Data Sheet

Cisco Nexus 4001I Switch Module for IBM BladeCenter

Product Overview
The Cisco Nexus 4001I Switch Module for IBM BladeCenter (Figure 1) is a blade switch solution for IBM
BladeCenter H and HT chassis, providing the server I/O solution required for high-performance, scale-out, virtualized
and nonvirtualized x86 computing architectures. It is a line-rate, extremely low-latency, nonblocking, Layer 2, 10
Gigabit Ethernet blade switch that is fully compliant with the INCITS Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) and IEEE
802.1 Data Center Bridging (DCB) standards.
At the center of the Cisco Nexus 4001I is the unified switch application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a new,
purpose-built, high-performance, line-rate switch ASIC that delivers extremely low and consistent latency across all
packet sizes independent of the configured networking features. The unified switch ASIC supports standard Ethernet
as well as Priority Flow Control (PFC) and Enhanced Transmission Selection, required for lossless Ethernet
transmission. LAN and SAN networking protocols are delivered through Cisco NX-OS Software, the industrys first
modular, fault-tolerant, highly available operating system designed specifically to support unified fabric data center
networks. Using the combination of the unified switch ASIC and Cisco NX-OS, the Cisco Nexus 4001I extends the
benefits of the Cisco Nexus Family of data center switches to blade servers: the fastest growing segment of the
server market.
Figure 1.

Cisco Nexus 4001I Switch Module for IBM BladeCenter

Main Benefits
The Cisco Nexus 4001I provides four major benefits:

Lower total cost of operation (TCO): Deployment of unified fabric with the Cisco Nexus 4001I at the blade
server access enables a significant reduction in the number of switches, LAN and SAN network interface
cards (NICs), ports, optic modules, and cables. This consolidation of server access network elements
significantly reduces the overall capital and operation costs of the data center network through reduction in the
number of network elements that need to be purchased, managed, powered, and cooled.

High performance: The Cisco Nexus 4001I is a line-rate, feature-rich, extremely low-latency switch capable
of enabling server access migration from Gigabit Ethernet to 10 Gigabit Ethernet to lossless 10 Gigabit
Ethernet, as well as supporting the demanding latency requirements of high-performance computing (HPC)
clusters and high-frequency trading applications.

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Enhanced server virtualization: Using unified fabric at the server access with Cisco Nexus 4001I provides
the uniform interfaces, simplified cabling, and consistent server access design required to gain the
advantages of automated virtual machine mobility. The Cisco Nexus 4001I used in conjunction with the Cisco
Nexus 1000V Switch delivers an operationally consistent and transparent server access design for virtual
machine deployments, substantially reducing the overhead needed to configure, troubleshoot, and repair the
server access link between the virtual NIC (vNIC), virtual switch, and the blade switch.

Increased resilience: The Cisco Nexus 4001I extends Cisco NX-OS to the blade server access, providing a
fault-tolerant network with single modular operating system across the data center.

Configuration

Fourteen fixed 10 Gigabit Ethernet server-facing downlinks (autosensing ports; can also operate in Gigabit
Ethernet mode)

Six fixed 10 Gigabit Ethernet uplinks (autosensing ports; can also operate in Gigabit Ethernet mode)

Two management ports: one external 10/100/1000BASE-T port and one internal port for advanced
management module (AMM) connectivity

One RS-232 serial console port

The Cisco Nexus 4001I inserts into the high-speed slot (HSS) of the IBM BladeCenter H or HT chassis. The Cisco
BladeCenter H and HT chassis are designed to support up to four Cisco Nexus 4001I switches per chassis.

Transceiver and Cabling Options

The Cisco Nexus 4001I supports a wide variety of 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity options using Cisco 10GBASE
Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus (SFP+) modules. For in-rack or adjacent-rack cabling, the Cisco Nexus 4001I
supports SFP+ direct-attach 10 Gigabit Ethernet copper, an innovative solution that integrates transceivers with
Twinax cables into an energy-efficient and low-cost solution. For longer cable runs, multimode and single-mode
optical SFP+ transceivers are supported. Table 1 lists the supported 10 Gigabit Ethernet transceiver options.
Table 1.

Cisco Nexus 4001I 10G Transceiver Support Matrix

Cisco Part Number

Description

SFP-10G-SR

10GBASE-SR SFP+ module (multimode fiber [MMF])

SFP-10G-LR

10GBASE-LR SFP+ module (single-mode fiber [SMF])

SFP-H10GB-CU1M

10GBASE-CU SFP+ cable 1m (Twinax cable)

SFP-H10GB-CU3M

10GBASE-CU SFP+ cable 3m (Twinax cable)

SFP-H10GB-CU5M

10GBASE-CU SFP+ cable 5m (Twinax cable)

The Cisco Nexus 4001I is backward compatible with existing Gigabit Ethernet infrastructure. Both the uplink and
downlink 10 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces can also operate in Gigabit Ethernet mode. Table 2 lists the Gigabit Ethernet
SFP transceivers that are supported.
Table 2.

Cisco Nexus 4001I Gigabit Ethernet Transceiver Support Matrix

Cisco Part Number

Description

GLC-T

1000BASE-T SFP

GLC-SX-MM

GE SFP, LC connector SX transceiver (MMF)

GLC-LH-SM

GE SFP, LC connector LX/LH transceiver (SMF)

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Features and Benefits

The rich feature set of the Cisco Nexus 4000 Series Blade Switches makes these the ideal blade switches for
access-layer applications. The series protects investments in data center IBM BladeCenter environments with
standards-based 10 Gigabit Ethernet and FCoE features that allow IT departments to consolidate networks based on
their own requirements and timing. The combination of high port density, lossless Ethernet, wire-speed performance,
and extremely low latency makes the Cisco Nexus 4000 Series switches ideal for meeting the growing demand for 10
Gigabit Ethernet that can support unified fabric in enterprise and service provider data centers, protecting enterprises
investments.
IEEE 802.1 DCB enables Ethernet fabrics to support lossless transmission to increase network scalability, support
I/O consolidation, ease management of multiple traffic flows, and optimize performance. Ciscos unified fabric
consolidates all data center I/O onto Layer 2 Ethernet. Unified fabric reduces capital and operating costs by reducing
the number of server adapters, cables, and upstream switches needed. All I/O (LAN, SAN, and cluster) typically is
consolidated onto two Ethernet links. IEEE 802.1 DCB and FCoE enable the incorporation of Fibre Channel frames
within a unified fabric, facilitating wire-once strategies in which all servers become capable of SAN connection.
IEEE 802.1 DCB and related standards summarized in Table 3 are supported by the Cisco Nexus 4000 Series.
Table 3.

IEEE DCB Features and Benefits

Feature

Business Benefit

IEEE 802.1Qbb: PFC

Simplifies management of multiple traffic flows over a single network link

Creates lossless behavior for Ethernet by allowing class-of-service (CoS)-based flow control

IEEE 802.1Qaz: Enhanced Transmission

Selection

Enables consistent management of quality of service (QoS) at the network level by providing
consistent scheduling of different traffic types (IP, storage, etc.)

IEEE 802.1AB: Data Center Bridging

Exchange (DCBX) Protocol

Simplifies network deployment and reduces configuration errors by providing autonegotiation of IEEE
802.1 DCB features between the NIC and the switch and between switches

Cisco NX-OS Software Overview

Cisco NX-OS is a data centerclass operating system built with modularity, resiliency, and serviceability at its
foundation. Based on the industry-proven Cisco MDS 9000 SAN-OS Software, Cisco NX-OS helps ensure
continuous availability and sets the standard for mission-critical data center environments. The self-healing and highly
modular design of Cisco NX-OS makes zero-impact operations a reality and enables exceptional operational
flexibility.
Focused on the requirements of the data center, Cisco NX-OS provides a robust and rich feature set that fulfills the
Ethernet and storage networking requirements of present and future data centers. With an XML interface and a
command-line interface (CLI) like that of Cisco IOS Software, Cisco NX-OS provides state-of-the-art
implementations of relevant networking standards as well as a variety of true data centerclass Cisco innovations.
Cisco NX-OS Software Benefits
Table 4 summarizes that benefits that Cisco NX-OS offers.
Table 4.

Benefits of Cisco NX-OS Software

Feature
Common Software Throughout the Data Center
Cisco NX-OS runs on all Cisco data center switch platforms: Cisco Nexus 7000, 5000, 4000,
2000, and 1000V Series

Benefit
Simplification of data center operating
environment
End-to-end Cisco Nexus and NX-OS fabric
No retraining necessary for data center
engineering and operations teams

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Software Compatibility
Cisco NX-OS interoperates with Cisco products running any variant of the Cisco IOS
Software OS and also with any networking OS that conforms to the networking standards
listed as supported in this data sheet.
Modular Software Design
Cisco NX-OS is designed to support distributed multithreaded processing. Cisco NX-OS
modular processes are instantiated on demand, each in a separate protected memory space.
Thus, processes are started and system resources allocated only when a feature is enabled.
The modular processes are governed by a real-time preemptive scheduler that helps ensure
timely processing of critical functions.
High Feature Velocity
The modularity of Cisco NX-OS allows new features, enhancements, and problem fixes to be
integrated into the software quickly. Thus, modular fixes can be developed, tested, and
delivered in a short time span
Troubleshooting and Diagnostics
Cisco NX-OS is built with unique serviceability functions to enable network operators to take
early action based on network trends and events, enhancing network planning and improving
network operations center (NOC) and vendor response times. Smart Call Home and Cisco
Online Health Management System (OHMS) are some of the features that enhance the
serviceability of Cisco NX-OS
Ease of Management
Cisco NX-OS provides a programmatic XML interface based on the NETCONF industry
standard. The Cisco NX-OS XML interface provides a consistent API for devices.

Transparent operation with existing network

infrastructure
Open standards
No compatibility concerns
Robust software
Fault tolerance
Increased scalability
Increased network availability
Quick development of feature enhancements and
problem fixes
Rich feature set
Quick resolution of critical caveats and bugs
Quick problem isolation and resolution
Continuous system monitoring and proactive
notifications
Improved productivity of operations teams

Rapid development and creation of tools for

enhanced management
Rich SNMP MIBs for efficient remote monitoring

Cisco NX-OS also provides support for Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)
Versions 1, 2, and 3 MIBs.
Role-Based Access Control
With role-based access control (RBAC), Cisco NX-OS enables administrators to limit access
to switch operations by assigning roles to users. Administrators can customize access and
restrict it to the users who require it.

Tight access control mechanism based on user

roles
Improved network device security
Reduction in network problems arising from
human error

Cisco Data Center Network Manager

The Cisco Nexus 4001I is supported in Cisco Data Center Network Manager (DCNM). Cisco DCNM is designed for
hardware platforms enabled for Cisco NX-OS, which are the Cisco Nexus Family of products. Cisco DCNM is a Cisco
management solution that increases overall data center infrastructure uptime and reliability, hence improving
business continuity. Focused on the management requirements of the data center network, Cisco DCNM provides a
robust framework and rich feature set that meets the routing, switching, and storage administration needs of present
and future data centers. In particular, Cisco DCNM automates the provisioning process, proactively monitors the LAN
by detecting performance degradation, secures the network, and streamlines the diagnosis of dysfunctional network
elements.

Product Specifications
Table 5 lists the specifications for the Cisco Nexus 4001I. Table 6 lists management standards and support.
Table 5.
Description
Performance

Specifications
Specification
400-Gbps switching capacity
Forwarding rate of 300 million packets per second (mpps)
Low, predictable, and consistent latency of 1.5 microseconds regardless of packet size, traffic pattern, or enabled
features on 10 Gigabit Ethernet interface
Line-rate traffic throughput on all ports
Configurable maximum transmission units (MTUs) of up to 9216 bytes (jumbo frames)

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Hardware tables and

scalability

MAC addresses

8192

Number of configurable VLANS

512 (configurable range 1 to 4096)

Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP): 3000
Multiple Spanning Tree (MST) Protocol: 10,000

Spanning-tree instances (sum of the VLANs per port: that

is, the number of VLANs times the number of ports)
Access control list (ACL) entries

512

Number of EtherChannels

Number of ports per EtherChannel

Queues

8 hardware queues per port

Memory

2-GB DDR2 DIMM with ECC

Flash memory

1-GB eUSB

Power consumption

12V at 5.75A (69W) (maximum)

Indicators

Total of 16 LEDs on the faceplate

12 LEDs for uplink port status
2 switch-status LEDs
2 management-port-status LEDs

Dimensions
(L x W x H)

10.27 x 11.57 x 0.79 in.

(260.93 x 293.9 x 20 mm)

Weight

Approximately 3.94 lb (1.79 kg)

Environmental ranges

Operating temperature: 32 to 104 F (0 to 40C)

Storage temperature: 13 to 158 F (25 to 70C)
Operating relative humidity: 10 to 85% noncondensing
Storage relative humidity: 5 to 95% noncondensing

Predicted mean time

between failure (MTBF)

Approximately 187,265 hours

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Data Sheet

Table 6.

Management and Standards Support

Description

Specification

MIB support

Generic MIBs
SNMPv2-SMI

Monitoring MIBs
DIFFSERV-DSCP-TC

CISCO-SMI
SNMPv2-TM

NOTIFICATION-LOG-MIB
CISCO-SYSLOG-EXT-MIB

SNMPv2-TC
IANA-ADDRESS-FAMILY-NUMBERS-MIB

CISCO-PROCESS-MIB
RMON-MIB

IANAifType-MIB
IANAiprouteprotocol-MIB

CISCO-RMON-CONFIG-MIB
CISCO-HC-ALARM-MIB

HCNUM-TC
CISCO-TC

Security MIBs
CISCO-AAA-SERVER-MIB

SNMPv2-MIB
SNMP-COMMUNITY-MIB

CISCO-AAA-SERVER-EXT-MIB
CISCO-COMMON-ROLES-MIB

SNMP-FRAMEWORK-MIB
SNMP-NOTIFICATION-MIB

CISCO-COMMON-MGMT-MIB
CISCO-SECURE-SHELL-MIB

SNMP-TARGET-MIB
SNMP-USER-BASED-SM-MIB

Miscellaneous MIBs
CISCO-LICENSE-MGR-MIB

SNMP-VIEW-BASED-ACM-MIB
CISCO-SNMP-VACM-EXT-MIB
Ethernet MIBs
CISCO-VLAN-MEMBERSHIP-MIB

CISCO-FEATURE-CONTROL-MIB
CISCO-CDP-MIB
CISCO-RF-MIB

Configuration MIBs
ENTITY-MIB
IF-MIB
CISCO-ENTITY-EXT-MIB
CISCO-ENTITY-FRU-CONTROL-MIB
CISCO-ENTITY-SENSOR-MIB
CISCO-SYSTEM-MIB
CISCO-SYSTEM-EXT-MIB
CISCO-IP-IF-MIB
CISCO-IF-EXTENSION-MIB
CISCO-SERVER-INTERFACE-MIB
CISCO-NTP-MIB
CISCO-IMAGE-MIB
CISCO-IMAGE-UPGRADE-MIB
Standards

IEEE 802.1D: Spanning Tree Protocol

IEEE 802.1p: CoS Prioritization
IEEE 802.1Q: VLAN Tagging
IEEE 802.1s: Multiple VLAN Instances of Spanning Tree Protocol
IEEE 802.1w: Rapid Reconfiguration of Spanning Tree Protocol
IEEE 802.3: Ethernet
IEEE 802.3ad: Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP)
IEEE 802.3ae: 10 Gigabit Ethernet
SFF 8431 SFP+ CX1 support
RMON

Software Requirements
Cisco Nexus 4000 Series switches are supported by Cisco NX-OS Software Release 4.0 and later. Cisco NX-OS
interoperates with any networking OS, including Cisco IOS Software, that conforms to the networking standards
mentioned in this data sheet.

Regulatory Standards Compliance

Table 7 summarizes regulatory standards compliance for the Cisco Nexus 4000 Series.

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Data Sheet

Table 7.

Regulatory Standards Compliance: Safety and EMC

Specification

Description

Regulatory compliance

Products should comply with CE Markings according to directives 2004/108/EC and 2006/95/EC.
US: UL 1950 or UL 6950 Listed Accessory Report
Canada: CSA C22.2 No. 950 or 60950

Safety

Germany: TUV/VDE IEC 950/EN 60950 (TUV component report and IEC60950 CB Report and Certificate)
EMC: Emissions

47CFR Part 15 (CFR 47) Class A

AS/NZS CISPR22 Class A
CISPR22 Class A
EN55022 Class A
ICES003 Class A
VCCI Class A
EN61000-3-2
EN61000-3-3
KN22 Class A
CNS13438 Class A

EMC: Immunity

EN61000-3-2
EN61000-3-3
EN55024
CISPR24
KN24

RoHS

The product is RoHS 5 compliant with exceptions for leaded ball grid array (BGA) balls and lead press-fit
connectors.

Ordering Information
Table 8 provides ordering information for the Cisco Nexus 4001I.
Table 8.

Ordering Information

Part Number

Description

Chassis
N4K-4001I-XPX

Cisco Nexus 4001I Switch Module for IBM Blade Center

Software Licenses
N4K-4001I-SSK9

Cisco Nexus 4001I Storage Protocol Services License

Cables and Optics

SFP-10G-SR(=)

10GBASE-SR SFP+ Module

SFP-10G-LR(=)

10GBASE-LR SFP+ Module

SFP-H10GB-CU1M(=)

10GBASE-CU SFP+ Cable 1 Meter

SFP-H10GB-CU3M(=)

10GBASE-CU SFP+ Cable 3 Meter

SFP-H10GB-CU5M(=)

10GBASE-CU SFP+ Cable 5 Meter

GLC-T(=)

1000BASE-T SFP

GLC-SX-MM(=)

GE SFP, LC connector SX transceiver

GLC-LH-SM(=)

GE SFP, LC connector LX/LH transceiver

Service and Support

Cisco offers a wide range of services to help accelerate your success in deploying and optimizing the Cisco Nexus
4000 Series in your data center. The innovative Cisco Services are delivered through a unique combination of
people, processes, tools, and partners and are focused on helping you increase operational efficiency and improve
your data center network. Cisco Advanced Services use an architecture-led approach to help you align your data
center infrastructure with your business goals and achieve long-term value. Cisco SMARTnet Service helps you
resolve mission-critical problems with direct access at any time to Cisco network experts and award-winning
resources. With this service, you can take advantage of the Smart Call Home service capability, which offers
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proactive diagnostics and real-time alerts on your Cisco Nexus 4000 Series switches. Spanning the entire network
lifecycle, Cisco Services help increase investment protection, optimize network operations, support migration
operations, and strengthen your IT expertise.

For More Information

For more information, please visit http://www.cisco.com/go/nexus4000.

Printed in USA

2009 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. This document is Cisco Public Information.

C78-560881-00

10/09

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