What Is the DS-C50I-300AC=? Cisco Industrial
DS-C50I-300AC= Hardware Architecture The DS-C50I-...
What Architectural Upgrades Define the DS-C9396V-48ETK9P?
The Cisco DS-C9396V-48ETK9P represents an evolution in the MDS 9396 series, designed as a 48-port 32G Fibre Channel switch optimized for enterprise storage networks. Building on Cisco’s NX-OS architecture, it introduces dynamic buffer credit allocation to manage high-throughput workloads like NVMe-oF and AI data lakes. Unlike its predecessor DS-C9396S-48EK9, this model supports 96 activated ports through On-Demand licensing, enabling seamless scalability for hyperscale SAN deployments. Its Platinum-rated power supplies reduce energy consumption by 15% compared to earlier Gold-certified models, aligning with modern sustainability requirements.
How Does It Outperform Legacy Cisco MDS Switches?
The DS-C9396V-48ETK9P introduces three critical advancements:
- Port Flexibility: Base 48 ports expandable to 96 via licenses, doubling capacity of fixed-port models like MDS 9148S
- Performance Metrics: 2,400+ buffer credits per port (vs. 1,200 in MDS 9396S) to prevent congestion in long-distance replication
- Management: Integrated Cisco Prime DCNM SAN Analytics for predictive failure detection and automated VSAN provisioning
A technical comparison reveals generational leaps:
| Feature | DS-C9396V-48ETK9P | MDS 9148S (2015 Model) |
|---|---|---|
| Max Ports | 96 | 48 |
| Native Speed | 32G Fibre Channel | 16G Fibre Channel |
| Buffer Credits/Port | 50 | 25 |
| VSAN Capacity | 1,024 | 512 |
Where to Source Certified DS-C9396V-48ETK9P Units?
For guaranteed compatibility and warranty coverage, ITMALL’s Cisco Store provides:
- Pre-configured units with Smart Net 24/7 support
- On-Demand activation licenses for incremental scaling
- Cisco-validated 32G SFP+ optics ensuring signal integrity
The DS-C9396V-48ETK9P addresses critical SAN pain points through hardware-accelerated encryption and sub-microsecond latency for flash storage arrays. While third-party alternatives exist, only Cisco-certified configurations fully support Inter-VSAN Routing (IVR) and 64G/128G Fibre Channel readiness. Its dual-redundant architecture outperforms Brocade’s comparable switches in mixed-protocol environments, particularly when handling simultaneous FC-NVMe and SCSI workloads. For enterprises prioritizing zero-downtime upgrades via ISSU and predictable TCO, this switch sets a new benchmark in SAN infrastructure flexibility.