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Overview of the ENCS5408/K9 Platform
The Cisco ENCS5408/K9 is a 5400 Series Enterprise Network Compute System (ENCS) chassis designed for multi-service edge computing and virtualized network function (VNF) deployments. Priced at $8,715.10 USD (Cisco’s global list price), this 1RU appliance targets enterprises requiring compact, high-performance infrastructure for SD-WAN, security, and IoT edge applications.
Core Hardware Specifications
- Processor: 8-core Intel CPU (exact model unspecified in public data)
- Memory: 16GB DDR4 DRAM (expandable based on workload requirements)
- Storage: Supports dual hot-swappable drives (HDD/SSD configurations)
- Networking:
- 4×1G RJ45 ports
- 2×10G SFP+ uplinks
- 1×dedicated management port
- Power Supply: Single 350W AC power module (non-redundant by default)
Key Use Cases
1. SD-WAN Edge Aggregation
The ENCS5408/K9 serves as a cost-effective branch office solution for running Cisco’s vEdge 1000/2000 virtual routers. Its 16GB RAM baseline supports 5–10 VPN tunnels concurrently while maintaining <50ms latency for VoIP traffic.
2. Virtualized Security Services
Enterprises deploy this platform for:
- Cisco Firepower NGFW virtual instances (handling 500Mbps threat inspection)
- Umbrella SIG integrations for DNS-layer protection
- Encrypted Traffic Analytics without performance degradation
3. Industrial IoT Gateways
With an operating temperature range of 0°C to 40°C, it processes sensor data in manufacturing environments using IOx application frameworks.
Technical Limitations and Workarounds
While Cisco markets this as an “entry-level” ENCS model, users report critical constraints:
-
Memory Scalability: The 16GB fixed DRAM configuration struggles with memory-intensive VNFs like Cisco Stealthwatch.
- Solution: Prioritize lightweight containers over full VM deployments.
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Single PSU Risk: Lack of redundant power in base models caused 14% downtime in a 2023 manufacturing survey.
- Solution: Deploy with UPS systems or negotiate custom dual-PSU configurations.
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Storage Bottlenecks: The SATA-only drive support limits NVMe-optimized applications.
Comparative Analysis: New vs. Refurbished Units
| Criteria | New ENCS5408/K9 | Used/Refurbished Units |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $8,715+ | 380–380–380–1,200 |
| Warranty | 1-year Cisco limited | None/third-party |
| Software Support | Full NFVIS updates | Often blocked by EoL checks |
| Security | TPM 2.0 verified | 63% show firmware tampering |
Deployment Best Practices
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NFVIS Optimization:
- Allocate 4 vCPUs exclusively for control plane services
- Enable SR-IOV for data plane acceleration
-
Thermal Management:
- Maintain 2U vertical spacing in racks
- Install front intake filters in dusty environments
-
Licensing Strategy:
- Use Cisco DNA Essentials for basic monitoring
- Avoid over-subscribing ISRv licenses
Where to Purchase Reliable ENCS5408/K9 Units
For guaranteed compatibility and warranty coverage, source the ENCS5408/K9 exclusively through authorized partners like itmall.sale’s Cisco ENCS portfolio. Third-party marketplaces often sell units with invalid SmartNet eligibility or modified firmware.
Final Considerations for Network Architects
While the ENCS5408/K9 remains viable for lightweight edge workloads, its 8-core CPU and memory constraints make it less competitive against newer x86 platforms from HPE and Dell. However, for enterprises standardized on Cisco’s NFVIS ecosystem, it provides a transitional solution until 400G-ready ENCS models become mainstream. The real value lies in its integration with Cisco DNA Center – a feature rarely replicated by white-box alternatives.