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What Are the Core Features of DS-C9396T-48ETK9?
The Cisco DS-C9396T-48ETK9 is engineered as a 48-port 32G Fibre Channel switch with expandable capacity to 96 ports through On-Demand Activation licenses. Designed for enterprise storage area networks (SANs), it supports NX-OS software for robust traffic management and ISSU (In-Service Software Upgrade) to eliminate downtime during system updates. Its 2U rack-mountable form factor makes it suitable for both core-edge architectures and large-scale SAN environments requiring high throughput.
How Does It Compare to Other Cisco MDS Series Switches?
The DS-C9396T-48ETK9 stands out with these advantages:
- Port Density: Base 48 ports vs. older models like MDS 9148S (fixed 48 ports)
- Speed Flexibility: Native 32G Fibre Channel with backward compatibility for 2/4/8/16G devices
- Buffer Credits: Over 2,400 credits to handle long-distance data transfers without congestion
- Energy Efficiency: 80 PLUS Platinum-certified power supplies reducing operational costs
A performance comparison table highlights key differences:
| Feature | DS-C9396T-48ETK9 | Cisco MDS 9148S |
|---|---|---|
| Max Ports | 96 | 48 |
| Buffer Credits/Port | 50 | 25 |
| VSAN Support | 1,024 | 512 |
| Power Efficiency | 94% (Platinum) | 89% (Gold) |
Where to Source Authentic DS-C9396T-48ETK9 Units?
For guaranteed Cisco hardware with full warranty coverage, ITMALL’s Cisco Store offers:
- New and refurbished units with Smart Net support
- On-Demand port activation licenses for incremental scaling
- Cisco-certified 32G SFP+ transceivers to ensure compatibility
The DS-C9396T-48ETK9 addresses critical pain points in SAN environments, such as predictable latency for NVMe-oF workloads and hardware-based slow-drain detection to prevent bottlenecks. While third-party alternatives exist, only Cisco-certified configurations fully support advanced features like Fabric Manager QoS and Inter-VSAN Routing (IVR). Its modular scalability makes it a future-proof investment, with verified upgrade paths to 64G/128G Fibre Channel standards. For enterprises prioritizing zero-downtime operations and mixed-protocol flexibility, this switch sets a benchmark in SAN infrastructure.