48 fixed 1- and 10-Gigabit Ethernet server connection ports on the back of the switch
Three slots on the back of the switch for optional expansion modules, which can be either a 16-port 10-Gigabit generic expansion module 2 (GEM2) or a layer 3 GEM2
Two slots on the front of the switch for hot swap-capable power supplies, which provide front-to-back airflow for cooling (the Cisco Nexus 5596T and 5596UP switches alternatively support back-to-front [port-side intake] airflow)
Four slots on the front of the switch for hot swap-capable fan modules