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Q
What are the key features of Cisco Nexus 7000 switch modules?
A
Cisco Nexus 7000 switch modules deliver high-density 1/10/40/100 GbE ports, modular scalability, hot-swappable fabric and supervisor modules, advanced QoS and security, and non-disruptive software upgrades.
Q
How do I choose the right supervisor module for Nexus 7000?
A
Select a supervisor module based on required forwarding capacity, feature set (M-series for advanced services or F-series for fundamental switching), redundancy needs, and software license compatibility.
Q
What is the difference between Cisco Nexus 7000 F-series and M-series supervisor modules?
A
F-series supervisors provide basic L2/L3 switching up to 48 Tbps, while M-series adds advanced services (L4–L7), telemetry, and programmable ASICs with up to 54 Tbps throughput.
Q
How many line-card slots does the Nexus 7000 chassis support?
A
The Nexus 7000 chassis supports up to 10 line-card slots in the N7K-C7010 and up to 18 slots in the N7K-C7018, enabling flexible port-density scaling.
Q
Can I mix different generations of line cards in the same Nexus 7000 chassis?
A
Yes, Cisco designs Nexus 7000 line cards to be backward- and forward-compatible across supported chassis, provided software and supervisor licenses meet module requirements.
Q
What fabric modules are available for Nexus 7000, and why do I need them?
A
Nexus 7000 fabric modules (2-slot, 3-slot, and 4-slot types) interconnect line cards, delivering up to 576 Tbps aggregate bandwidth and ensuring non-blocking performance.
Q
Are Cisco Nexus 7000 modules and cards hot-swappable?
A
Yes, all Nexus 7000 line cards, supervisor modules, and fabric modules are fully front-to-back hot-swappable to maintain nonstop operations.
Q
What uplink options exist on Nexus 7000 line cards?
A
Available uplink ports include 10/40/100 GbE QSFP+, SFP+ 10 GbE, and CFP2/CFP4 100 GbE interfaces, depending on the line-card model.
Q
How do I install or replace a line card in Cisco Nexus 7000?
A
Power down the affected slot if non-redundant, unlock and slide out the blank module, insert the new line card until it seats, tighten captive screws, then power on and verify status via CLI.
Q
What is the maximum per-slot throughput on Nexus 7000 cards?
A
Each Nexus 7000 line-card slot supports up to 6 Tbps of bidirectional bandwidth, depending on fabric module and supervisor capacity.
Q
How do I upgrade firmware on Nexus 7000 modules and cards?
A
Use the NX-OS CLI with commands like 'install all kickstart system' or 'install feature-set', staging images to flash and performing in-service software upgrades (ISSU) for minimal downtime.
Q
Do I need redundant supervisor modules in Nexus 7000?
A
For high availability, deploy dual supervisors in separate slots; NX-OS provides stateful supervisor switchover (SSO) to ensure uninterrupted traffic forwarding.
Q
What power and cooling considerations apply to Nexus 7000 modules?
A
Each line card draws between 100 W and 500 W; supervisor and fabric modules consume up to 1 kW. Ensure adequate power-supply redundancy and proper front-to-back airflow per Cisco deployment guidelines.
Q
How do I license advanced features on Nexus 7000 cards?
A
Apply feature licenses (LAN Enterprise, LAN Premium, etc.) via Smart Licensing or Permanent Use Licenses in NX-OS; then enable desired services on the supervisor module.
Q
Which optical transceivers are compatible with Nexus 7000 line cards?
A
Cisco-certified SFP+, QSFP+, CFP2 and CFP4 transceivers conforming to IEEE standards are supported. Check the Cisco Transceiver Module Matrix for model-specific compatibility.
Q
How can I troubleshoot a failed Nexus 7000 module?
A
Check module status with 'show module', review logs ('show logging onboard'), inspect LEDs for fault codes, reseat the module, and if needed, replace with a known-good unit.
Q
Where can I find the compatibility matrix for Nexus 7000 modules and cards?
A
Access the Cisco Feature Navigator online or download the Cisco Nexus 7000 Hardware Compatibility Matrix PDF from Cisco.com to verify chassis, module, and software interoperability.
