Source: Cisco Nexus 9336PQ hardware specifications and data sheet.

The Cisco N9K-C9336PQ Nexus 9336PQ ACI Spine Switch is a high-performance 40 Gigabit data center spine switch designed for modern enterprise networks, cloud computing environments, and Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) deployments. Featuring 36 fixed 40G QSFP+ ports, the N9K-C9336PQ delivers high-density connectivity, low-latency switching, and scalable network performance for large-scale data center fabrics.

Built on the Cisco Nexus 9000 Series platform, the N9K-C9336PQ provides 2.88 Tbps switching capacity and 2.3 Bpps forwarding performance, making it suitable for demanding applications such as cloud infrastructure, virtualization environments, high-performance computing, and enterprise data center aggregation.

With native Cisco ACI support, this switch enables policy-driven automation, centralized network management, and simplified operations across large data center architectures. The 2RU form factor, redundant power options, and hot-swappable cooling modules help improve network availability and operational efficiency.

The Cisco N9K-C9336PQ is an ideal choice for organizations looking to upgrade from traditional network architectures to an agile, scalable, and automation-ready data center fabric.

The N9K-C9336PQ provides 36 x 40G QSFP+ ports, allowing organizations to build high-bandwidth spine-layer connections without increasing rack space requirements.

Benefits:

• High port density in a compact 2RU chassis
• Optimized for spine-leaf data center architecture
• Supports high-volume east-west traffic flows
• Reduces network bottlenecks

The switch is optimized for Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI), enabling:

• Automated network provisioning
• Centralized policy management
• Simplified troubleshooting
• Application-based network control

Cisco ACI helps enterprises create flexible and programmable data center networks.

The N9K-C9336PQ supports:

• Dual power supply configuration
• Redundant hot-swappable fans
• Multiple airflow options
• Continuous operation in demanding environments

These features help reduce downtime and improve network reliability.

• Lower investment for existing 40G infrastructures
• Proven Cisco Nexus reliability
• Ideal for ACI spine deployments
• High bandwidth with compact design

A: The Cisco N9K-C9336PQ is mainly used as an ACI spine switch in enterprise data centers, cloud environments, and large-scale network fabrics. It provides high-speed 40G connectivity between leaf switches and core network infrastructure.

A: Yes. For organizations with existing 40G infrastructure, the N9K-C9336PQ remains a reliable and cost-effective solution. It is especially suitable for ACI environments that do not require immediate migration to 100G networking.

A: The N9K-C9336PQ focuses on 40G QSFP+ connectivity with 36 ports, while the N9K-C9364C supports higher-density 40/100G QSFP28 ports and is designed for newer high-speed data center deployments.

A: Yes. The N9K-C9336PQ is specifically designed as a Cisco ACI Spine Switch and works with Cisco ACI architecture for automated and policy-based data center management.

A: We provide professional pre-sales consultation, compatibility verification, technical assistance, and after-sales support. Each Cisco N9K-C9336PQ can be supplied with quality assurance options to help customers reduce deployment risks.

A: Yes. We can provide compatible QSFP+ transceivers, network cables, power supplies, fan modules, and related Cisco Nexus accessories to support complete data center deployment solutions.

• Original Cisco compatible networking equipment
• Strict quality inspection before shipment
• Fast global delivery and supply support
• Professional technical assistance
• One-stop solution for switches, optics, and accessories
• Reduce procurement complexity and network deployment risks

The Cisco N9K-C9336PQ remains a strong choice for enterprises seeking a reliable 40G ACI spine switch, offering excellent scalability, stable performance, and seamless integration into Cisco Nexus data center environments.