Cisco Nexus 93120TX vs Nexus 93216TC-FX2
Both are 2RU 96-port 10GBASE-T switches, but the 93216TC-FX2 nearly doubles the fabric bandwidth, adds 100G uplinks, MACsec and cloud-scale ACI support. If you are refreshing a 93120TX, the FX2 is the direct successor.
Cisco Nexus 93120TX
First-generation 2RU 10GBASE-T access switch with 40G uplinks for top-of-rack and copper server connectivity.
- 96x 1/10GBASE-T downlinks plus 6x 40G QSFP+ uplinks
- 2.4 Tbps switching capacity
- T2-class ASIC, NX-OS standalone operation
- Mature platform now superseded by the FX2 generation
Cisco Nexus 93216TC-FX2
Cloud-scale 2RU 10GBASE-T switch with 100G uplinks, MACsec and NX-OS or ACI mode for modern data center access.
- 96x 1/10GBASE-T downlinks plus 12x 40/100G QSFP28 uplinks
- 4.32 Tbps switching capacity
- Cloud Scale ASIC with line-rate MACsec encryption
- Runs NX-OS or as an ACI leaf with rich streaming telemetry
Cisco Nexus 93120TX vs Cisco Nexus 93216TC-FX2: spec comparison
| Spec | Cisco Nexus 93120TX | Cisco Nexus 93216TC-FX2 |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | 2RU | 2RU |
| Copper downlinks | 96x 1/10GBASE-T | 96x 1/10GBASE-T |
| Uplink ports | 6x 40G QSFP+ | 12x 40/100G QSFP28 |
| Switching capacity | 2.4 Tbps | 4.32 Tbps |
| ASIC | T2-class | Cloud Scale |
| Software / mode | NX-OS standalone | NX-OS or ACI leaf |
| MACsec encryption | No | Yes (line-rate) |
| Max uplink speed | 40G | 100G |
| Telemetry | Legacy SNMP / NX-API | Streaming telemetry, model-driven |
| Lifecycle status | End-of-sale / superseded | Current shipping product |
Choose Cisco Nexus 93120TX if
Stay on the 93120TX only if it is already deployed, your uplinks never exceed 40G, and you have no requirement for MACsec or ACI in that rack.
Choose Cisco Nexus 93216TC-FX2 if
Choose the 93216TC-FX2 when refreshing copper top-of-rack, when you need 100G uplinks, MACsec encryption, or the ability to run the switch as an ACI leaf with modern telemetry.
Verdict
The 93216TC-FX2 is the modern replacement for the 93120TX: same 96-port 10GBASE-T density but with roughly double the fabric, 100G uplinks, MACsec and ACI support. Migrate to the FX2 unless an in-place 93120TX is meeting requirements and budget rules out a refresh this cycle.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Nexus 93120TX and 93216TC-FX2?
Both offer 96 10GBASE-T copper ports, but the 93216TC-FX2 has 12x 40/100G uplinks versus 6x 40G, 4.32 Tbps versus 2.4 Tbps of capacity, plus MACsec and ACI support that the 93120TX lacks.
Does the 93216TC-FX2 support ACI?
Yes. The 93216TC-FX2 is a cloud-scale switch that can run NX-OS or operate as a Cisco ACI leaf, whereas the 93120TX is NX-OS standalone.
Are the uplink optics the same between the two switches?
No. The 93120TX uses 40G QSFP+ uplinks, while the 93216TC-FX2 uses 40/100G QSFP28 ports, so plan for new optics or breakout cabling when migrating.
Is the Nexus 93120TX still supported?
It is past end-of-sale and is positioned for replacement by the FX2 generation; check the specific end-of-support dates before relying on it for a multi-year deployment.
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.