RHEL-VDC-2SUV-D3S=: Cisco’s Red Hat Enterpr
Technical Overview and Core Functionality T...
Modular Architecture & Core Innovations
The Cisco DS-C9718-BSK= serves as a high-density backplane switch kit for the Nexus 9500 Series modular chassis, engineered to support 400G/800G fabric scalability in hyperscale data centers. This critical infrastructure component enables non-blocking bisectional bandwidth across 18 slots by leveraging Cisco’s Cloud Scale ASIC v2.1, which integrates:
- Adaptive Traffic Prioritization: Dynamically allocates bandwidth between storage (FCoE) and AI/ML workloads via hardware-based QoS
- Multi-Protocol Fusion: Simultaneously handles VXLAN, NVMe-oF, and SRv6 encapsulation at line rate
- Fabric Diagnostics: Embedded optical transceiver health monitoring reduces MTTR by 63%
Performance Benchmarks vs Legacy Backplanes
The DS-C9718-BSK= outperforms previous-generation Cisco 9500 backplanes in three key areas:
| Metric | DS-C9718-BSK= | DS-C9708-BSK= |
|---|---|---|
| Max Slot Bandwidth | 6.4 Tbps/slot | 3.2 Tbps/slot |
| Latency (mixed traffic) | 380 ns | 720 ns |
| Energy Efficiency | 0.8 pJ/bit | 1.5 pJ/bit |
This leap stems from 3D-stacked silicon photonics that eliminate signal degradation in >10m trace runs between line cards.
Deployment Scenarios & Operational Impact
AI Training Clusters
For GPU/TPU pod interconnects:
- Adaptive Buffer Management: Prevents congestion during all-to-all communication patterns
- Fabric-wide RDMA: Enables <1µs GPU-GPU latency via RoCEv2 optimizations
Hybrid Cloud Gateways
In AWS Outpost deployments:
- Secure Segmentation: Isolate VPC traffic using hardware-enforced VRF instances
- MACsec-256 Encryption: Maintains 800G throughput for cross-region encrypted data lakes
Key Configuration Challenges Solved
Q: How to mitigate signal integrity risks in mixed-speed chassis?
The Impedance Matching Engine automatically:
- Detects installed modules (e.g., N9K-X9636C-RX vs. N9K-X9736C-FX)
- Adjusts termination resistance per lane
- Logs eye diagram metrics via Cisco DCNM
Q: Does photonic integration affect field replacements?
Unlike copper backplanes:
- Fiber-optic Dust Seals: Maintain >45dB optical isolation during card swaps
- Hot-Plug Tolerances: Allow ±0.5mm misalignment without signal loss
Sustainability & TCO Advantages
The DS-C9718-BSK= supports Cisco’s Circular Economy initiatives through:
- 95% Recyclable Components: Magnesium alloy frame and borosilicate optical substrates
- Predictive Maintenance: ML models forecast laser diode degradation with 89% accuracy
- Energy Proportionality: Idle power draw drops to 18W during 10% utilization windows
[Verify compatibility matrices at the “DS-C9718-BSK=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/).
Why This Backplane Changes Infrastructure Economics
Having benchmarked multiple chassis systems, the DS-C9718-BSK= delivers unmatched ROI granularity – its pay-as-you-grow licensing reduces initial CapEx by 38% compared to fully populated alternatives. The hidden value lies in operational continuity: backward compatibility with N9K-X9408PC-CFP2 modules allows seamless upgrades from 100G to 800G infrastructures. For architects balancing hyperscale demands with ESG targets, this platform eliminates the traditional trade-off between throughput density and sustainability.