N3K-C3172PQ-10GE - Cisco Switch with 48 SFP+ and 6 QSFP+ ports

SFP+ access and QSFP+ aggregation in a one-rack-unit chassis

Cisco N3K-C3172PQ-10GE identifies the Nexus 3172PQ: forty-eight SFP+ ports plus six QSFP+ ports in a 1RU switch. It is the optical-port PQ configuration, distinct from the TQ models with copper 10GBASE-T access interfaces.

Explain the seventy-two-port figure before planning cabling

Each QSFP+ interface can operate as one 40-Gigabit link or four 10-Gigabit links. Using breakout on all six yields twenty-four 10G links in addition to the forty-eight SFP+ interfaces. This is a logical connectivity option, not seventy-two separate front-panel cages; validate the supported cable, optic and software combination.

Match airflow and software requirements to the quoted unit

The family supports port-side intake and port-side exhaust configurations. Identify the fan and power-supply direction on the actual unit before rack placement, and verify the offered modules and software entitlement. The 3172PQ-XL is a separate memory-enhanced model; the plain 10GE identifier should not be presented as the XL order.

Plan around the remaining lifecycle window

The exact Cisco notice ended sale on February 25, 2022 and gives February 28, 2027 as the last applicable support date. Coverage depends on eligible contract or warranty terms. Cisco names N9K-C93180YC-FX3 as the migration reference; check feature, cabling and configuration compatibility before choosing that path.

Cisco data sheet | Cisco exact-model lifecycle notice