[c-nsp] Cisco Nexus as MetroE switch?

[Gavin McBride]

Hello all,

I've been evaluating a few platforms for a smallish MetroE-style
deployment, focused on E-Line services between a number of sites, with n x
10G DWDM links between sites.

Looked at the usual suspects e.g. Cisco ME3600X/ME3800X, ASR920, as well as
Juniper EX4550 and QFX5100.

What I am after is a platform that will give me a bunch (32-40 odd) 1G/10G
capable SFP+ ports, no need for 40G/100G, and due to starting off smallish,
probably looking more at a 1RU/2RU box rather than a chassis based solution
(so no ASR9000 at this point).

Cisco have just pointed to their Nexus 9000 switches however, which has me
a little surprised. From looking at their website, they really look like
something aimed at a more Enterprise/Data Centre role, and I can't help but
get the feeling they are trying to shoehorn any product in to suit the role
I'm describing.

Is anybody else out there using these in such a role, or able to comment on
the suitability of such a switch?

Also, how do people feel about using NX-OS and VXLAN vs. IOS and IP/MPLS?

Thanks in advance.