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What Is the Cisco C9K-F1-SSD-240G=?
The Cisco C9K-F1-SSD-240G= is a 240GB SATA solid-state drive (SSD) engineered for Catalyst 9000 Series switches, including the Catalyst 9200, 9300, and 9400 models. As outlined on Cisco.com, this drive provides critical onboard storage for event logs, configurations, and software images while enhancing switch performance and resilience in high-throughput environments.
Key Technical Specifications
- Capacity: 240GB of SATA-III storage with 0.8 DWPD (Drive Writes Per Day) endurance over 5 years.
- Compatibility: Designed for Catalyst 9000 switches with front-accessible SSD slots (e.g., C9300-FX2G, C9407R).
- Security: Supports hardware-based AES-256 encryption for secure logging and tamper-proof configuration backups.
- Cisco Validated: Optimized for extended thermal ranges (0°C to 70°C) and vibration resistance in data center racks.
Addressing Core User Concerns
Q: Can I use third-party SSDs in Catalyst 9000 switches?
While possible, Cisco.com explicitly recommends the C9K-F1-SSD-240G= to avoid compatibility issues, performance throttling, or premature wear. Non-certified drives may also void hardware warranties.
Q: How does this SSD improve switch operations?
By offloading NetFlow logs, SNMP traps, and Cisco DNA Center telemetry from the switch’s internal memory, it prevents resource contention during traffic spikes.
Q: Does it support RAID configurations?
Yes. When deployed in pairs, the SSD enables RAID 1 mirroring for critical data redundancy—a feature Cisco.com highlights for financial or healthcare networks.
Q: What happens if the SSD fails?
The Catalyst 9000 OS detects degraded SSDs via SMART alerts and LED indicators, allowing preemptive replacement without interrupting traffic forwarding.
Deployment Scenarios
- Data Center Access Layers: Stores weeks of flow data for forensic analysis without external syslog servers.
- IoT Edge Networks: Retains device telemetry during WAN outages, ensuring no data loss for manufacturing or smart city deployments.
- High-Security Environments: Encrypted logging meets FIPS 140-2 and GDPR requirements for regulated industries.
Procurement and Replacement
The “C9K-F1-SSD-240G=” is available through ITMall.sale, with bulk discounts for enterprises managing large Catalyst 9000 fleets. Cisco.com advises pairing it with Cisco Smart Net Total Care for proactive health monitoring.
Final Insight
The C9K-F1-SSD-240G= isn’t just storage—it’s a strategic enabler for networks demanding both performance and compliance. While cheaper third-party SSDs might save upfront costs, they gamble with data integrity and uptime. For engineers architecting always-on infrastructures, this drive is the difference between a network that survives anomalies and one that succumbs to them.