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What Is the DS-C9396T-48IK9?
The DS-C9396T-48IK9 is Cisco’s 32Gbps Fibre Channel switch designed for enterprise storage environments demanding ultra-low latency and massive data throughput. As part of the Cisco MDS 9396T Series, this 2RU device ships with 48 activated ports (expandable to 96 via licenses), supporting auto-negotiated speeds from 2Gbps to 32Gbps. Its front-to-back airflow design optimizes rack cooling, while Cisco NX-OS ensures unified SAN management across hybrid infrastructures.
Critical Features for Modern Storage Networks
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Unrivaled Speed and Scalability
- 32Gbps line-rate performance per port, 3x faster than traditional 16G FC switches
- 96-port capacity via Cisco MDS 9396T Port Activation Licenses
- Dynamic buffer allocation with 2,000+ buffer credits per port for long-distance FCIP/FC links
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Intelligent Traffic Management
- VSAN Inter-Routing (IVR) enables secure data sharing across 4,096 virtual SANs
- Hardware-based QoS prioritizes mission-critical storage traffic
- FCoE and NVMe-oF readiness for unified SAN/NAS architectures
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Enterprise-Grade Reliability
- Dual redundant power supplies (650W) with 90% energy efficiency
- In-Service Software Upgrades (ISSU) eliminate downtime during updates
- Smart diagnostics with Cisco Prime DCNM integration
DS-C9396T-48IK9 vs. Previous-Gen Switches: Key Differentiators
| Parameter | DS-C9396T-48IK9 | MDS 9396S (16G Model) |
|---|---|---|
| Max Throughput per Port | 32Gbps | 16Gbps |
| Buffer Credits per Port | 2,048 | 1,248 |
| VSAN Capacity | 4,096 | 1,024 |
| NVMe-oF Readiness | Native Support | Requires add-on cards |
| Energy Consumption | 3.2W per port | 4.8W per port |
This table highlights its future-proof architecture, particularly for NVMe-based flash storage and AI/ML workloads.
Deployment Scenarios
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Hyperscale Data Center Core
Handles 100,000+ IOPS workloads in all-flash arrays, reducing latency by 40% compared to 16G FC switches. -
Disaster Recovery Fabrics
Enables <2ms latency for synchronous replication across 100km distances using FCIP extensions. -
Edge Computing Nodes
Processes real-time analytics with sub-500μs port-to-port latency, ideal for IoT and 5G edge storage.
Procurement and Configuration
For authorized purchases in Asia-Pacific markets, visit Cisco Certified Store. The DS-C9396T-48IK9 requires:
- MDS-9396T chassis (included)
- 32G SFP+ transceivers (sold separately)
- Cisco DCNM Advanced License for automation
While some argue 32G FC is transitional before 64G adoption, the DS-C9396T-48IK9’s backward compatibility with 8/16G devices and NVMe-oF integration make it a strategic investment. Its true value emerges in mixed-environment data centers – bridging legacy FC infrastructures with cloud-native storage while maintaining 99.999% uptime. For organizations modernizing without discarding existing SAN assets, this switch delivers unmatched flexibility. The operational cost savings from reduced power consumption alone justify migration within 3-5 year refresh cycles.