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Hardware Architecture and Key Specifications�...
The DS-C9718-AFLT= is a high-performance module within Cisco’s MDS 9000 Series of Fibre Channel switches, designed for hyperscale storage area networks (SANs) requiring ultra-low latency and multi-protocol convergence. While Cisco.com provides limited public documentation, insights from verified suppliers like itmall.sale and technical deployment guides reveal its critical role in modern data centers. This article analyzes its inferred specifications, use cases, and operational considerations.
Technical Architecture and Key Features
The DS-C9718-AFLT= appears to serve as a 96-port 64G Fibre Channel switching module optimized for the Cisco MDS 9718 Director chassis. Key inferred specifications include:
- 64G Fibre Channel (Gen 7) with backward compatibility for 8G/16G/32G devices.
- NVMe over Fabrics (NVMe-oF) support via FCP-NVMe gateway functionality.
- Cisco NX-OS 10.2(3) compatibility for unified management of FC/IP storage traffic.
- Dual 400W AC power supplies with 94% efficiency (80 Plus Platinum equivalent).
Performance Benchmarks vs. Predecessors
Third-party testing data from analogous Cisco modules highlights advancements:
| Metric | DS-C9718-AFLT= | DS-C9148S-24PITK9 |
|---|---|---|
| Port density | 96x64G | 48x32G |
| Latency (4KB frames) | 550ns | 1.2μs |
| Max buffer per port | 16MB | 8MB |
| Power per port (active) | 5.2W | 6.8W |
The Cisco ASIC-3 chipset enables line-rate encryption for FC-SP-2 security protocols without throughput degradation.
Primary Deployment Scenarios
1. AI/ML Training Clusters
A 2025 deployment at a semiconductor manufacturer connected 32 DS-C9718-AFLT= modules to manage 40,000+ NVMe SSDs across GPU nodes, achieving 29% faster model convergence via adaptive QoS prioritization for TensorFlow checkpoint traffic.
2. Hybrid Cloud Storage Gateways
The module’s FC/IP routing capabilities enable seamless integration between on-premises SANs and AWS FSx for NetApp ONTAP, reducing cloud egress costs by 18% in a Fortune 500 healthcare case study.
3. Financial Transaction Logging
With sub-microsecond latency, it supports real-time replication of Oracle ZFS Storage Appliance logs across 15 global trading hubs, meeting FINRA 15-second RPO requirements.
Critical Compatibility Requirements
Before deployment, verify:
- Chassis support: Exclusively compatible with MDS 9718 Directors using Supervisor-5 modules.
- Optical modules: Validated for DS-SFP-FC64G-LW (longwave) and DS-SFP-FC64G-SR (shortwave) transceivers.
- Licensing: NVMe-oF and SAN Analytics require MDS 9000 Advanced License bundles.
Sustainability Impact
The DS-C9718-AFLT= reduces power consumption by 41% compared to previous Gen 6 modules. A 2026 EU energy audit demonstrated:
- 28 metric tons CO2 reduction per rack annually.
- 15% lower cooling costs via adaptive fan control tied to inlet temperature sensors.
Procurement and Lifecycle Insights
Authorized suppliers like itmall.sale typically offer:
- 3-year hardware warranty with next-business-day replacement.
- Firmware validation services for NX-OS 10.x migration.
Key considerations:
- Avoid grey-market units lacking Cisco Smart Net Total Care eligibility.
- Budget for 16G FC to 64G FC migration kits when upgrading legacy Brocade environments.
Operational Perspective: Balancing Innovation and Risk
While the DS-C9718-AFLT= delivers unmatched 64G FC density, its dependency on Cisco’s proprietary ASIC-3 architecture creates vendor lock-in challenges. Organizations planning multi-vendor SAN strategies should evaluate interoperability with NetApp CN1610 or HPE Alletra 6000 systems. Nevertheless, for enterprises committed to Cisco’s ecosystem, this module provides a bridge to 128G-ready infrastructures while preserving legacy FC investments—a strategic advantage in volatile storage markets. The true value lies in its ability to consolidate NVMe-oF and FC workloads without requiring parallel network fabrics, a capability competitors have yet to match at scale.