included | Vendor Support Required | Vendor Support Required | Yes | Yes | Vendor Support Required |
| Use Case | Enterprise | Enterprise | Enterprise | Enterprise | Enterprise |
| User Count | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Reviews & Ratings
I
Isabella Brooks
5
Professional-grade usability and smooth deployment.
L
Lucas Hayes
4
Stable activation and minimal administrative effort.
S
Sophia Ward
4
Reliable network operations for enterprise environments.
M
Mason Brooks
5
Easy integration and predictable performance.
Questions & Answers
What is NX-OS Essentials for XM Nexus 3K (SKU N3K-ES-XM=)?
NX-OS Essentials for XM Nexus 3K (SKU N3K-ES-XM=) is a perpetual software license that enables core Cisco NX-OS Layer 2 and basic Layer 3 features on Nexus 3000 XM Series switches.
Which Nexus 3000 models support the NX-OS Essentials for XM license?
The NX-OS Essentials for XM license supports all Cisco Nexus 3064-X, 3064PQ, 3164Q and 3232C XM Series switches running NX-OS 9.x and later releases.
What key features are included in NX-OS Essentials for XM Nexus 3K?
NX-OS Essentials delivers core Layer 2 switching, basic Layer 3 routing (static and RIP), ACLs, QoS, SNMP monitoring, syslog, VRF Lite and automation via NX-API and Python.
How do I purchase the N3K-ES-XM= license?
Order the N3K-ES-XM= license through a Cisco authorized partner or Cisco Commerce Workspace by specifying the SKU and desired quantity for a perpetual contract.
How do I activate the NX-OS Essentials license on my switch?
Upload the license file to flash, run `license install n3k-es-xm=`, and reload the switch. Verify activation with `show license all`.
Can I upgrade from NX-OS Essentials to an Advanced license?
Yes. Purchase the NX-OS Advanced for XM upgrade SKU and install it using `license install`, then reload to unlock advanced feature sets.
What is the license term and how is it renewed?
NX-OS Essentials is a perpetual license. Software support and updates are renewed annually via Cisco SMARTnet and do not require license re-purchase.
Is SMARTnet required for NX-OS Essentials?
SMARTnet is not required to activate the license but is strongly recommended to receive technical support, software updates and major release upgrades.
Does NX-OS Essentials support virtualization features like VRF?
Yes. Essentials includes VRF Lite for basic segmentation. Full multi-tenant features such as VRF-VRF and BGP EVPN require an advanced license.
How many interfaces can I configure with NX-OS Essentials?
You can configure all physical ports supported by your Nexus 3000 XM model—up to 64 interfaces—using the Essentials feature set.
Is the NX-OS Essentials license transferable between switches?
Yes. You may remove the license from one XM switch and install it on another, subject to Cisco’s license portability policies.
Where can I download the NX-OS Essentials software image?
Log in to the Cisco Software Download portal with a valid entitlement, navigate to NX-OS for Nexus 3000, and select the Essentials image for your release.
What TAC support is available for NX-OS Essentials?
Cisco TAC provides Level 1–3 support for NX-OS Essentials under an active SMARTnet contract. Online documentation and community forums are also available.
How do I monitor license status and usage?
Use the CLI commands `show license all` and `show feature` to verify license state, expiration (if any), and enabled feature sets.
Can I deploy NX-OS Essentials in a high-availability setup?
Yes. Essentials supports vPC for active-active uplinks and Layer 2 high availability. Cross-stack port channels and fabric redundancy require advanced licensing.
How do I troubleshoot NX-OS Essentials license activation failures?
Verify the correct SKU, ensure time/date accuracy, confirm connectivity to Cisco license servers, and review `show logging` for license errors.
Does NX-OS Essentials support IPv6 routing?
Yes. Fundamentals of IPv6 forwarding and static IPv6 routing are included. Dynamic IPv6 protocols like OSPFv3 and BGP IPv6 require an advanced license.