Cisco Nexus 9000 Series (N9K) switches deliver scalable, high-performance switching for enterprise and data-centre networks. Supporting both NX-OS and ACI modes, N9K enables automated, cloud-ready infrastructure with low latency, advanced telemetry, and secure, energy-efficient designs built for modern hybrid environments.
Advanced Telemetry and Automation: Nexus 9000 switches deliver real-time, model-driven telemetry. Open APIs enable automated visibility, analytics, and orchestration across large enterprise and data centre networks.
Scalable 400G Fabric Performance: N9K delivers up to 400 Gbps per port of non-blocking throughput for AI, cloud, and high-density virtualised workloads demanding extreme performance.
As a trusted Cisco partner, we bring decades of expertise in networking and security solutions. Our team has an extensive technical understanding of Cisco’s product portfolio – enabling us to assess, integrate, and optimise solutions for even the most complex or high-demand environments.
Expert guidance for the right fit
We don’t just sell IT hardware. Every Cisco solution we recommend is assessed against your specific security concerns, performance requirements, and both current and future infrastructure plans. This consultative approach ensures that our guidance is aligned with your bespoke needs, so that you can invest in new network switches with complete confidence.
Exclusive access and strategic advantages
Through our partnership with Cisco, your business will gain access to partner-only promotions, bundled solutions, and live demos. Combined with our technical expertise and ongoing support, this ensures your hardware is secure, cost-optimised, and future-ready.
Expert Networking Services
When you buy Cisco hardware from Steel City Consulting, you’ll receive expert deployment and maximum benefits. We also provide support in the following specialist areas:
| Our service | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Networking Design & Installation |
+ Custom architecture aligned to your business goals + Scalable networks built for growth + Expert installation with minimal disruption to operations + 30-day support window post-installation |
| Network Management & Support |
+ Real-time performance and traffic monitoring + Network design tools for scaling and upgrades + Security alerting and incident response + Backup and failover strategy implementation |
| WiFi Site Surveys |
+ Heatmapping and signal analysis + Access point optimisation + Detailed reports and tailored recommendations + Security enhancements and interference mitigation |
| Business Fibre & FTTP Installation |
+ Up to 1Gbps dedicated bandwidth + Private and uncontended connections + Seamless installation and expert aftercare + 24/7 support and monitoring |
Through Cisco’s Capital Finance and Flexible Payment Solutions, we help enterprises and data centres fund new initiatives in ways that fit both IT and business priorities.
Speak with our team today to explore how Cisco financing can help to launch your next IT project sooner.
Cisco Refresh gives you access to certified remanufactured equipment that performs like new and has the same warranty, but at a lower cost and environmental impact.
Cisco Refresh must be purchased via authorised partners like Steel City Consulting. Ask us to check Cisco Refresh stock availability and provide a cost comparison for your next upgrade or expansion project today.
As a certified partner, we provide access to Cisco promotions that reduce upfront spend and accelerate upgrades.
When you work with us, we can bundle and stack multiple offers, navigate application processes, and secure pricing that often isn’t accessible without a Cisco partner. Visit our promotions hub for current Cisco offers and to discuss your eligibility
Cisco offers a wide portfolio of subscription-based services that enhance visibility, security, and operational resilience across enterprise and data center networks.
With the right combination of platforms and licenses, you can simplify management, protect critical infrastructure, and unlock advanced analytics. Explore Cisco service options below.
What is Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)?
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) is a network access control (NAC) platform that delivers secure, identity-based access for users and devices across wired, wireless, and VPN connections. It provides centralised policy control and is a foundation for Zero Trust networking.
| ISE Licenses | Features | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Essentials | Basic access control, guest services, device visibility. | Ensure every device on your network is identified and authenticated. |
| Advantage | Advanced policy, posture assessment, and integration with threat intelligence. | Improve compliance and security with centralised, automated enforcement. |
| Premier | Includes all Advantage features plus profiling, segmentation, and advanced integrations. | Enable full Zero Trust and protect against lateral movement in hybrid networks. |
Why work with a Cisco partner?
Licensing can be complex. Our team ensures you select the right tier for your needs, integrate successfully with Catalyst/Nexus environments, and deploy ISE to full effect.
What is Cisco SMARTnet (Smart Net Total Care)?
Cisco SMARTnet is a support and maintenance subscription that ensures critical Catalyst and Nexus infrastructure is always supported, patched, and covered by hardware replacement SLAs.
| SMARTnet Service Levels | Features | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Next Business Day | Replacement hardware shipped by the next business day. | Cost-effective option for less critical infrastructure. |
| 4-Hour Onsite | 24/7 support with 4-hour onsite replacement. | Minimise downtime for mission-critical switches and data centre infrastructure. |
| 2-Hour Onsite | 24/7 support with 2-hour replacement (where available). | Protect core network services with the fastest recovery option. |
Why work with a Cisco partner?
SMARTnet can only be purchased via authorised partners. Our role is to ensure you receive the right coverage, rapid hardware replacement, and lifecycle insights.
What is Cisco Nexus Dashboard Insights?
Cisco Nexus Dashboard Insights (NDI) is a subscription-based observability and assurance solution for data centre and multi-cloud networking environments.
NDI Subscriptions | Features | Advantages |
Base | Health monitoring, topology visualisation, and event correlation. | Gain real-time visibility across ACI and Nexus fabrics. |
Advantage | Adds predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and capacity forecasting. | Prevent outages and optimise performance with proactive insights. |
Premier | Includes compliance verification, audit reporting, and policy validation. | Maintain regulatory compliance and secure configurations at scale. |
Why work with a Cisco partner?
NDI’s true value lies in tailoring observability to your specific workloads. We can help to configure dashboards, integrate with ACI, and build insights into your operations workflow.
Talk to a certified Cisco expert. We’ll help you choose the right combination of hardware, licenses, and services.
Considering Cisco Nexus 9000 network switches to enhance your infrastructure? Our FAQ answers 6 common questions.
Q1. How does Cisco NX-OS mode differ from ACI mode on Nexus 9000 switches?
NX-OS mode provides a traditional, CLI-based operating model suitable for standalone or small fabric deployments. ACI mode enables centralised policy-based automation through the Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC). Enterprises can select either mode during initial setup depending on operational requirements and scale objectives.
Q2. Are Nexus 9000 switches compatible with existing Cisco Catalyst networks?
Nexus 9000 platforms are recommended for deployment in data-centre cores or leaf-spine architectures. While interoperability with Catalyst access switches is supported through standard Ethernet and Layer 3 protocols, Nexus systems are optimised for data-centre performance and feature sets, rather than campus access environments.
Q3. What are the licensing options for the Nexus 9000 Series?
Licensing follows Cisco Smart Licensing with options for Essentials, Advantage, and Premier tiers. Each tier adds functionality such as automation, telemetry, and ACI integration.
As an official Cisco partner, we can help identify the ideal licensing model for your deployment. For more information, please navigate to our ‘Cisco licenses & subscriptions’ section above. Alternatively, our experts are available for a free 30 minute consultation or 10 minute initial phone call, to suit your preference.
Q4. How does the Nexus 9000 compare to the Cisco Nexus 7000 Series?
Feature | Nexus 9000 Series | Nexus 7000 Series |
Architecture | Leaf-spine, SDN-ready | Modular chassis, traditional core |
Mode Options | NX-OS or ACI | NX-OS only |
Port Speeds | Up to 400 Gbps | Up to 100 Gbps |
Automation | Model-driven telemetry, APIs | Limited programmability |
Power Efficiency | Optimised ASICs | Higher power per Gbps |
Q5. What’s the difference between the Nexus 9300 and 9500 models?
The 9300 Series are distinguished as fixed-configuration switches designed for top-of-rack and leaf deployments, while the 9500 Series offers modular chassis systems for spine or aggregation layers. Both share a consistent ASIC architecture and feature set, allowing unified operations within a single fabric.
Q6. Can Nexus 9000 switches support hybrid-cloud environments?
Yes, Cisco ACI integrations extend fabric policy to public-cloud providers such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Cisco recommends leveraging ACI Multi-Site Orchestrator to maintain consistent policy, segmentation, and security across hybrid and multi-cloud deployments.
