The Cisco Nexus® 3172PQ Switch is a dense, high-performance Layer 2 and 3 10- and 40-Gbps switch that is a member of the Cisco Nexus 3100 switches. The Nexus 3100 switches are the second-generation Cisco Nexus 3000 series switches and offers improved port density, scalability, and features compared to the first-generation switches. The Cisco Nexus 3172PQ comes in a compact one-rack-unit (1RU) form factor and runs the industry-leading Cisco® NX-OS Software operating system, providing customers with comprehensive features and functions that are widely deployed. It supports both forward and reverse (port side exhaust and port side intake) airflow schemes with AC and DC power inputs. The Cisco Nexus 3172PQ is well suited for data centers that require a cost-effective, power-efficient line-rate Layer 2 and 3 top-of-rack (ToR) switch.