Huawei CE6881-48S6CQ-B vs Cisco C93180YC-FX3: Data Center Switches

Introduction

When selecting the right switch for an enterprise data center, it is essential to consider the scale, performance, and future scalability of the network. The Huawei CE6881-48S6CQ-B is an excellent choice for medium to large enterprise data centers due to its high cost-performance ratio, switching capacity, and low-latency design.

However, if you manage a large-scale data center or cloud platform that requires extremely high throughput and bandwidth, the Cisco Nexus 9300 C93180YC-FX3 would be the better option, thanks to its superior switching capacity and scalability.

In this article, we will provide a comparison of the two switches, focusing on their specifications, performance, and suitable use cases to help you make an informed decision.

huawei ce6881-48s6cq-b vs cisco nexus 93180yc-fx3

Huawei CE6881-48S6CQ-B vs. Cisco Nexus 9300 C93180YC-FX3

Specifications Comparison

Here’s a detailed comparison of the Huawei CE6881E-48S6CQ-B and Cisco Nexus 9300 C93180YC-FX3, highlighting their key technical specifications.

Specification	Huawei CE6881-48S6CQ-B	Cisco Nexus 9300 C93180YC-FX3
Port Configuration (Downlink)	24 x 25G SFP28 + 24 x 10G SFP+	48 x 10G/25G SFP+
Port Configuration (Uplink)	6 x 100G QSFP28	6 x 100G QSFP28
Maximum Switching Capacity	2.56 Tbps	3.6 Tbps
Maximum Throughput	1.44 Bpps	2.56 Bpps
Latency	Low latency optimized for data center access layers	Low latency optimized for high-frequency trading & large-scale data transfer
Redundancy	Dual power supply for high availability	Dual power supply for high reliability
Power Consumption	720W (Typical Power Consumption)	710W (Typical Power Consumption)
Form Factor	1RU (Rack-mounted)	1RU (Rack-mounted)
Supported Protocols	VXLAN, MPLS, M-LAG, OSPF, BGP, Q-in-Q	VXLAN, EVPN, OSPF, BGP, M-LAG
Cooling	Front-to-back airflow design	Front-to-back airflow design
Operating Temperature	0°C to 45°C	0°C to 40°C

Key Highlights and Insights:

Ports: The Huawei CE6881-48S6CQ-B offers a mix of 25G SFP28 and 10G SFP+ downlink ports with 100G QSFP28 uplink ports, making it a strong choice for medium to large data centers requiring high-density access and large bandwidth for upstream connectivity.
Throughput & Switching Capacity: Cisco Nexus 9300 C93180YC-FX3 outperforms the Huawei model in terms of both switching capacity (3.6 Tbps) and throughput (2.56 Bpps), making it ideal for cloud environments, large-scale data centers, and applications with massive data flow.
Redundancy and Reliability: Both switches offer dual power supplies for redundancy, ensuring high availability and reducing the risk of downtime. These features are critical for enterprise networks that cannot afford interruptions.
Protocol Support: Both switches support common enterprise networking protocols such as VXLAN, MPLS, and BGP, but the Cisco Nexus 9300 C93180YC-FX3 offers additional advanced features like EVPN, which is essential for more complex and scalable network architectures.
Cooling and Operating Temperature: Both models support front-to-back airflow design and have similar operating temperature ranges, which ensures they can perform well in typical data center environments.

Additional Insights

Power Consumption: The Huawei CE6881-48S6CQ-B consumes slightly more power at 720W compared to the Cisco Nexus 9300 C93180YC-FX3 which is rated at 710W, but both fall within the typical range for high-performance data center switches.
Use Case Scenarios: The Huawei CE6881-48S6CQ-B is a better fit for medium to large data centers, enterprise networks, and campus access layers, providing high throughput at a competitive price. On the other hand, the Cisco Nexus 9300 C93180YC-FX3 is better suited for large-scale data centers, cloud platforms, and environments that require very high performance and scalability, especially in high-throughput applications like real-time analytics and high-frequency trading.

Performance Comparison

Throughput and Bandwidth

Specification	Huawei CE6881-48S6CQ-B	Cisco Nexus 9300 C93180YC-FX3
Maximum Switching Capacity	2.56 Tbps	3.6 Tbps
Maximum Throughput	1.44 Bpps	2.56 Bpps

Huawei CE6881-48S6CQ-B: The CE6881E-48S6CQ-B offers a solid 2.56 Tbps switching capacity and 1.44 Bpps throughput, which is more than enough for medium-sized data centers and enterprise networks. It supports flexible 10G and 25G access ports, making it a reliable choice for businesses that don't require extremely high throughput.
Cisco Nexus 9300 C93180YC-FX3: The Cisco Nexus 9300 C93180YC-FX3 outperforms the Huawei model with a 3.6 Tbps switching capacity and 2.56 Bpps throughput. It is designed for large-scale environments such as cloud computing platforms, high-frequency trading, and data centers that need massive data throughput and high bandwidth.

Latency

Specification	Huawei CE6881-48S6CQ-B	Cisco Nexus 9300 C93180YC-FX3
Latency	Low latency design for data center access layers	Low latency design for high-frequency trading and large-scale data transfer

Huawei CE6881-48S6CQ-B: The CE6881E-48S6CQ-B features a low-latency design optimized for data center access layers, which is ideal for enterprise environments where low latency is essential, but not as critical as in high-frequency trading scenarios.
Cisco Nexus 9300 C93180YC-FX3: The Cisco Nexus 9300 C93180YC-FX3 offers ultra-low latency, making it suitable for high-frequency trading, real-time data analytics, and large-scale data transfer environments where minimizing latency is crucial.

Cost Analysis of High Performance

Huawei CE6881-48S6CQ-B: With its excellent price-to-performance ratio, this switch is well-suited for medium-sized businesses and enterprise campus networks. It offers reliable performance at a more affordable price compared to Cisco alternatives. For businesses that don't require extreme bandwidth or scaling, the Huawei CE6881-48S6CQ-B is an ideal cost-effective solution.
Cisco Nexus 9300 C93180YC-FX3: While the Nexus 9300 C93180YC-FX3 comes at a premium price, its superior performance and ability to handle large-scale, high-throughput environments make it ideal for large data centers and cloud computing environments that need to scale rapidly and efficiently.

Which Switch Fits Your Network Environment?

Huawei CE6881-48S6CQ-B:

Medium to Large Data Centers: This switch is a great fit for medium to large data centers and enterprise campus networks that require high-bandwidth access and high-density 10G/25G connectivity.
Enterprise Campus Networks and Access Layers: Ideal for businesses that need reliable, flexible switching capabilities for their enterprise networks and require high performance without the need for hyperscale architecture.

Cisco Nexus 9300 C93180YC-FX3:

Large Data Centers: This switch excels in large data center environments, including cloud computing platforms and high-frequency trading applications where high throughput and low latency are essential.
Cloud Platforms and Big Data: Its performance is especially suited for cloud platforms and big data environments where massive data traffic needs to be handled with extreme efficiency.

Other Brand and Model Recommendations

While Huawei CE6881-48S6CQ-B and Cisco Nexus 9300 C93180YC-FX3 are excellent choices, there are other brands and models worth considering. These alternatives can offer a wider variety of price points and features, depending on your specific needs:

Juniper EX Series: A solid option for medium to large data centers, offering high-performance switching capabilities with an emphasis on reliability and ease of management.
Arista 7000 Series: Known for its ultra-low latency and high-density performance, Arista switches are ideal for large cloud computing platforms and big data environments.
HPE FlexNetwork 5130 EI Switch: A cost-effective solution for small to medium-sized enterprise networks that require reliable performance and high scalability.

These alternatives provide various options based on your specific network demands and budget.

Network Architecture: What to Upgrade Alongside the Switch

When upgrading your data center switches, it's crucial to ensure that other network components are also updated to maintain network efficiency. Along with the CE6881-48S6CQ-B or Nexus 9300 C93180YC-FX3, consider the following components:

Routers: Upgrade your routers to support higher bandwidth and more powerful processing capabilities to match the new switches' demands.
Firewalls and Security Appliances: Ensure that your firewalls and security devices can handle the increased traffic volume and modern network protocols.
Fiber Optic Connections: Verify that your fiber optic cables are rated for 100G QSFP28 uplink ports, ensuring the physical layer is up to speed with the new equipment.
Load Balancers: Consider upgrading your load balancing solutions to ensure they can efficiently manage traffic across the new network architecture.

Here's a simplified network topology diagram showing what other devices may need to be upgraded alongside the switches:

Cisco Nexus 9300 C93180YC-FX3 Cloud VXLAN Topology

This diagram highlights key components such as routers, firewalls, and fiber optics that should be considered for upgrade when replacing or upgrading your network switches.

Conclusion

Huawei CE6881-48S6CQ-B: Ideal for businesses with medium to large data centers that need reliable performance, low latency, and flexibility without exceeding the budget. It provides excellent value for money.
Cisco Nexus 9300 C93180YC-FX3: Best for enterprises with large-scale data centers or cloud environments that require superior throughput, scalability, and ultra-low latency. If performance and future-proofing are top priorities, this switch is the better option.

At Network-Switch.com, we offer top-tier IT hardware solutions, including products from Cisco, Huawei, and more. With our team of certified experts, we provide end-to-end support, ensuring your network solutions meet your business's needs.

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