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What Is the DS-C9710-1K9?
The Cisco DS-C9710-1K9 serves as the base configuration chassis for the MDS 9710 Multilayer Director, a flagship storage switch designed for mission-critical data centers. This model includes 2 supervisor-1 modules, 3 fabric-1 switching modules, and 6 AC 3K power supplies, providing foundational hardware for scalable Fibre Channel (FC) and FCoE environments. With a global list price of $185,294.03, it targets organizations requiring enterprise-grade redundancy and 24/7 operational reliability.
Key Hardware Specifications
- Chassis Capacity: Supports up to 384 ports with 48-port 16 Gbps FC modules, enabling dense SAN deployments.
- Redundancy: Dual supervisor modules ensure zero service disruption during failover events.
- Power Efficiency: 3K AC power supplies optimize energy consumption for high-availability setups.
- Compatibility: Works with Fabric-1 and Fabric-3 modules, though Fabric-3 requires separate upgrades for enhanced throughput.
DS-C9710-1K9 vs. Advanced Configurations: Performance Tradeoffs
| Feature | DS-C9710-1K9 | Upgraded Models (e.g., DS-C9710-V2K9) |
|---|---|---|
| Supervisor Modules | Sup-1 (legacy) | Sup-4 (NX-OS 8.4+ support) |
| Fabric Bandwidth | 1.2 Tbps per slot | 2.4 Tbps with Fabric-3 modules |
| SmartNet Service Options | Limited to 8×5 support | 24x7x4 premium SLAs |
| Ideal Use Case | Cost-sensitive SAN expansions | AI/ML workloads & hyperscale storage |
Critical Considerations:
- Lifecycle Management: Sup-1 modules lack compatibility with newer NX-OS features like FC-Redirect or NPIV optimizations.
- Scalability Limits: The base chassis supports only 6 fabric modules, while upgraded configurations allow dynamic ISL scaling for 10:1 oversubscription ratios.
Why Deploy the DS-C9710-1K9 in Modern Data Centers?
- Legacy System Integration: Seamlessly connects with existing Cisco MDS 9500-series switches, preserving investments in FC infrastructure.
- Regulatory Compliance: Native support for VSAN segmentation and TACACS+ authentication aligns with HIPAA/GDPR requirements.
- Cost Efficiency: Refurbished units from certified vendors like itmall.sale reduce CAPEX by 40-60% compared to new deployments.
Final Insights
While the DS-C9710-1K9 remains viable for mid-tier SAN environments, its Sup-1 architecture struggles to meet the demands of NVMe-oF or 32G FC workloads. Organizations should evaluate long-term ROI against the $129,923.15 price gap to Sup-4 configurations. For hybrid cloud-ready solutions, prioritize models with Fabric-3 modules and NX-OS 8.4+ compatibility to future-proof storage networks. Always validate hardware warranties and SmartNet coverage before procurement.