N5696 M12Q & N5696 M20UP 20 Port Unified Ethernet Fibre Channel Expansion Module
Product Summary
The Cisco N5696-M12Q and N5696-M20UP are expansion modules designed for the Cisco Nexus 5696Q switch, providing flexible port configurations and seamless integration of high-speed Ethernet and Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) into enterprise data centers. These modules enhance the switch’s scalability and adaptability for demanding network environments.
Product Description
Cisco N5696-M12Q
The N5696-M12Q is a 12-port 40-Gigabit Ethernet expansion module using QSFP+ transceivers. Each QSFP+ port can break out into four 10-Gigabit ports, providing up to 48 10G connections. Ideal for high-throughput workloads and aggregation layers, this module significantly increases the density and bandwidth capacity of the N5K-C5696Q chassis.
Cisco N5696-M20UP
The N5696-M20UP is a 20-port unified port (UP) expansion module supporting a mix of 1/10-Gigabit Ethernet and 2/4/8-Gbps Fibre Channel. It allows flexible deployment across storage and data networks, making it ideal for environments requiring FCoE and native FC connectivity.
Both modules are hot-swappable and seamlessly integrate into the Nexus 5696Q platform, providing optimized performance, flexibility, and investment protection.
Key Features
N5696-M12Q
12 x 40-Gigabit QSFP+ ports
Supports breakout to 48 x 10-Gigabit Ethernet
High-density aggregation or spine-layer expansion
Designed for low-latency, high-throughput applications
Supports Cisco NX-OS for programmable networking
N5696-M20UP
20 x Unified Ports (1/10GE or 2/4/8G FC)
Flexible Ethernet/FC/FCoE deployment
Ideal for mixed SAN and LAN environments
Enables storage convergence in enterprise networks
Reduces hardware and cabling complexity
Product Specifications Table
| Specification | N5696-M12Q | N5696-M20UP |
|---|---|---|
| Port Count | 12 x 40G QSFP+ | 20 x Unified Ports (1/10GE or 2/4/8G FC) |
| Breakout Support | Yes, up to 48 x 10G | N/A |
| FCoE Support | No | Yes |
| Hot-Swappable | Yes | Yes |
| Software Compatibility | Cisco NX-OS | Cisco NX-OS |
| Use Case | High-density aggregation or spine links | SAN/LAN convergence, FCoE or native FC support |
| Compatibility | Cisco Nexus 5696Q | Cisco Nexus 5696Q |
Similar Models Comparison Table
| Module | Port Type | FCoE/FC Support | Breakout Capable | Application Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N5696-M12Q | 12 x 40G QSFP+ | No | Yes | High-speed Ethernet aggregation |
| N5696-M20UP | 20 x Unified Ports | Yes | No | Mixed LAN/SAN deployment |
| N5672UP-16G | 48 x 10G, 4 x 40G, FC support | Yes | Partial | Unified network edge |
| N5696-M6Q | 6 x 40G QSFP+ | No | Yes | Lower density expansion |
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