Cisco Nexus 9396TX vs 93180YC-FX3
The Nexus 9396TX is an end-of-life 10GBASE-T leaf switch; the 93180YC-FX3 is its modern Cloud Scale replacement with 25G access ports, 100G uplinks, and roughly double the switching capacity. For data centers still running 9396TX, the 93180YC-FX3 is the supported refresh that moves you to 25/100G.
Cisco Nexus 9396TX
End-of-life 48-port 1/10GBASE-T Nexus 9300 leaf switch with 40G uplink module.
- 48x 1/10GBASE-T (copper) downlinks
- Up to 12x 40G QSFP+ uplinks via uplink module
- 1.92 Tbps switching capacity
- End of sale and end of support; 10G/40G era, no 25/100G or modern Cloud Scale ASIC
Cisco Nexus 93180YC-FX3
Current 48-port 10/25G Cloud Scale leaf switch with 100G uplinks.
- 48x 1/10/25G SFP28 downlinks
- 6x 40/100G QSFP28 uplinks
- 3.6 Tbps switching capacity on Cloud Scale ASIC
- Runs NX-OS or ACI mode; supports PTP/SyncE and modern telemetry
Cisco Nexus 9396TX vs Cisco Nexus 93180YC-FX3: spec comparison
| Spec | Cisco Nexus 9396TX | Cisco Nexus 93180YC-FX3 |
|---|---|---|
| Access (downlink) ports | 48x 1/10GBASE-T (copper) | 48x 1/10/25G SFP28 |
| Access media | RJ45 copper (10GBASE-T) | SFP28 (fiber/DAC) |
| Uplinks | Up to 12x 40G QSFP+ | 6x 40/100G QSFP28 |
| Switching capacity | 1.92 Tbps | 3.6 Tbps |
| Forwarding rate | ~1500 Mpps | ~1.2 Bpps |
| ASIC | First-gen Nexus 9300 (Broadcom/legacy) | Cisco Cloud Scale |
| Operating modes | NX-OS (and limited ACI) | NX-OS or ACI |
| Precision timing (PTP/SyncE) | No | Yes |
| Rack height | 2RU | 1RU |
| Lifecycle status | End of sale and end of support | Current shipping product |
Choose Cisco Nexus 9396TX if
Keep the 9396TX only if you are locked into copper 10GBASE-T endpoints and need a short bridge before refresh. It is past support and should not anchor a new fabric.
Choose Cisco Nexus 93180YC-FX3 if
Choose the 93180YC-FX3 for the refresh: it moves access to 25G SFP28, uplinks to 100G, nearly doubles switching capacity on the Cloud Scale ASIC, and runs in NX-OS or ACI with modern telemetry, all in a denser 1RU footprint.
Verdict
Migrate from the Nexus 9396TX to the 93180YC-FX3. The 9396TX is end of life on the 10G/40G generation, while the 93180YC-FX3 delivers 25G access, 100G uplinks, ~3.6 Tbps capacity, and Cloud Scale features. The main consideration is the move from 10GBASE-T copper to SFP28 optics/DAC, which is the right direction for a modern data center.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nexus 9396TX end of life?
Yes. The Nexus 9396TX has passed end of sale and end of support. Cisco's Cloud Scale 9300 switches such as the 93180YC-FX3 are the modern replacements.
What is the replacement for the Nexus 9396TX?
The 93180YC-FX3 is a strong refresh target, upgrading from 10GBASE-T/40G to 25G access and 100G uplinks with about double the switching capacity.
Does the 93180YC-FX3 still support copper 10GBASE-T servers?
Its 48 downlinks are SFP28, so 10GBASE-T copper endpoints connect via transceivers or you migrate those hosts to SFP28 DAC/fiber. For all-copper top-of-rack, consider the 93108TC-FX3 instead.
Can the 93180YC-FX3 run ACI?
Yes. Like the 9396TX's intended fabric role, the 93180YC-FX3 supports both NX-OS standalone and ACI leaf modes.
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.