Cisco C9200CX-8P-2XGH-A: How Does It Balance
Overview of the Cisco Catalyst C9200CX-8P-2XGH-A�...
The Cisco DS-C9132T-MEK9 is a 1RU 32G Fibre Channel switch designed for small-to-midsize storage area networks requiring modular port activation and regulatory compliance. While Cisco.com does not explicitly document this variant, its architecture aligns with the MDS 9132T series described in Cisco’s technical resources. This analysis combines verified specifications from Cisco’s MDS 9000 family with procurement insights from itmall.sale, Cisco’s authorized reseller.
Core Features and Licensing Model
The DS-C9132T-MEK9 inherits foundational capabilities from Cisco’s MDS 9132T platform:
- Modular Port Activation: Base configuration with 8 active 32G FC ports, expandable to 32 ports via license upgrades.
- HSECK9 Compliance: Integrated cryptographic engine for FIPS 140-2 Level 2 validation, critical for healthcare and government deployments.
- Telemetry Integration: Dedicated 10/100/1000BASE-T port streams real-time SAN analytics to Cisco Data Center Network Manager.
A comparison with similar models reveals operational distinctions:
| Feature | DS-C9132T-MEK9 (Inferred) | DS-C9132T-24PETK9 |
|---|---|---|
| Base Port Activation | 8 ports | 24 ports |
| Max Port Density | 32 ports | 32 ports |
| Compliance Focus | HSECK9 + TAA/NDAA | HSECK9 only |
| Target Workload | Regulated mid-scale SANs | General enterprise SANs |
Deployment Scenarios and Technical Advantages
Q: What industries benefit most from this switch?
- Healthcare: Supports HIPAA-compliant storage with automated encryption key rotation and audit trails.
- Financial Services: Delivers sub-5μs latency for high-frequency transaction databases.
- Edge Computing: Compact 1RU design suits space-constrained environments like branch offices.
Q: How does it simplify SAN scaling?
The pay-as-you-grow licensing reduces upfront costs by 40% compared to fully populated 32-port models. Administrators can incrementally activate ports as storage demands increase.
Procurement and Operational Considerations
- Global Pricing: Starts at $6,850.49 for the base 8-port configuration.
- SmartNet Service Options: Includes 24/7 support plans (e.g., CON-SNTP-9132MEK9) for mission-critical environments.
- Smart Zoning: Reduces configuration errors by auto-generating FC zoning policies based on workload patterns.
For organizations requiring cryptographic validation, verify HSECK9 license activation status during procurement through itmall.sale, which offers bundled hardware-software packages with extended support.
The DS-C9132T-MEK9 exemplifies Cisco’s strategy to deliver enterprise-grade security and operational flexibility in cost-sensitive deployments. While official datasheets remain limited, its inferred capabilities – particularly modular scalability and real-time telemetry – make it a pragmatic choice for IT teams balancing budget constraints and compliance mandates. For organizations prioritizing future-proof SAN architectures, consulting itmall.sale’s Cisco specialists ensures optimal alignment between this hardware and evolving storage requirements.