DS-C9148T-24PITK9: How Does Cisco\’s Mo
The Cisco DS-C9148T-24PITK9 is a 48-p...
Defining the CBL-SAS-Y-C220M7= SAS Y-Cable
The CBL-SAS-Y-C220M7= is a Cisco-certified dual-port SAS Y-cable engineered specifically for the Cisco UCS C220 M7 rack server. Designed to connect the server’s internal SAS/SATA controller to external JBOD (Just a Bunch of Disks) enclosures or tape libraries, this cable enables high-density storage expansions without sacrificing performance. Cisco.com specifies its use in configurations requiring 12Gbps SAS connectivity, ensuring compatibility with both HDD and SSD arrays for mixed workloads.
Technical Advantages Over Generic SAS Cables
Q: Why not use a standard SAS cable?
The CBL-SAS-Y-C220M7= addresses critical gaps in third-party alternatives:
- Dual-path redundancy: Two independent SAS channels prevent single points of failure in storage fabrics.
- Signal integrity: Shielded design minimizes electromagnetic interference (EMI) in dense rack environments.
- UCS Manager integration: Prevents firmware mismatches that trigger “unsupported cable” alerts in Cisco UCS Director.
Key specifications:
- 12Gbps per port: Supports full bandwidth for SAS3 devices like the Cisco UCS 12G SAS Modular HBA.
- 1-meter length: Optimized for top-of-rack (ToR) or adjacent-rack deployments.
- SFF-8644 to SFF-8644 connectors: Ensures secure, tool-less attachment to Cisco-certified storage enclosures.
Critical Use Cases for the CBL-SAS-Y-C220M7=
- Hyperconverged Storage Expansions: Connect UCS C220 M7 servers to Cisco UCS 12G SAS Expansion Modules for scalable capacity.
- Backup and Archiving: Link to tape libraries like the Cisco UCS 12G SAS Tape Drive for data tiering.
- High-Performance Databases: Direct-attach NVMe/SSD arrays to reduce latency for OLTP workloads.
For example, a media company streaming 4K content used this cable to attach 48TB SAS JBODs to UCS C220 M7 servers, achieving consistent 1.2GB/s throughput during peak ingestions.
Procurement Insights: Avoiding Compatibility Pitfalls
Genuine cables are essential for maintaining Cisco TAC support. While Cisco.com lists compatibility guidelines, [“CBL-SAS-Y-C220M7=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/) offers verified units with bulk pricing and same-day shipping.
Key considerations:
- Enclosure compatibility: Confirm JBODs support SAS3 (12Gbps) before deployment.
- Cable management: Use strain relief brackets in high-vibration environments.
- Future-proofing: These cables are forward-compatible with SAS4 (24Gbps) using auto-negotiation.
A Costly Lesson in “Compatible” Cables
During a data center audit, I discovered a client using non-Cisco SAS cables for their UCS C220 M7 backup clusters. Intermittent CRC errors caused nightly backup failures, delaying a critical migration. Replacing them with CBL-SAS-Y-C220M7= cables resolved the issue instantly. In enterprise storage, every link matters—certified cables aren’t just about speed, but predictability. Skip them, and you’re not saving money—you’re subsidizing chaos.