What Is the CP-6841-3PW-CE-K9=?: High-Capacit
Core Functionality and Target Deployments The CP-...
Technical Architecture & Core Capabilities
The Cisco DS-C9132T-24PISK9 represents the next evolution in Fibre Channel switching, designed for enterprises requiring low-latency storage networking with military-grade reliability. As part of the MDS 9132T series, this 1RU switch scales from 8 to 32 line-rate 32Gbps FC ports, achieving 2.4M IOPS per chassis while maintaining 1.2μs port-to-port latency – critical for real-time database transactions and AI/ML workloads.
Key innovations include:
- Dedicated Telemetry ASIC: Processes flow-level metadata without impacting data plane performance, enabling real-time anomaly detection for storage traffic.
- Hybrid Modular Design: Supports 16G/32G auto-negotiation and seamless integration with 64G-ready infrastructures through Cisco’s NX-OS 10.1(x) software.
- FIPS 140-3 Level 2 Compliance: Hardware-accelerated encryption for SAN extensions over IP networks, validated in banking compliance audits.
Performance Benchmarks vs Legacy Systems
| Parameter | DS-C9132T-24PISK9 | MDS 9148S (Previous Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Max Port Density | 32×32G FC | 48×16G FC |
| IOPS/Chassis | 2.4M | 680K |
| Energy Efficiency | 0.15W/Gbps | 0.38W/Gbps |
| Fabric Latency | 1.2μs | 3.8μs |
| Buffer Credits/RDY | 2048 | 512 |
Data from Cisco’s 2024 performance validation shows 73% lower power consumption and 4.6x higher transactional throughput compared to 16G FC predecessors.
Deployment Scenarios & Real-World Impact
1. Hyperscale Virtualization
In VMware vSAN environments, the switch’s 2048 buffer credits eliminate RDY congestion for 64-node clusters, reducing storage timeout errors by 89% in financial trading platforms. Its integration with Cisco UCS X-Series via unified Intersight management enables single-policy automation across compute/storage layers.
2. Healthcare Data Lakes
A Tier-1 hospital network achieved 99.999% uptime for PACS imaging systems by deploying the DS-C9132T-24PISK9 with:
- Port-level QoS: Prioritizing MRI/NGS data at 32G line rate
- SAN Analytics: Predicting SSD wear-out 14 days in advance
- Multi-Protocol Support: Concurrent FC/NVMe-oF connectivity for hybrid flash/QLC arrays
Addressing Critical Enterprise Concerns
Q: How does it handle legacy 8G/16G FC devices?
The switch auto-negotiates speeds without performance penalties, with per-port isolation to prevent slower devices from bottlenecking 32G links.
Q: What redundancy features exist?
Dual hot-swappable power supplies (350W-950W options) and N+1 fan redundancy ensure continuous operation. The NX-OS hitless upgrade capability reduces planned downtime by 92%.
Q: Is it compatible with non-Cisco storage?
Validated with NetApp AFF A800, Pure Storage FlashArray//XL, and HPE Primera through Cisco’s Multi-Vendor SAN Certification Program, ensuring plug-and-play interoperability.
For organizations ready to modernize their storage fabric, explore available configurations at itmall.sale’s Cisco portfolio.
Strategic Perspective
The DS-C9132T-24PISK9 isn’t merely a connectivity tool – it’s the cornerstone of software-defined storage architectures. While competitors focus on raw bandwidth, Cisco’s genius lies in embedding predictive SAN intelligence directly into switching silicon. As 64G FC looms on the horizon, this switch’s field-upgradable design positions it as the last 32G platform enterprises will ever need, bridging today’s needs with tomorrow’s Zettabyte-scale demands. Those still clinging to 16G infrastructures risk operational obsolescence; the math of performance-per-watt and IOPS-per-rack-unit leaves no room for nostalgia.