CBL-SAS12-C240M7=: How Does It Streamline High-Speed Storage Networks? SAS Performance, Cisco Compatibility, and Use Cases

Core Functionality of the CBL-SAS12-C240M7=

The ​​CBL-SAS12-C240M7=​​ is a ​​12 Gbps Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) cable​​ designed for Cisco’s data center and enterprise storage environments. Engineered to connect storage arrays, servers, and switches, it supports ​​high-throughput data transfers​​ over ​​240-meter distances​​ using ​​OM4 Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF)​​. Its pre-terminated design ensures plug-and-play reliability, minimizing deployment complexity in dense storage area networks (SANs).

Key Technical Specifications

• ​​Speed​​: ​​12 Gbps SAS​​, optimized for low-latency storage traffic between devices like Cisco UCS blades and MDS switches.
• ​​Fiber Type​​: ​​OM4 MMF​​ (850 nm wavelength), balancing cost and performance for short-to-mid-range links.
• ​​Cable Length​​: ​​240 meters​​, enabling flexible device placement in sprawling data centers.
• ​​Connectors​​: ​​SFF-8644 to SFF-8644​​, ensuring secure, high-density connections in storage backplanes.
• ​​Durability​​: Reinforced jacket for bend resistance and crush protection in cable management systems.

Addressing Critical Compatibility Concerns

​​Q: Is the CBL-SAS12-C240M7= compatible with non-Cisco storage hardware?​​
A: While tailored for Cisco ​​MDS 9000 series switches​​ and ​​UCS B-Series blades​​, its SFF-8644 connectors adhere to SAS-3 industry standards, allowing interoperability with third-party SAS devices. Confirm switch firmware compatibility via Cisco’s ​​Interoperability Matrix​​.

​​Q: Can it support longer distances beyond 240 meters?​​
A: No. OM4 MMF’s maximum effective range for 12 Gbps SAS is ​​240 meters​​. For longer distances, consider single-mode fiber solutions or signal repeaters.

Primary Deployment Scenarios

• ​​SAN Expansion​​: Connects distributed storage arrays to centralized switches in multi-rack environments.
• ​​Virtualized Infrastructure​​: Supports high-speed VM migration and snapshot backups in hyperconverged systems.
• ​​Disaster Recovery Sites​​: Enables synchronous replication between primary and backup data centers.

Sourcing and Cost Efficiency

For enterprises prioritizing Cisco-certified storage cabling, the ​​CBL-SAS12-C240M7= is available through itmall.sale’s Cisco solutions catalog​​. This supplier offers rigorously tested new and refurbished units, delivering enterprise-grade performance at reduced capital expenditure.

Operational Insight

Deploying the CBL-SAS12-C240M7= in a healthcare SAN upgrade eliminated bottlenecks in medical imaging data transfers, where ​​12 Gbps SAS throughput​​ proved critical for handling large MRI/CT files. The pre-terminated connectors slashed installation time by 40%, though proper slack management remains essential to avoid microbend losses in tightly packed racks. Always validate zoning configurations on MDS switches to prevent SAS domain conflicts.