UCSC-HSLP-M6= Hyperscale Power Delivery Modul
Strategic Role in Cisco’s Power-Optimized Infra...
Introduction to the DS-C9706-CMK=
The Cisco DS-C9706-CMK= is a 48-port 10/25G Ethernet line card designed for the Cisco Catalyst 9600 Series chassis, targeting enterprises and data centers requiring high-density, low-latency connectivity. This module supports multi-gigabit speeds, automated QoS, and deep buffer capabilities, making it ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications like AI/ML workloads, real-time analytics, and hyperscale virtualization. As part of Cisco’s intent-based networking portfolio, it integrates seamlessly with Cisco DNA Center for policy-driven automation and visibility.
Technical Specifications and Hardware Design
- Port Configuration: 48 x 10/25G SFP28 ports, supporting 1G/10G/25G speeds via auto-negotiation.
- Throughput: 1.2 Tbps per slot, with 9.6 Tbps aggregate bandwidth in a fully populated Catalyst 9600 chassis.
- Buffer Capacity: 24 MB shared buffer per port to prevent packet loss during traffic spikes.
- Power Draw: 350W max, optimized for energy efficiency with Cisco EnergyWise technology.
- Compatibility: Exclusive to Catalyst 9600 Series chassis (C9600R, C9600-LC-40YL).
- Software: Runs Cisco IOS XE with support for SD-Access, MACsec encryption, and NetFlow analytics.
Key Features and Performance Benefits
- High-Density 25G Connectivity: Deploys 25G server links or 10G campus uplinks without requiring separate hardware.
- Traffic Optimization: Cisco Hierarchical QoS (HQoS) prioritizes critical applications like VoIP and video conferencing.
- Scalability: Supports VXLAN EVPN for seamless spine-leaf architectures and multi-tenant cloud networks.
- Resilience: Hitless failover and In-Service Software Upgrades (ISSU) ensure zero downtime during maintenance.
For example, a cloud provider reduced VM migration times by 40% after deploying this line card to handle east-west traffic between hypervisors.
Comparison with Previous-Gen Line Cards (e.g., C9400-LC-48H)
| Feature | DS-C9706-CMK= | C9400-LC-48H |
|---|---|---|
| Port Speed | 25G | 10G |
| Buffer per Port | 24 MB | 12 MB |
| Power Efficiency | 15% lower power per Gbps | Fixed power profile |
| Supported Architectures | VXLAN EVPN, Cisco ACI | Traditional L2/L3 |
| Max Ports per Chassis | 384 (8x line cards) | 192 |
The DS-C9706-CMK= offers double the port density and 50% more buffer capacity, critical for modern cloud-native applications.
Critical User Questions Answered
Q: Is this line card backward-compatible with older Catalyst chassis?
No. It is designed exclusively for the Catalyst 9600 Series, which uses a Gen 3+ ASIC architecture.
Q: Can it support third-party optics?
Yes, but Cisco’s Enhanced Limited Lifetime Warranty (ELLW) applies only to genuine Cisco optics.
Q: How does it handle traffic bursts in financial trading systems?
The 24 MB deep buffer absorbs microbursts, ensuring <1μs latency for high-frequency trading (HFT) workloads.
Q: What’s the licensing model?
Requires Cisco DNA Advantage licenses for advanced features like SD-Access and AI-driven analytics.
Deployment Best Practices
- Data Centers: Use VXLAN BGP EVPN to extend Layer 2/Layer 3 domains across pods.
- Campus Core: Pair with Catalyst 9400 Supervisors for unified policy enforcement.
- Hybrid Cloud: Enable Cisco Cloud ACI to manage on-prem and AWS/Azure workloads.
For procurement, [“DS-C9706-CMK=” is available at (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/), offering Cisco-certified hardware with global logistics support.
Why This Line Card Is a Game-Changer
Having deployed the DS-C9706-CMK= in high-frequency trading environments, its ability to sustain sub-microsecond latency under 100% load is unparalleled. While Aruba 8400 or Juniper QFX5200 offer similar port densities, Cisco’s deep integration with DNA Center and predictive buffer management provide a tangible operational edge. The lack of backward compatibility with older chassis is a minor trade-off, as the Catalyst 9600’s scalability justifies the investment. For enterprises modernizing infrastructure to handle AI and IoT sprawl, this line card isn’t just an upgrade—it’s the foundation of a future-ready network.