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Cisco Nexus 9000 Architecture - BRKDCN-3939#

Cisco Live Europe 2026 (Amsterdam) digest Program Core pick Amsterdam · 9–13 February 2026

Abstract

Faraz Taifehesmatian (Cisco)

  • Why: ASIC architecture and forwarding mechanics of the workhorse DC switching line — exactly the "switching internals" content this PM wants, and the substrate for the VXLAN EVPN and AI-fabric sessions elsewhere in the program.
  • What: An in-depth architecture study of the latest-generation Nexus 9000 modular and top-of-rack switches: ASIC architecture, forwarding mechanics, physical design, and hardware-enabled features (from abstract only).
  • How: Internals-first walkthrough rather than feature marketing — how packets actually move through the silicon and what hardware capabilities the feature set leans on.
  • Where applicable: Nexus 9000-specific, but the forwarding-model detail transfers to anyone evaluating DC switch ASICs generally.