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What Architectural Innovations Define the DS-C9396V-48EK9?
The Cisco DS-C9396V-48EK9 is engineered as a 48-port 32G Fibre Channel switch designed for high-performance storage area networks (SANs). Operating within Cisco’s MDS 9396 series, it features NX-OS software for advanced traffic management and In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU) capabilities to eliminate downtime during system updates. Its 2U rack-mountable design supports native 32Gbps speeds while maintaining backward compatibility with 2/4/8/16G devices, enabling seamless integration into hybrid SAN environments. The switch’s On-Demand Activation licensing allows scaling from 48 to 96 ports, offering flexibility for growing storage demands.
How Does It Outperform Previous Cisco MDS Models?
- Port Density: Base 48 activated ports with license-based expansion to 96 ports, doubling the capacity of legacy models like the MDS 9148S (fixed 48 ports)
- Performance Metrics: 2,400+ buffer credits per port for congestion-free long-distance data transfers, a 100% improvement over the MDS 9396S series
- Energy Efficiency: 80 PLUS Platinum-certified power supplies reducing operational costs by 15% compared to Gold-rated alternatives
- Management: Integrated with Cisco Prime DCNM for centralized SAN monitoring and automated VSAN provisioning
A technical comparison with Cisco’s earlier models highlights key advancements:
| Feature | DS-C9396V-48EK9 | MDS 9396S-48EK9 |
|---|---|---|
| Native Speed | 32G Fibre Channel | 16G Fibre Channel |
| Buffer Credits/Port | 50 | 25 |
| VSAN Capacity | 1,024 | 512 |
| Power Efficiency | 94% (Platinum) | 89% (Gold) |
Where to Source Authentic DS-C9396V-48EK9 Units?
For verified Cisco hardware with full warranty coverage, visit ITMALL’s Cisco Store. Their inventory includes:
- New units with Cisco Smart Net support for 24/7 technical assistance
- Refurbished models tested to meet original performance specifications
- Cisco-certified 32G SFP+ transceivers to ensure optimal signal integrity
The DS-C9396V-48EK9 addresses critical SAN challenges like NVMe-oF latency optimization through hardware-based slow-drain detection and Fabric Manager QoS for traffic prioritization. While third-party alternatives may claim compatibility, only Cisco-certified configurations fully support Inter-VSAN Routing (IVR) and 64G/128G Fibre Channel upgrade paths. Its dual redundant power supplies and modular design make it superior to Brocade’s comparable offerings in environments demanding zero-downtime operations and mixed-protocol flexibility, particularly for hyperscale storage clusters requiring predictable microsecond-level latency.