Cisco Nexus 3550-T Manual

Cisco Nexus 3550-T Hardware Installation Guide
First Published: 2021-07-26
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©2021 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

CONTENTS
Overview 1
CHAPTER 1
Overview of the Cisco Nexus 3550-T Triton Switches 1
Hardware Architecture of the Cisco Nexus 3550-T Triton Switches 2
Preparing the Site 5
CHAPTER 2
Temperature Requirement 5
Humidity Requirement 5
Altitude Requirements 5
Dust and Contaminants 5
Installing the Chassis 7
CHAPTER 3
Safety 7
Installation Options with Rack-Mount Kits, Racks, and Cabinets 10
Preparing to Install the Chassis 10
Unpacking and Inspecting the Chassis 13
Mount the Cisco Nexus 3550-T Programmable Switch Platform 13
Mount the Cisco Nexus 3550-T Programmable Switch Platform with Rear Support Rails 14
Installing a 1 (RU) Chassis in a Two-Post Rack 15
Grounding the Chassis 18
Starting the Switch 20
Rack Specifications 23
CHAPTER 4
General Requirements and Guidelines for Cabinets and Racks 23
About Requirements for Perforated Cabinets 24
About Requirements for Open Racks 24
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Connecting the Switch to the Network 25
CHAPTER 5
Preparing for Network Connections 25
Connecting to a Console 25
Connecting the Management Interface 27
Connecting Interface Ports to Other Devices 27
Installing SFP+ and SFP Transceivers 28
Installing SFP+ and SFP Optical Cables 29
Maintaining Transceivers and Optical Cables 29
Connecting to Transceivers 30
Connecting Interface Ports to Other Devices 31
High-Bandwidth Memory 31
Management Setup 33
CHAPTER 6
Management Setup 33
Rebooting 35
CHAPTER 7
Rebooting a Switch 35
Spare Parts Table 37
APPENDIX A
Spares Support Table 37
LEDs 39
APPENDIX B
Chassis LEDs 39
Fan LEDs 43
Power Supply LEDs 44
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Contents

CHAPTER 1
Overview
•Overview of the Cisco Nexus 3550-T Triton Switches, on page 1
•Hardware Architecture of the Cisco Nexus 3550-T Triton Switches, on page 2
Overview of the Cisco Nexus 3550-T Triton Switches
The Cisco Nexus 3550-T Programmable Switch Platform is a powerful top-of-rack Ethernet switch and
application platform with a unique low-latency design. It offers comprehensive layer 2 and layer 3 switching
capabilities. The device is built around a flexible FPGA device, offering long term feature enhancements,
upgrades, and fixes, as well as a complete firmware development environment for custom applications.
Figure 1: The Cisco Nexus 3550-T Triton
The hardware platform specifications of the Nexus 3550-T are as follows:
• 1RU 48 port SFP28 (Small Form-factor Pluggable 28) configuration (backwards compatible with SFP+
and SFP).
• Dual redundant, hot-swap PSUs and dual hot-swap fans.
• Build using a Xilinx Virtex Ultrascale Plus VU35P Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with a “-3”
speed grade. The chip has 8GB of High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) on board.
• x86-based management processor with 100MB/s/1GB/s (RJ45) and 1GB (SFP+) based management
ports.
• Hardware (electronics) supporting 25G speeds to the FPGA.
Ease of Management
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The Cisco Nexus 3550-T Programmable Network Platform features a console port, a Micro USB port, and a
1G RJ45 port, which can be used as management interfaces. The Cisco Nexus 3550-T Platform uses a Command
Line Interface (CLI) designed to address the needs of low-latency FPGA configurations.
The Cisco Nexus 3550-T Programmable Network Platform includes standard enterprise manageability and
deployment capability features such as automatic configuration (via DHCP), SNMP, TACACS+ authentication,
on-board Python programmability, BASH shell access, and time-series logging.
Please refer The Cisco Nexus 3550-T Configuration Guide to learn more.
Hardware Architecture of the Cisco Nexus 3550-T Triton
Switches
The FPGA in the Cisco Nexus 3550-T Triton is a Xilinx Virtex UltraScale+ HBM xcvu35p-fsvh2892-3-e.
The X86 processor in the Nexus 3550-T Triton platform is an Intel Atom C3708 SoC, built into a third-party
System on Module (SoM). The CPU features 8 cores, running at 1.7Ghz with 16MB of cache. There is 16GB
of DDR4 Memory on the SoM, and the system boots from an M.2 NVMe SSD drive, with 128GB of
non-volatile storage. There is a spare (unpopulated) M.2 drive bay available.
A block diagram of the Nexus 3550-T Triton platform is given below.
Figure 2: Nexus 3550-T Triton Hardware Architecture
Features
The Cisco Nexus 3550-T Programmable Network Platform has a fixed form factor that is built around a
dynamically reconfigurable FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and provides 48 ports that are 10G
capable along with an x86 (Intel®Atom®processor with 8 cores up to 1.7 GHz)–management CPU. All 48
ports are directly connected to Xilinx Virtex UltraScale Plus VU35P FPGA with a “-3” speed grade. The
FPGA has 8GB of High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) on board. The Cisco Nexus 3550-T hardware architecture
diagram is shown in Figure 2 below.
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Overview
Hardware Architecture of the Cisco Nexus 3550-T Triton Switches

Figure 3: Cisco Nexus 3550-T Programmable Network Platform Data Sheet
Cisco Nexus 3550-T Programmable Network Platform hardware architecture
The Cisco Nexus 3550-T Triton platform has a Xilinx Virtex Ultrascale Plus FPGA (XCVU35P-3e), 48 10G
capable SFP ports and an Intel Atom CPU. A firmware development kit is available from Cisco, enabling
users with FPGA development capability to implement custom FPGA functionality in the XCVU35P-3e
FPGA of the Cisco Nexus 3550-T Triton.
Figure 4: The Cisco Nexus 3550-T Programmable Switch Platform Architecture
The FPGA module can run host of multiple firmware personalities. Currently, the following firmware versions
are available:
•10G Layer 3 switch firmware: With this firmware, the device operates as a 48-port low latency Layer
3 switch.
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Overview
Hardware Architecture of the Cisco Nexus 3550-T Triton Switches

Initial 10G Layer 3 Switch Features
• Standard management interfaces: SNMP / TACACS+ / Syslog / JSON-RPC API
• Layer 2 switching features: MAC learning, VLAN tagging/trunking, LLDP, IGMP & STP
• Layer 3 switching features: IP routing, BGP, OSPF, and PIM
• Layer 4 switching features: Static NAT/PAT
The following figure shows the fan-side chassis features that you use when installing the chassis or replacing
its modules.
Figure 5: Fan-Side View of the Cisco Nexus 3550-T Triton Chassis
AC power supply (2 and
2)
2Fan modules (1 and 1)1
The following figure shows the port-side chassis features that you use when installing the chassis or replacing
its modules.
Figure 6: Port-Side View of the Cisco Nexus 3550-T Triton Chassis
48 fixed small form-factor
pluggable (SFP+) ports
2Management, Console,
and USB ports
1
Please refer The Cisco Nexus 3550-T Configuration Guide to learn more.
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Overview
Hardware Architecture of the Cisco Nexus 3550-T Triton Switches

CHAPTER 2
Preparing the Site
•Temperature Requirement, on page 5
•Humidity Requirement, on page 5
•Altitude Requirements, on page 5
•Dust and Contaminants, on page 5
Temperature Requirement
This switch is rated to operate at 32 to 104°F (0 to 40°C). It can be stored at -40 to 158°F (-40 to 70°C).
Humidity Requirement
This switch is rated to operate at 8- to 80-percent relative humidity with 10-percent gradation per hour. It can
be stored in an environment that has 5- to 95-percent relative humidity.
Buildings cooled with air conditioning during warm months and warmed during cold months usually maintain
an acceptable level of humidity. However, if the site is unusually humid, use a dehumidifier to maintain the
required humidity level.
Altitude Requirements
High-altitude (low-pressure) conditions outside of 0 to 10,000 feet (0 to 3050 m) can reduce the cooling
efficiency and cause electrical problems.
Dust and Contaminants
To prevent contaminant buildup and increased internal chassis temperatures, make sure that the operating
environment is as clean as possible and free of dust and other contaminants. Do not permit smoking, food, or
drinks near the switch.
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Preparing the Site
Dust and Contaminants

CHAPTER 3
Installing the Chassis
•Safety, on page 7
•Installation Options with Rack-Mount Kits, Racks, and Cabinets, on page 10
•Preparing to Install the Chassis, on page 10
•Unpacking and Inspecting the Chassis, on page 13
•Mount the Cisco Nexus 3550-T Programmable Switch Platform, on page 13
•Mount the Cisco Nexus 3550-T Programmable Switch Platform with Rear Support Rails, on page 14
•Installing a 1 (RU) Chassis in a Two-Post Rack, on page 15
•Grounding the Chassis, on page 18
•Starting the Switch, on page 20
Safety
Before you install, operate, or service the switch, see the Regulatory, Compliance, and Safety Information for
the Cisco Nexus 3550-T Triton for important Safety Information.
Statement 1071—Warning Definition
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Before you work on any equipment, be aware of the hazards involved with electrical circuitry and be familiar
with standard practices for preventing accidents. Read the installation instructions before using, installing, or
connecting the system to the power source. Use the statement number provided at the end of each warning
statement to locate its translation in the translated safety warnings for this device.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Warning
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Statement 1017—Restricted Area
This unit is intended for installation in restricted access areas. A restricted access area can be accessed by
skilled, instructed, or qualified personnel.
Warning
Statement 1030—Equipment Installation
Only trained and qualified personnel should be allowed to install, replace, or service this equipment.
Warning
Only a skilled person or an instructed person should be allowed to
install, replace, or service this equipment.
Personnel
1. AccessThis unit is intended for installation in restricted access
areas. A restricted access area can only be accessed by skilled,
instructed or qualified personnel.
2. GPSTo reduce the risk of electric shock, the shield of the coaxial
cable must be connected to the building earth.
Do not locate the antenna near overhead power lines or
other electric light or power circuits, or where it can
come into contact with such circuits. When installing
the antenna, take extreme care not to come into contact
with such circuits, as they may cause serious injury or
death. For proper installation and grounding of the
antenna, please refer to national and local codes (e.g.
U.S.: NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, Article 810,
Canada: Canadian Electrical Code, Section 54).
Caution
3. Ambient temperature Make sure the ambient temperature does
not exceed the maximum ambient temperature allowed for the Cisco
Nexus 3550-T Programmable Switch Platform (104F, 40C). If
installed in a closed or multi-unit rack assembly, the ambient
temperature of the rack during operation will be greater than room
ambient.
4. AirflowInstall the Nexus 3550-T in the rack in a way that provides
sufficient air flow for safe operation.
5. Mechanical loadingMount the Nexus 3550-T in the rack with a
mechanical load that is evenly distributed and not excessive.
6. Circuit overloadingEnsure that no overloading of the circuits
occurs which might affect overcurrent protection and supply wiring.
The ratings are provided on the unit.
7. Earthing
Ensure that the rack-mounted equipment is earthed reliably.
Consider using supply connections other than direct connections
to the branch circuit (e.g. use of power strips).
Environment
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Installing the Chassis
Safety

Check that your Nexus 3550-T is rated to be used with the mains power
in your country.Total Nexus 3550-T rating:
• 90-264V AC @ 6A max, 47/63 Hz
Power
Disconnect the two power supply cables before servicing.Before servicing
Ensure the Nexus 3550-T uses mains power cables approved in the
country of operation
Power cables
The Nexus 3550-T has a battery-powered real-time clock circuit. There
is a danger of explosion if the battery is replaced incorrectly.Replace
only with CR2032 type coin cells.Discard used batteries according to
the manufacturer's instructions.
Clock battery
Warning
SFP modules used in the Nexus 3550-T can be a CLASS 1 LASER
PRODUCT. Invisible laser radiation may be emitted from the aperture
of an SFP module when the fiber cables are disconnected.Do not stare
into the open aperture of an SFP module and avoid exposure to laser
radiation when a fiber cable is disconnected from an SFP module.
Laser safety
Caution
Pluggable optical modules comply with IEC 60825-1 Ed. 3 and 21 CFR
1040.10 and 1040.11 with or without exception for conformance with
IEC 60825-1 Ed. 3 as described in Laser Notice No. 56, dated May 8,
2019.Conforme à la norme 21 CFR 1040.10 et 1040.11, sauf conformité
avec la norme IEC 60825-1 Ed. 3., comme décrit dans l’avis relatif au
laser no. 56, daté du 8 mai 2019.
21 CFR 1040
Caution
To reduce risk of electric shock or fire, installation of the equipment
must comply with local and national electrical codes.
This equipment must be grounded. To reduce the risk of electric shock,
the power cord, plug or combination must be connected to a properly
grounded electrode, outlet or terminal. Verification of the protective
earthing of the socket outlet should be carried out by a skilled person.
Do not open the case of the Nexus 3550-TThe warranty of the Nexus
3550-T will be void if the case is opened.
Warranty void if
opened
Warning
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is
likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his own expense.
FCC Compliance
Warning
Beam divergence (rad)Max. Power (mW)Wavelength (nm)Fiber type and Core
diameter (µm)
0.1 - 0.1139 - 501200 – 1400SM 11
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Installing the Chassis
Safety

Beam divergence (rad)Max. Power (mW)Wavelength (nm)Fiber type and Core
diameter (µm)
0.18 NA1501200 – 1400MM 62.5
0.17 NA1351200 – 1400MM 50
0.11 - 0.13112 - 1451400 – 1600SM 11
Installation Options with Rack-Mount Kits, Racks, and Cabinets
The rack-mount kit enables you to install the switch into racks of varying depths. You can position the switch
with easy access to either the port connections or the fan and power supply modules.
You can install the switch using the following 1 (RU) rack-mount options:
• Rack-mount kit (NXK-ACC-KIT-1RU) which you can order from Cisco. This option offers you easy
installation, greater stability, increased weight capacity, added accessibility, and improved removability
with front and rear removal.
• Rack-mount kit (NCS-1RU-ACC-KIT) which you can order from Cisco.
• Rack-mount kit (N3K-C3064-ACC-KIT) which you can order from Cisco.
You can install the switch in the following types of racks:
• Open EIA rack
• Perforated EIA cabinet
The rack or cabinet that you use must meet the requirements listed the in General Requirements and Guidelines
for Cabinets and Racks, on page 23 section.
You are responsible for verifying that your rack and rack-mount hardware comply with the guidelines that
are described in this doc.
Note
Preparing to Install the Chassis
Before you can install the switch, you must verify the following:
The installation site meets the following requirements:
• Environmental requirements for temperature, humidity, altitude, and air particulates.
• Cabinet or rack is installed and meets the requirements for the switch.
Jumper power cords are available for use in a cabinet.
Note
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Installing the Chassis
Installation Options with Rack-Mount Kits, Racks, and Cabinets

• The rack is positioned so that you can install the switch with its cold air intakes positioned in a cold aisle.
If the fan and power supply modules are burgundy or red colored, you must install the chassis with its
port side in a cold aisle. If the modules are blue colored, you must be able install the chassis with the fan
modules in a cold aisle.
• Earth ground connection is close to the switch. You must be able to easily connect the switch directly to
an earth ground or indirectly through a grounded rack.
High leakage current. Earth connection essential before connecting
to power supply.
Warning
• Site power meets the switch requirements. If you are using n+n redundancy, you must have two power
sources within reach of the switch when it is installed in the cabinet or rack.
If available, you can use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to protect against power failures.
Avoid UPS types that use ferroresonant technology. These UPS types
can become unstable with systems such as the Cisco Nexus 3550-T
Triton switches. These switches can have substantial current draw
fluctuations because of fluctuating data traffic patterns.
Caution
Ensure that circuits are sized according to local and national codes. For North America, the power supply
requires a 15-A or 20-A circuit.
To prevent loss of input power, ensure the total maximum loads on
the circuits supplying power to the switch are within the current
ratings for the wiring and breakers.
Caution
For AC input application, please refer to the statement below:
Note
Statement 1005—Circuit Breaker
This product relies on the building’s installation for short-circuit
(overcurrent) protection. To reduce risk of electric shock or fire,
ensure that the protective device is rated not greater than:
20 A
Warning
Package Contents
The Nexus 3550-T box should contain the following items:
• Nexus 3550-T box
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Installing the Chassis
Preparing to Install the Chassis

• Nexus 3550-T Chassis
• Rackmount kit
• 8x M6 rack-mounting nuts
• 8x M6 rack-mounting bolts
• 8x M6 rack-mounting washers
• 2x IEC power leads
• 1x Serial port adapter cable
• 2x Mounting extension rails
Already installed should also be:
• 2x Power supply modules
• 2x Fan modules
The power supplies have an arrow on the exhaust fan that points in the direction of airflow. Fan modules are
colored red for port-side intake and blue for port-side exhaust.
There is adequate clearance around the rack to install the switch and to allow for unimpeded airflow.
Note
You have the following equipment in addition to the switch and the kits shipped with the switch:
• Eight customer-supplied 12-24 or 10-32 screws (required for attaching slider rails and mounting bracket
to the mounting rails)
• Number 1 and number 2 Philips screwdrivers with torque capability
• 3/16-inch flat-blade screwdriver
• Tape measure and level
• ESD wrist strap or other grounding device (wrist strap can be found in the accessory kit)
• Antistatic surface large enough to place the switch
•Grounding cable (6 AWG recommended), sized according to local and national installation requirements;
the required length depends on the proximity of the switch to proper grounding facilities
• Crimping tool large enough to accommodate the girth of the grounding lug
• Wire stripping tool
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Installing the Chassis
Preparing to Install the Chassis

Unpacking and Inspecting the Chassis
When handling switch components, such as fan or power supply modules, wear a grounded ESD strap and
handle the modules by their carrier edges only. To ground the ESD strap, make sure that it is attached to an
earth ground, a grounded chassis, or a grounded rack.
Caution
Keep the shipping container in case the chassis requires shipping in the future.
Tip
The switch is thoroughly inspected before shipment. If any damage occurred during transportation or any
items are missing, contact your customer service representative immediately.
Note
To inspect the switch, follow these steps:
Step 1 Compare the shipment to the equipment list provided by your customer service representative and verify that you have
received all items.
Step 2 Check for damage and report any discrepancies or damage to your customer service representative. Have the following
information ready:
• Invoice number of shipper (see the packing slip)
• Model and serial number of the damaged unit
• Description of damage
• Effect of damage on the installation
• Photos of the damaged shipping containers and damaged product
Step 3 For duel direction airflow switches, check to be sure that all of the fan and power supply modules have the same airflow
direction.
• Port-side intake airflow direction indicated with burgundy coloring
• Port-side exhaust airflow direction indicated with blue coloring
Mount the Cisco Nexus 3550-T Programmable Switch Platform
Since the power supplies and fans add significant weight to the Nexus 3550-T, We recommend that the system
is rack mounted prior to installing them.
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Installing the Chassis
Unpacking and Inspecting the Chassis

You will require two people to complete the installation.
Note
To mount the Nexus 3550-T, perform the following steps:
1. Clip the supplied-mounting nuts into the rack as shown, noting the gap of one notch between the nuts.
2. One person holds the Nexus 3550-T, aligning the front panel of the Nexus 3550-T with the nuts.
3. The second person affixes the washers and bolts to each of the four mounting holds on the front panel of
the Nexus 3550-T, securely fastening them to the nuts.
Mount the Cisco Nexus 3550-T Programmable Switch Platform
with Rear Support Rails
The Nexus 3550-T ships with rear support rails. You can add these rails to provide extra structural support
for the rack system.
To mount the Nexus 3550-T with rear support rails, perform the following steps:
1. 1. Fasten the rear rails at the desired height.
Figure 7: Attaching the right hand side rail.
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Installing the Chassis
Mount the Cisco Nexus 3550-T Programmable Switch Platform with Rear Support Rails

Figure 8: Attaching the left hand side rail.
2. Lift the Nexus 3550-T to the desired height and align the installed rails with the rail mounting holes on
the rear of the Nexus 3550-T.
3. Slowly rack the Nexus 3550-T by sliding back onto the rails, until the front is flush with the rack.
4. Fasten the Nexus 3550-T onto the rack as per the method for installing the front mount bolts. Due to the
Nexus 3550-T's weight, the installation might be easier with the aid of another person.
Figure 9: Fasten the Nexus 3550-T in the normal manner.
Installing a 1 (RU) Chassis in a Two-Post Rack
This section describes the rack installation for the Cisco Nexus 3550-T Triton switch into a two-post rack.
To install a switch, you must attach mounting brackets to the switch and secure the switch to the rack.
Installation in racks other than 19-inch racks requires a bracket kit not included with the switch.
The following figure shows the standard 19-inch mounting brackets.
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Installing the Chassis
Installing a 1 (RU) Chassis in a Two-Post Rack

19-inch brackets (C3850-RACK-KIT=)1
SUMMARY STEPS
1. Install the brackets to a typical switch.
2. Install the chassis into the rack.
DETAILED STEPS
Step 1 Install the brackets to a typical switch.
a) Determine which end of the chassis is to be located in the cold aisle as follows:
• If the switch has port-side intake modules (fan modules with burgundy coloring), position the switch so that its
ports will be in the cold aisle.
• If the switch has port-side exhaust modules (fan modules with blue coloring), position the switch so that its fan
and power supply modules will be in the cold aisle.
b) Position the bracket so that four of its screw holes are aligned to the screw holes on the side of the chassis.
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Installing the Chassis
Installing a 1 (RU) Chassis in a Two-Post Rack