Overview of the C9K-F3-SSD-480GB=

The ​​Cisco C9K-F3-SSD-480GB=​​ is a 480GB solid-state drive engineered explicitly for Catalyst 9500 and 9600 Series switches. Designed to handle ​​high-throughput logging, application hosting, and secure packet capture​​, this SSD ensures consistent performance in enterprise networks where data integrity and speed are non-negotiable.

Core Technical Specifications

​​1. Enterprise-Grade Endurance​​
With a ​​2.5 DWPD (Drive Writes Per Day)​​ rating over a 5-year lifespan, this SSD supports sustained write-intensive tasks like NetFlow telemetry or encrypted traffic analytics without premature wear.

​​2. Hardware-Based Encryption​​
Leveraging ​​Cisco Trustworthy Storage​​ technology, the drive encrypts data at rest using ​​AES-256​​, aligning with FIPS 140-2 compliance requirements for regulated industries.

​​3. Seamless Integration​​
The SSD slots into the Catalyst 9000’s ​​Front Bay 3 (F3)​​, enabling hot-swappable replacements and upgrades without disrupting switch operations. Its ​​SATA III interface​​ delivers up to ​​550MB/s read and 520MB/s write speeds​​, minimizing latency for real-time analytics.

Addressing Critical User Questions

​​Q: Is this SSD compatible with older Catalyst 9300 or 9400 switches?​​
No. The C9K-F3-SSD-480GB= is tailored for Catalyst 9500/9600 Series Front Bay 3 slots. Always verify platform compatibility using Cisco’s ​​Hardware Compatibility Matrix (HCM)​​.

​​Q: Can third-party SSDs replace it without voiding warranties?​​
Cisco explicitly recommends using validated SSDs like the C9K-F3-SSD-480GB=. Third-party drives may lack ​​firmware optimizations​​ for Cisco IOS-XE, risking performance gaps or support contract violations.

​​Q: How does it handle simultaneous logging and application workloads?​​
The SSD’s ​​4K random read/write speeds (90K/22K IOPS)​​ enable parallel operations, ensuring tasks like ​​DNA Center Assurance​​ or ​​Umbrella SIG​​ don’t compete for resources.

Why This SSD Outperforms Generic Alternatives

For enterprises running ​​SD-Access​​ or ​​Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA)​​, this drive’s ​​power-loss protection​​ and ​​Cisco-hardened firmware​​ prevent data corruption during outages—a common pitfall with consumer-grade SSDs. Its ​​RAID 1 support​​ also enables mirrored configurations for mission-critical deployments.

For procurement, visit the [“C9K-F3-SSD-480GB=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/).

Operational Verdict

After troubleshooting a Catalyst 9500’s packet capture failures traced to a third-party SSD’s write limitations, replacing it with the C9K-F3-SSD-480GB= eliminated drops during peak traffic. In enterprise networking, storage isn’t just about capacity—it’s about predictable performance under stress. Skimping here risks turning minor glitches into outages. If your network’s credibility hinges on data reliability, this SSD isn’t optional—it’s your insurance against silent failures.