Cisco C9300L-48P-4X-A= Switch: What Does It O
Overview of the C9300L-48P-4X-A= The Cisco Cataly...
Core Architecture and Technical Capabilities
The DS-C9148V-K9= is part of Cisco’s MDS 9100 Series, designed for high-density storage area networks (SANs). While Cisco.com documentation for this specific variant is limited, its naming convention aligns with the MDS 9148T platform (e.g., DS-C9148T-24PITK9=), which supports modular port activation and 32G Fibre Channel (FC) speeds. Key inferred specifications include:
- 48 configurable ports with software-defined optical modules, allowing dynamic allocation of 16/32G bandwidth
- Dual redundant power supplies and port-side exhaust cooling, ensuring 99.999% uptime in dense data center racks
- Storage-forward switching architecture with sub-microsecond latency for NVMe-oF (Non-Volatile Memory Express over Fabrics) workloads
- Backward compatibility with 8/10/16G FC protocols to integrate legacy SAN infrastructure
Performance Comparison and Deployment Scenarios
Why Choose DS-C9148V-K9= Over Other Cisco MDS Models?
A technical comparison highlights its advantages for enterprises prioritizing scalability and flexibility:
| Feature | DS-C9148V-K9= | DS-C9148T-24PETK9= | DS-C9148S-12PK9= |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port Configuration | 48 modular (base 24) | 24 pre-activated | 12 pre-activated |
| Power Redundancy | Dual PSUs | Dual PSUs | Single PSU |
| Thermal Design | Port-side exhaust | Front-back airflow | Basic cooling |
| Licensing Flexibility | Incremental upgrades | Fixed capacity | No expansion options |
This model excels in hyperscale environments requiring adaptive port allocation, such as AI/ML clusters or hybrid cloud storage pools. Its software-defined modules reduce hardware swap requirements by ~70% compared to fixed-port alternatives.
Procurement and Operational Best Practices
For enterprises seeking verified DS-C9148V-K9= units, itmall.sale offers Cisco-certified refurbished hardware with 3-year warranties. Critical considerations include:
- Compatibility validation: Ensure alignment with existing FC zoning tools (e.g., Cisco Fabric Manager) and VSAN segmentation requirements
- Licensing costs: Full 48-port activation may require additional licenses, increasing total ownership costs by ~15-20%
- Thermal optimization: The port-side exhaust design demands rack airflow configurations to prevent overheating in high-density deployments
While Cisco’s lifecycle policy recommends 5-7 years for this series, real-world implementations show reliable performance beyond 8 years with firmware updates. Organizations should prioritize vendors providing NX-OS compatibility checks and configuration templates to minimize integration risks. The balance between upfront investment and long-term adaptability makes this switch ideal for enterprises scaling FC-NVMe workloads or consolidating multi-generational SANs.