DS-C9710-V2K9: Cisco\’s Enterprise Switch for Scalable SAN Deployments, Balancing Performance and Cost-Efficiency



What Is the Cisco DS-C9710-V2K9?

The ​​Cisco DS-C9710-V2K9​​ is an ​​enterprise-grade switch​​ designed for high-performance storage area networks (SANs), offering ​​10/100/1000Mbps adaptive transmission rates​​ and ​​10Gbps backplane bandwidth​​. As part of Cisco’s MDS 9700 Series, this model supports ​​16–48 ports​​ with ​​full/half-duplex auto-negotiation​​, making it ideal for mid-to-large enterprises requiring flexible port configurations. Its modular architecture aligns with Cisco’s focus on ​​scalability​​ and ​​redundancy​​, though specific details about supervisor modules or fabric technologies remain unspecified in publicly available data.


Core Specifications and Deployment Scenarios

Hardware Capabilities

  • ​Port Density​​: Configurable 16–48 ports per chassis, adaptable to ​​virtualized environments​​ and hybrid cloud workloads.
  • ​Backplane Efficiency​​: 10Gbps bandwidth ensures non-blocking performance for ​​data-intensive applications​​ like AI/ML analytics.
  • ​Power Design​​: Supports standard 3K AC/DC power shelves, though exact power consumption metrics are undisclosed.

Performance Benchmarks

  • ​Latency​​: Optimized for ​​low-latency FC/FCoE traffic​​, critical for financial and healthcare SANs.
  • ​Compliance​​: Meets ​​ANSI/EIA-310-D​​ rack safety standards, ensuring stable deployments in seismic zones.

DS-C9710-V2K9 vs. Competing Models: Strategic Tradeoffs

​Feature​ ​DS-C9710-V2K9​ ​Legacy MDS 9500 Series​
Port Scalability 48 ports (max) 528 ports (DS-C9513)
Bandwidth Allocation 10Gbps backplane 8.4Tbps total throughput
Use Case Mid-tier SAN expansions Hyperscale data centers
Cost Efficiency $28,000 (refurbished) $129,000+ (new)

​Operational Insights​​:

  • ​Budget Prioritization​​: The V2K9’s ​​$28,000 refurbished pricing​​ (via itmall.sale) suits organizations avoiding hyperscale investments.
  • ​Lifecycle Risks​​: Lacks explicit support for ​​NVMe-oF​​ or ​​32G FC​​, limiting future-proofing compared to Fabric-3-enabled models.

Why Deploy DS-C9710-V2K9 in Modern SANs?

  1. ​Legacy Integration​​: Compatible with existing ​​Cisco MDS 9500 infrastructure​​, preserving prior investments.
  2. ​Regulatory Alignment​​: Native ​​VSAN segmentation​​ addresses HIPAA/GDPR requirements for data isolation.
  3. ​Cost Optimization​​: Refurbished units reduce CAPEX by ​​40–60%​​ versus new deployments, with verified warranties.

Final Considerations

The DS-C9710-V2K9 remains a pragmatic choice for enterprises balancing ​​immediate cost savings​​ and ​​moderate scalability needs​​. While it lacks the 24Tbps throughput of newer Fabric-3 modules, its ​​10Gbps backplane​​ and ​​adaptive port configurations​​ deliver sufficient performance for most FC/FCoE workloads. For teams transitioning to AI/ML-driven storage, prioritize models with ​​Sup-4 supervisors​​ and ​​NX-OS 8.4+ compatibility​​ to avoid mid-term obsolescence. Always validate refurbished hardware certifications through trusted partners like itmall.sale to mitigate operational risks.

Related Post

AIR-ANT2450V-N=: Which Cisco Antenna Is This,

Overview of the AIR-ANT2450V-N= The ​​AIR-ANT2450V-...

Cisco NCS2015-CBL-AC-NA= AC Power Cable: Tech

​​Core Functionality in High-Power Environments​�...

CBS110-5T-D-UK Switch: What Makes It Ideal fo

Core Specifications and Design The ​​CBS110-5T-D-UK...