Cisco NV-GRID-VAP-R-5Y= License: Virtualized
Functional Overview and Target Applications...
What Makes DS-C9706-V2K9 a Core Component in Cisco’s Storage Networking?
The DS-C9706-V2K9 serves as a pre-configured chassis bundle for Cisco MDS 9710 Multilayer Directors, engineered for enterprise SAN environments requiring non-blocking 768 Gbps throughput and N+N redundancy. This solution combines a chassis with dual Supervisor-4 modules, three Fabric-3 switching engines, and redundant 3KAC power supplies, supporting mixed 32G Fibre Channel and NVMe-oF workloads.
Key operational features include:
- Hot-swappable component design enabling zero downtime maintenance
- Unified protocol support for FC, FCoE, and NVMe/TCP traffic
- Smart Zoning 2.0 with hardware-enforced access controls
How Does It Outperform Legacy MDS 9700 Configurations?
| Parameter | DS-C9706-V2K9 | MDS 9706 Base (Legacy) |
|---|---|---|
| Switching Capacity/Slot | 768 Gbps | 384 Gbps |
| Max FC Port Density | 192 ports | 96 ports |
| Power Efficiency | 2.8W per 32G FC port | 3.5W per 16G FC port |
| Buffer Allocation | 24 MB dynamic | 12 MB static |
This upgraded bundle addresses three historical constraints:
- Thermal resilience: Operates at 45°C ambient temperature vs. 40°C in legacy models
- Protocol agility: Native NVMe-oF support eliminates FC-NVME gateways
- Scalability: Doubles FCNS database capacity to 26,000 entries
Where to Source Certified DS-C9706-V2K9 Configurations?
For guaranteed compatibility with MDS 9710 directors, procure validated bundles exclusively through Cisco SAN Infrastructure Solutions. Authorized partners provide:
- Pre-tested chassis kits with SmartNet licensing integration
- Fabric-3 module diagnostics for hyperscale SAN deployments
- Custom thermal profiles for front/back exhaust rack layouts
Operational recommendations include:
• Maintaining 6U vertical rack clearance for optimal airflow management
• Implementing per-flow QoS policies for NVMe/FC traffic coexistence
• Scheduling fabric health checks every 3,000 operational hours
The DS-C9706-V2K9 redefines enterprise storage economics by merging 64G-ready backplanes with 32G FC operational costs. Financial institutions leveraging AI/ML datasets should pair this chassis with Cisco Nexus 9336C-FX2 switches to achieve sub-8μs transaction latency across unified fabrics. While backward-compatible with 16G FC line cards, organizations should validate IOPS burst patterns before full-scale NVMe-oF migration.