Nexus 5648Q - Fex connection

[pete.pmp]

Hi experts, by the beginning of the next year I am planning to install 1 dual-homed FEX N2K-C2348UPQ-10GE. FEX is going to be connected to pair of N5K-C5648Q nexus switches (running version 7.3(0)N1(1)) via 40Gbit interfaces.

Physical interconnection between Nexus and FEX will be performed with MMF optical fiber cables.

What transceivers and modules do I need on both sides? I have to prepare order.

Do I need 1x QSFP-40G-SR-BD transceiver on the side of each Nexus switch and 2x FET-40G + 2x QSFP-40G-SR-BD on the side of FEX?

Can be module QSFP-40G-SR-BD inserted directly in Nexus ports / FEX 6 QSFP+ 10/40 Gigabit Ethernet fabric interfaces or do I need any reduction or adapter?

I am not quite sure how it really is after reading Cisco documentation.

[Wes Austin]

You can use whatever combination suites your needs, as long as the optics are supported on both the N5K and FEX. Please refer to the spec sheets for supported optics.

[pete.pmp]

Ok, so would you be so kind to answer my question? 

[Rick1776 · Accepted solution]

I would go with the SR-BD for both uplinks as you can use standard MM LC type connectors and don’t have to mess with the MPO type connectors thet can be a pain in the butt.

But what I’ve done in the past is connect each FEX with one 40G uplink to both N5K1 and N5K2. You can use more ports to each N5K parent switch but it would really depend on your bandwith needs.

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/interfaces-modules/transceiver-modules/data_sheet_c78-660083.html

[Rick1776]

Also each switch (N2k/N5K) support each SFP listed above.

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/interfaces_modules/transceiver_modules/compatibility/matrix/40GE_Tx_Matrix.html#_Toc496780262