What Defines the DS-C9396T-96ETK9’s Architecture?

The ​​Cisco DS-C9396T-96ETK9​​ is a ​​96-port 32G Fibre Channel switch​​ designed for mission-critical storage networks. As part of the MDS 9396T series, it combines ​​NX-OS software​​ for intelligent traffic prioritization and ​​In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU)​​ capabilities to eliminate downtime during firmware updates. With a ​​2U form factor​​, it supports ​​native 32G speeds​​ while maintaining backward compatibility with 2/4/8/16G devices, enabling seamless integration into existing SAN infrastructures.


Key Innovations Compared to Previous Cisco MDS Models

  • ​Port Density​​: Base 96 activated ports – ​​double the capacity​​ of earlier models like the MDS 9148S (48 ports fixed)
  • ​Performance​​: ​​2,400+ buffer credits per port​​ for long-distance data transfers without congestion, outperforming the MDS 9396S series’ 1,200 credits
  • ​Energy Efficiency​​: 80 PLUS Platinum-certified power supplies reducing operational costs by 15% compared to Gold-rated alternatives
  • ​Management​​: Integrated with ​​Cisco Prime DCNM​​ for centralized SAN monitoring and automated VSAN provisioning

A technical comparison highlights its advancements:

Feature DS-C9396T-96ETK9 MDS 9396S-96EK9
Max Ports 96 (pre-activated) 96 (requires licenses)
Native Speed 32G Fibre Channel 16G Fibre Channel
Buffer Credits/Port 50 25
VSAN Capacity 1,024 512

Where to Purchase Authentic DS-C9396T-96ETK9 Units?

For guaranteed Cisco hardware with full warranty coverage, visit ITMALL’s Cisco Store. Their offerings include:

  • ​New units​​ with ​​Cisco Smart Net​​ support for 24/7 technical assistance
  • ​Refurbished models​​ tested to meet original performance specifications
  • ​Cisco-certified 32G SFP+ transceivers​​ to ensure signal integrity

The DS-C9396T-96ETK9 addresses critical SAN challenges like ​​NVMe-oF latency optimization​​ through hardware-based slow-drain detection and ​​Fabric Manager QoS​​ for traffic prioritization. While third-party alternatives may claim compatibility, only Cisco-certified configurations fully support ​​Inter-VSAN Routing (IVR)​​ and ​​64G/128G Fibre Channel upgrade paths​​. Its dual redundant power supplies and modular design make it superior to Brocade’s comparable offerings in environments demanding ​​zero-downtime operations​​ and ​​mixed-protocol flexibility​​, particularly for hyperscale storage clusters requiring predictable microsecond-level latency.

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