What Is the Cisco N9K-C9348GC-FXP? Port Densi
Architectural Overview: Core Specifications...
What Is the DS-C9124V-8EK9?
The DS-C9124V-8EK9 is a 8-port multilayer fabric switch designed for Cisco MDS 9000 series storage area networks (SANs), specifically engineered for edge deployments requiring 4Gbps/2Gbps/1Gbps auto-sensing Fibre Channel connectivity. This compact 1RU device supports hot-swappable SFP modules and integrates with Cisco’s SAN-OS software, enabling end-to-end fabric services while reducing cabling costs by 60% compared to traditional SAN switches.
Key Technical Specifications
1. Adaptive Performance Architecture
- 8 configurable ports supporting mixed speeds (4/2/1 Gbps)
- Non-blocking 64Gbps switching capacity for <500ns latency
- Field-upgradable from 8 to 24 ports via license activation
2. Enterprise-Class Reliability
- Dual hot-swappable power supplies (400W AC/DC)
- N+1 fan redundancy with 55°C ambient operation
- Stateful process restart maintains sessions during supervisor failover
3. Advanced Security Features
- VSAN segmentation with Fabric Binding
- Port security via FC-SP authentication
- Secure management plane with RBAC controls
Performance Comparison: DS-C9124V-8EK9 vs Traditional Edge SAN Switches
| Metric | Legacy Edge Switch | DS-C9124V-8EK9 |
|---|---|---|
| Port Density | Fixed 24-port | Scalable 8→24 ports |
| Fabric Services | Basic zoning only | NPIV/IVR/FCoE Gateway |
| Energy Efficiency | 120W typical | 85W max power draw |
| Mean Time Between Failures | 5 years | 7.5 years |
Deployment Scenarios
Q: How does it integrate with existing MDS 9500 core fabrics?
A: The switch operates as fabric edge extension, using Inter-VSAN Routing (IVR) to connect disparate VSANs while maintaining fabric-wide QoS policies. For hybrid cloud environments, it supports FCoE gateways to bridge FC and IP storage networks.
Q: What management options are available?
A:
- Cisco DCNM for unified SAN management
- SNMPv3 integration with existing monitoring tools
- Cisco Prime compatibility via license upgrades
The DS-C9124V-8EK9 exemplifies Cisco’s hyperconverged infrastructure strategy, enabling 25% TCO reduction through its modular expansion capabilities. Its dynamic port channeling technology allows 8Gbps trunk groups without performance degradation, making it ideal for medical imaging archives requiring guaranteed bandwidth. For compatibility verification with third-party storage arrays, consult certified experts through the Cisco hardware marketplace.
This switch’s adaptive zoning capabilities automatically quarantine misconfigured devices, critical for maintaining HIPAA-compliant storage environments. Organizations transitioning to NVMe-oF architectures should prioritize this model for its 16Gbps-ready hardware and non-disruptive software upgrades.