Cisco N5696-M20UP Service Module

The Cisco N5696-M20UP Service Module is a Unified Port Linecard Expansion Module (UP LEM) designed for the Cisco Nexus 5696Q switch. It enables a flexible, scalable approach to data-center connectivity by delivering up to twenty 1/10 Gigabit Ethernet and FCoE ports via the SFP+ interface, or up to twenty native Fibre Channel ports. This module is purpose-built for environments that demand dense I/O, simplified fabric management, and the ability to converge storage and Ethernet networks without sacrificing performance or reliability. With the N5696-M20UP, data centers can dynamically choose the optimal mix of Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and FCoE traffic, reducing cable clutter while preserving low latency and high throughput across diverse workloads.

• Converged Ethernet, FCoE and Fibre Channel in a single UP LEM: The N5696-M20UP delivers a unified port strategy that lets you run Ethernet and storage traffic on one compact module. This unified approach supports storage-centric workloads, hyper-converged deployments, and traditional SAN fabrics, enabling streamlined fabrics, easier capacity planning, and simplified security and policy enforcement across both network and storage domains.
• High port density for large-scale data centers: With up to twenty 1/10 Gb Ethernet/FCoE ports through SFP+ or twenty native Fibre Channel ports, this UP LEM maximizes port density within the Nexus 5696Q family. The dense port count is ideal for virtualization, multi-tenant clouds, and high-performance clustering, where every uplink and storage path matters for throughput and latency.
• Flexible deployment modes to fit your fabric: Deploy Ethernet/FCoE over SFP+ for converged I/O, or switch to native Fibre Channel mode to support existing SAN fabrics without extra adapters. This flexibility preserves performance, reduces the need for separate SAN adapters, and lowers management overhead as your workload mix evolves.
• Optimized integration with Cisco Nexus 5696Q: The UP LEM is engineered to integrate seamlessly with the Nexus 5696Q platform, enabling consistent NX-OS behavior, predictable latency, and cohesive policy-based networking. You can leverage familiar Cisco tooling for QoS, VLAN segmentation, traffic isolation, and scalable fabric provisioning, ensuring reliable operation in demanding data-center environments.
• Cable and power efficiency for total-cost-of-ownership benefits: By consolidating I/O on a single module and leveraging shared SFP+ interfaces, the N5696-M20UP reduces cabling complexity, simplifies rack layouts, and can contribute to lower power and cooling costs. This translates to a lower total cost of ownership while maintaining peak performance across diverse workloads.

Technical Details of Cisco N5696-M20UP

• Module type: UP LEM (Unified Port Linecard Expansion Module) for Cisco Nexus 5696Q
• Port capability: Up to 20 x 1/10 Gb Ethernet and FCoE ports via SFP+ OR up to 20 x native Fibre Channel ports, depending on deployment mode
• Interface type: SFP+ connectors used for Ethernet/FCoE; native Fibre Channel connectivity available in FC mode
• Compatibility: Designed to work with the Cisco Nexus 5696Q platform (check chassis and NX-OS version requirements for UP LEM support)
• Networking features: Supports converged networking, policy-based provisioning, and integration with NX-OS features for VLANs, QoS, and storage traffic optimization

How to Install Cisco N5696-M20UP

Step 1: Prepare the Nexus 5696Q chassis for maintenance in accordance with your data-center change-management guidelines. Identify the appropriate expansion slot designated for UP LEM modules and verify that you have the correct firmware and NX-OS release to support UP LEM functionality.

Step 2: Carefully align the N5696-M20UP with the slot and insert it until it seats fully. Engage the locking mechanism as specified by Cisco to ensure secure retention and stable electrical contact. Avoid excessive force during insertion.

Step 3: Restore power to the chassis and monitor the system indicators to confirm successful module initialization. The fabric management stack should recognize the new UP LEM and begin provisioning its ports according to your existing fabric configuration.

Step 4: Configure the port modes in NX-OS to match your intended deployment. For Ethernet/FCoE, set up the appropriate SFP+ ports, VLANs, and any required FCoE parameters. For Fibre Channel mode, map the FC ports to your SAN zoning and storage array policies, ensuring compatibility with your storage fabric.

Step 5: Validate connectivity across both network and storage paths. Perform end-to-end tests with representative workloads, including traffic mixing between Ethernet and storage traffic if you are using a converged mode. Consider applying updates or patches recommended by Cisco to ensure compatibility with your storage arrays and virtualization platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cisco N5696-M20UP? The N5696-M20UP is a Unified Port Linecard Expansion Module (UP LEM) for the Cisco Nexus 5696Q switch. It enables up to twenty 1/10 Gb Ethernet and FCoE ports via SFP+ or twenty native Fibre Channel ports, delivering flexible, converged I/O options in modern data centers.

How many ports does it provide? It provides up to twenty ports, with deployment options for Ethernet/FCoE over SFP+ or native Fibre Channel ports, depending on how you configure the UP LEM within the Nexus 5696Q fabric.

What deployment scenarios is this module best suited for? This module is ideal for data centers that require high-density I/O and the ability to converge storage and Ethernet networks. It supports virtualization-heavy environments, large-scale SAN fabrics, and hybrid deployments where simplification of cabling and central management is a priority.

What should I consider during installation? Verify compatibility with your Nexus 5696Q chassis, supervisor, and NX-OS version. Plan port-mode configurations to align with your storage arrays and fabric zoning requirements, and follow Cisco’s hardware maintenance guidelines during installation and maintenance windows.

Is the N5696-M20UP hot-swappable? Cisco UP LEM modules are designed for minimal disruption during insertion and removal when performed according to Cisco's procedures; however, always consult official Cisco documentation and your organization's maintenance policies to confirm whether hot-swapping is supported in your specific environment.

Can I mix Ethernet/FCoE with Fibre Channel on the same UP LEM? Yes, one of the key benefits of the UP LEM approach is the ability to adapt port modes to fit your fabric needs. You can configure ports for Ethernet and FCoE, or dedicate ports to native Fibre Channel, depending on your storage and network requirements.