Cisco Nexus 5696Q vs 93360YC-FX2
The 93360YC-FX2 is the modern fixed Cloud Scale replacement for the modular 5696Q: it delivers high-density 25G access and 100G uplinks with MACsec and ACI in a fixed 2RU, retiring the 4RU chassis-and-module complexity. For a 5696Q refresh, the 93360YC-FX2 is the upgrade.
Cisco Nexus 5696Q
4RU modular 10/40/100GbE switch with eight LEM slots, up to 7.68 Tbps switching, FCoE and FC, for high-density aggregation.
- 4RU modular chassis with eight line-card expansion module (LEM) slots
- Up to 7.68 Tbps switching, 5713 Mpps forwarding
- 40G QSFP LEMs and a 100G CXP module (up to 32x 100G)
- End-of-sale; redundant 6 PSU / 4 fan design
Cisco Nexus 93360YC-FX2
2RU fixed Cloud Scale leaf with 96x 1/10/25G SFP28 and 12x 40/100G QSFP28, MACsec, 40 MB buffer, NX-OS or ACI.
- 96x 1/10/25G SFP28 ports plus 12x 40/100G QSFP28 uplinks
- 7.2 Tbps throughput in a fixed 2RU form factor
- Wire-rate MACsec, 40 MB Cloud Scale buffer
- Runs NX-OS or ACI; FCoE supported
Cisco Nexus 5696Q vs Cisco Nexus 93360YC-FX2: spec comparison
| Spec | Cisco Nexus 5696Q | Cisco Nexus 93360YC-FX2 |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | 4RU modular chassis | 2RU fixed |
| Architecture | 8 LEM slots (modular) | Fixed ports |
| Access ports | Up to 96x 40G QSFP (12 per LEM) | 96x 1/10/25G SFP28 |
| High-speed ports | Up to 32x 100G CXP (modules) | 12x 40/100G QSFP28 |
| Switching throughput | Up to 7.68 Tbps | 7.2 Tbps |
| Forwarding rate | 5713 Mpps | 2.4 bpps |
| Shared buffer | 5600-platform buffer | 40 MB Cloud Scale |
| MACsec encryption | No | Yes, MACsec capable |
| Software | NX-OS | NX-OS or ACI |
| Optics era | QSFP+ 40G / CXP 100G | SFP28 25G / QSFP28 100G |
| Lifecycle status | End-of-sale | Current shipping switch |
Choose Cisco Nexus 5696Q if
Keep the 5696Q only to sustain an existing modular 40G aggregation deployment short-term where you have invested in LEMs and CXP optics, and where a re-architecture is not yet funded.
Choose Cisco Nexus 93360YC-FX2 if
Choose the 93360YC-FX2 for dense 25G server access and 100G QSFP28 uplinks in a simpler fixed 2RU, with MACsec, a 40 MB buffer, and ACI support, retiring 4RU chassis and CXP-era optics.
Verdict
Migrate to the 93360YC-FX2. It delivers comparable throughput with modern 25G/100G optics, MACsec, and ACI in a fixed 2RU, replacing the 5696Q's 4RU modular chassis and end-of-sale CXP-era 100G. Keep a 5696Q only as a short bridge while you reuse existing LEM and optic investments.
Frequently asked questions
What replaces the Cisco Nexus 5696Q?
For modern data-center fabrics, fixed Cloud Scale switches such as the Nexus 93360YC-FX2 (N9K-C93360YC-FX2) replace the modular 5696Q, offering 25G access and 100G QSFP28 uplinks without a chassis.
Is the Nexus 5696Q end of life?
Yes. The 5696Q is part of the Nexus 5600 platform, which has reached end-of-sale. Cisco directs new high-density designs to the Nexus 9000 Cloud Scale switches.
Why move from a modular 5696Q to a fixed 93360YC-FX2?
The fixed 93360YC-FX2 simplifies operations, uses current SFP28/QSFP28 optics instead of CXP-era 100G, adds MACsec and ACI, and fits dense 25G access into 2RU instead of 4RU.
Does the 93360YC-FX2 match the throughput of the 5696Q?
Closely. The 5696Q peaks at 7.68 Tbps fully loaded, while the fixed 93360YC-FX2 delivers 7.2 Tbps, with modern optics, MACsec, and ACI support the 5696Q lacks.
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.