what is the difference between nexus 5500 and nexus 5600?

gavinhans · ‎08-30-2020

Nexus 5500 is layer-2 only switch and we can install L3 module to make it layer-3 capable.

what are other differences?

Sergiu.Daniluk · ‎08-30-2020

Nexus 5600/6000 are having a generation 3 of ASIC on them (called Bigsur), while Nexus 5500 are having generation 2 ASICs (called Carmel). Below are some charts showing the platforms evolution and a comparison between h/w capabilities:

Pictures are taken from: BRKARC-3452 / 2015.

Of course, hardware capabilities are not the only difference. Nexus 5600 support a wider varieties of protocols which are not supported by Nexus 5500 (example VXLAN). For further details of supported features you will need to check the release notes.

Stay safe,

Sergiu