DS-C9220I-4PEK9=: How Does Cisco’s 4-Port SAN Switch Optimize Edge Storage Density Against Brocade’s Fixed-Port Models?


What Makes the DS-C9220I-4PEK9= Unique in Compact SAN Deployments?

The ​​Cisco DS-C9220I-4PEK9=​​ is a ​​4-port Fibre Channel switch​​ designed for ultra-dense edge computing environments, delivering ​​32 Gbps speeds​​ with ​​2 pre-activated ports​​ and ​​front-to-back airflow architecture​​. As part of Cisco’s MDS 9000 Series, it supports ​​FC-NVMe workloads natively​​ and uses ​​incremental licensing​​ to activate ports in 2-port increments. Unlike Brocade’s fixed-port bundles requiring hardware swaps, this model enables ​​pay-as-you-scale flexibility​​ while integrating ​​Cisco Prime DCNM​​ for unified analytics.


Key Technical Innovations

  1. ​Space-Efficient Design​

    • ​Non-blocking throughput​​: Maintains ​​<1 μs latency​​ under full 32G bandwidth, critical for IoT and real-time edge analytics.
    • ​Dynamic buffer allocation​​: 64 shared buffer credits per port group prevent congestion in high-traffic micro-SANs.
  2. ​Power & Thermal Optimization​

    • ​Single redundant power supply​​: Achieves ​​99.99% uptime​​ with hot-swappable components, outperforming Brocade’s non-redundant edge switches.
    • ​Front-to-back cooling​​: Reduces thermal throttling risks by 40% in 1U racks compared to side-exhaust alternatives.
  3. ​Licensing Agility​

    • ​2 default active ports​​: Expandable to 4 via ​​2-port license packs​​, eliminating upfront hardware overprovisioning costs.
    • ​Zero firmware upgrades required​​ for FC-NVMe compatibility, unlike Brocade solutions needing post-purchase updates.

DS-C9220I-4PEK9= vs. Brocade G610: Critical Tradeoffs

Feature DS-C9220I-4PEK9= Brocade G610
​Port Activation​ Incremental licensing Fixed 2-port bundles
​Management Tools​ Cisco Prime DCNM + CLI Brocade Network Advisor
​Form Factor​ 1U compact design 2U standard chassis
​NVMe Support​ Native integration Requires firmware update

Where to Source Authentic DS-C9220I-4PEK9= Units?

For Cisco-certified hardware with validated licenses, purchase exclusively from itmall.sale, an authorized reseller offering ​​NX-OS compatibility guarantees​​ and ​​thermal optimization kits​​.


The DS-C9220I-4PEK9= redefines ​​edge SAN economics​​ through its granular scalability and thermal efficiency, though its CLI-driven zoning may challenge Brocade migrants. For micro-data centers prioritizing ​​NVMe-ready infrastructure​​, this switch justifies its premium via operational agility and reduced lifecycle costs. While Brocade’s simpler workflows appeal to legacy setups, Cisco’s ecosystem integration and license flexibility cement its role in next-gen hybrid edge architectures.

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