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What Is the DS-C9396T-48EK9?
The DS-C9396T-48EK9 is a 48-port activated 16G Fibre Channel switch within Cisco’s MDS 9000 Series, designed for enterprise storage environments requiring high performance and scalability. As part of Cisco’s multilayer fabric switches, it supports auto-sensing 2/4/8/10/16 Gbps speeds per port with dedicated bandwidth, making it ideal for mid-to-large SAN deployments. This 2RU compact device offers 96-port scalability through license upgrades, balancing cost efficiency with enterprise-grade reliability.
Key Features That Redefine Storage Networking
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Unmatched Port Density
- Base configuration: 48 active ports (expandable to 96)
- Port-side exhaust design optimizes rack airflow management
- Supports Cisco NX-OS software for unified SAN management
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Advanced Performance
- 16 Gbps line-rate throughput per port
- 2.5x higher buffer credits than previous generations for long-distance FC connectivity
- Hardware-based slow port detection and recovery
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Enterprise Reliability
- Dual redundant hot-swappable power supplies
- ISSU (In-Service Software Upgrade) capability
- F-port channels for NPV mode flexibility.
Why Choose This Model Over Others?
| Feature | DS-C9396T-48EK9 | Competing 48-port Switches |
|---|---|---|
| Max Port Expansion | 96 ports | Typically 64 ports |
| Buffer Credits | 1248 per port | ≤500 per port |
| VSAN Capacity | 4096 | 256-1024 |
| Energy Efficiency | 650W PSU with N+1 | 800W+ systems |
This comparison highlights its superiority in scalability and traffic management, particularly for multi-VSAN environments.
Deployment Scenarios
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Core Switch in Edge-Core Architectures
Handles 40,000+ IOPS workloads in hyper-converged infrastructures. -
Top-of-Rack Solution
Supports FCoE and FCIP for unified storage networking. -
Disaster Recovery Sites
Enables VSAN inter-routing across geographically dispersed SANs.
Procurement and Support
For authorized purchases in Asia-Pacific regions, visit Cisco Certified Store. The DS-C9396T-48EK9 requires:
- MDS-9396S chassis
- DCNM License for centralized management
- 16G SFP+ optics (sold separately)
While some might question the need for 16G FC in an NVMe-oF era, this switch remains critical for legacy application support and hybrid cloud transitions. Its ability to coexist with 32G solutions while protecting existing investments makes it a strategic choice for phased infrastructure upgrades. The real differentiator lies in its future-ready architecture – a bridge between traditional SANs and software-defined storage ecosystems.