Fabric Extender as a switch?
Fabric Extender as a switch?
Yes, it is feasible to utilize the Cisco Nexus N2K-C2248TP-1G E Fabric Extender as a switch. You can connect your NAS and two PCs via SFP+ ports to achieve a 10GbE connection with the NAS, while reserving the remaining ports for other devices. The internet link would be provided through an RJ45 port.
After reviewing roughly five minutes of information, it appears to function as a switch without needing extra gear. But if it comes pre-installed, it might be empty and won’t install its own operating system. You’d need to open the console, configure the boot loader, kick starter, and then the switch image. These steps will refresh the switch image and restart it if it loses power. Please confirm with someone familiar with CISCO before accepting this advice. @Lurick
Negative, FEX requires a compatible parent switch to function. It acts as a simple controller that relies on its parent for instructions. You must connect it to a Nexus 3000, 5000, 7000, or 9000 parent device. Edit: For added clarity, a FEX (fabric extender) offers an affordable method to expand network ports due to its basic features. In the 2100 and 2200 series, local traffic switching isn't possible—everything must go through the uplinks to the parent switch for routing directions. From the 2300 series onward, limited local switching within the same VLAN becomes feasible, though configuration still depends on the parent switch.
Ah crap so that's what I was looking at what the pages were talking about an extension of ports and parent switches. Found a video talking about a switch called the Cisco Nexus C3048TP. I guess that's what you're talking about as being a parent switch. Perhaps the 2248TP could be a daughter to that? Based on the way OP is talking though I get the feeling he just wants something plug'n'play of which the parent switches likely won't be as most sellers will reset the configurations before selling them. Setup doesn't seem that complicated but that depends on how comfortable OP is with CISCO CLI.
It seems these switches from the series should work well as a parent device. The setup is straightforward, though you'll need some familiarity with the NX-OS CLI. For a plug-and-play option, I’d recommend choosing the $130 Mikrotik 5-port switch available on Amazon instead.