Cisco Nexus 56128P vs 93360YC-FX2
The 93360YC-FX2 is the modern Cloud Scale replacement for the 56128P: it nearly doubles host density to 96 ports of 25G, adds twelve 100G uplinks, MACsec, and ACI support, with far higher throughput in the same 2RU. For a 56128P refresh, this is the upgrade.
Cisco Nexus 56128P
2RU 10/40GbE switch with 48x 10G SFP+ and 4x 40G QSFP+ fixed ports, two GEM slots, 2.56 Tbps and FCoE/FC.
- 48x 1/10G SFP+ plus 4x 40G QSFP+ fixed ports
- Two GEM slots for added 10G/40G and native FC
- 2.56 Tbps switching with line-rate L3 and VXLAN
- End-of-sale; 10G access with 40G uplinks only
Cisco Nexus 93360YC-FX2
2RU Cloud Scale leaf with 96x 1/10/25G SFP28 ports and 12x 40/100G QSFP28 uplinks, MACsec, 40 MB buffer.
- 96x 1/10/25G SFP28 ports plus 12x 40/100G QSFP28 uplinks
- 7.2 Tbps throughput with 40 MB Cloud Scale buffer
- Wire-rate MACsec, RS-FEC and FC-FEC for 25G distance
- Runs NX-OS or ACI; FCoE supported
Cisco Nexus 56128P vs Cisco Nexus 93360YC-FX2: spec comparison
| Spec | Cisco Nexus 56128P | Cisco Nexus 93360YC-FX2 |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | 2RU | 2RU |
| Data ports | 48x 1/10G SFP+ (+GEM) | 96x 1/10/25G SFP28 |
| High-speed uplinks | 4x 40G QSFP+ fixed | 12x 40/100G QSFP28 |
| Per-port access speed | 10 Gbps | 25 Gbps |
| Switching throughput | 2.56 Tbps | 7.2 Tbps |
| Shared buffer | 5600-platform buffer | 40 MB Cloud Scale |
| MACsec encryption | No | Yes, MACsec capable |
| Storage / FC | FCoE and native FC (GEM) | FCoE (FC-FEC/RS-FEC for 25G) |
| Software | NX-OS | NX-OS or ACI |
| Lifecycle status | End-of-sale | Current shipping switch |
Choose Cisco Nexus 56128P if
Keep the 56128P only to maintain an existing 5600-family converged or FEX-aggregation row short-term, particularly where you depend on its native Fibre Channel GEMs.
Choose Cisco Nexus 93360YC-FX2 if
Choose the 93360YC-FX2 for high-density 25G access in 2RU with 100G uplinks, MACsec, a 40 MB buffer, and the option to run as an ACI leaf, which is the right basis for a modern data-center fabric.
Verdict
Migrate to the 93360YC-FX2. It roughly doubles port density to 96x 25G, adds twelve 100G uplinks and MACsec, nearly triples throughput, and runs NX-OS or ACI, all in 2RU. The 56128P is end-of-sale at 10G/40G, so keep it only while transitioning native-FC workloads.
Frequently asked questions
What replaces the Cisco Nexus 56128P?
For modern leaf roles the Cisco Nexus 93360YC-FX2 (N9K-C93360YC-FX2) is a natural successor, moving from 10G/40G to 96x 25G access and 12x 100G uplinks with MACsec.
How much denser is the 93360YC-FX2 than the 56128P?
The 56128P offers 48 fixed 10G ports plus GEMs, while the 93360YC-FX2 provides 96 ports of 1/10/25G and 12 ports of 40/100G in the same 2RU.
Does the 93360YC-FX2 support MACsec?
Yes. The 93360YC-FX2 is MACsec capable and includes FC-FEC and RS-FEC for reliable 25G over longer distances, neither of which the 56128P offered.
Can the 93360YC-FX2 run ACI?
Yes. It operates in standalone NX-OS mode or as an ACI leaf, giving a clear path into Cisco ACI fabrics that the 56128P could not join.
More Nexus comparisons
Specs are for planning and may change; Uniqcli confirms the current Cisco bill of materials and pricing on your quote. Cisco, Catalyst, Nexus, Meraki, and Firepower are trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc.; Uniqcli LLC is an independent authorized Cisco partner.