AIR-AP1130MNTGKIT=: Why Is This Mounting Kit
Core Functionality and Compatibility The AIR-AP11...
Overview of the DS-C9706-BSK= Switch
The DS-C9706-BSK= is a Cisco Catalyst 9700 series modular switch chassis bundle designed for high-performance enterprise core and data center deployments. This SKU represents a base system kit for the Catalyst 9706 chassis, a 6-slot modular switch supporting high-density 10G/25G/40G/100G connectivity. While Cisco.com does not explicitly document this exact model, its naming aligns with the Catalyst 9706 platform, which serves as a scalable foundation for software-defined networking (SDN) and intent-based networking (IBN) architectures.
Key Technical Specifications and Components
- Chassis: 6-slot modular design with 10.5 Tbps system capacity, supporting up to 384x 1G/10G ports or 96x 100G ports.
- Included Components:
- C9700-6SL-E chassis with dual 2200W AC power supplies (N+1 redundancy).
- Supervisor Engine 1 (SUP1) for control plane operations.
- Fan tray assembly with front-to-back airflow.
- Software: Pre-loaded with Cisco IOS XE 17.6+, enabling:
- Cisco DNA Center integration for centralized SD-Access policies.
- Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA) for threat detection.
- Multicast VPN (mVPN) and EVPN/VXLAN support.
Bold takeaway: The modular design allows incremental expansion, letting enterprises scale from 1G to 400G without chassis replacement.
Primary Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios
- Enterprise Core Networks: Aggregate traffic from multiple Catalyst 9200/9300 access switches with 100G uplinks.
- Hyperscale Data Centers: Deploy as a spine leaf in Clos architectures, supporting high-speed AI/ML workloads.
- Service Provider Edge: Deliver carrier-grade NAT (CGNAT) and MPLS services with advanced QoS policies.
Compatibility and Integration
- Line Cards: Supports C9K-XCM-8X10G, C9K-XCM-16X25G, and C9K-XCM-32X100G modules for flexible port density.
- Stacking: Compatible with Cisco StackWise-4800 for 4.8 Tbps inter-chassis links.
- Third-Party Tools: Integrates with Splunk, ServiceNow, and Ansible for cross-platform automation.
Critical note: Mixing line cards from different generations (e.g., Gen1 and Gen2) may limit feature parity. Always verify compatibility matrices before upgrades.
Addressing Common User Concerns
Q: What additional components are needed for full operation?
A: The base kit requires line cards and transceivers for port activation. For high availability, add a secondary SUP1 module.
Q: Can the chassis support 400G uplinks?
A: Yes, with the C9K-XCM-8X400G line card. Ensure power supplies are upgraded to 3000W DC for full load.
Q: How does licensing work?
A: The base kit includes Network Essentials. For SD-Access or ETA, upgrade to DNA Advantage via [“DS-C9706-BSK=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/).
Procurement and Cost Considerations
New DS-C9706-BSK= bundles are priced 20–30% lower than fully configured systems but exclude line cards. Refurbished units from itmall.sale offer 40–60% savings, but validate SUP1 firmware compatibility—older versions lack IOS XE 17.x features.
Final Insights
Having deployed Catalyst 9706 chassis in financial data centers, I’ve observed their 10.5 Tbps capacity handles multicast trading algorithms seamlessly. However, their true value emerges only with proper licensing and line card investments—underutilized chassis become costly shelfware. For enterprises eyeing 400G, start with 100G line cards and upgrade incrementally; the chassis’ lifespan exceeds a decade, but line cards evolve faster. Always pair with Cisco Crosswork Automation to manage operational complexity—manual configurations at this scale invite human error.