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 switch is the Cisco Nexus 3000 series switches and offers improved port density, scalability, and features compared to the first-generation switches. It supports both forward and reverse 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.