Hi @Johan Vanderwesthuizen
First of all, let's make the distinction:
- N2K is a fabric extender (FEX), which cannot operate as a standalone device, but only when attached to a parent Nexus switch
- N9K is a switch, which can work independently, without any requirements.
It's true that N2K will be soon obsolete. If we take the model you are sharing N2K-C2248TP-E. it was announced EOL a year ago: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/switches/nexus-2000-series-fabric-extenders/nexus-2248tp-ge-2348upq-10ge-2348tq-10ge-fabric-extenders-eol.html
However, there is a new "feature" added recently called FEX mode, in which Nexus 9000 switches (only Nexus 9300-FX3 series at the moment) operates like a Cisco Nexus 2000 series Fabric Extender. As a result, the switch will not require any independent software upgrades, configuration backups, or other maintenance tasks.
Here is the configuration guide: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/dcn/nx-os/nexus9000/102x/configuration/fex/cisco-nexus-2000-series-nx-os-fabric-extender-configuration-guide-for-cisco-nexus-9000-series-switches-release-102x/m-software-fex-mode-configuration.html
Now to answer you question: N2K will become obsolete, but N9K-C9348GC-FXP is not replacing them. However, the N9300-FX3 can operate in FEX mode if you want.
Stay safe,
Sergiu
