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What Defines DS-C9706 in Cisco’s Storage Fabric Ecosystem?
The DS-C9706 serves as a modular chassis configuration bundle for Cisco MDS 9710 Multilayer Directors, optimized for enterprise SAN environments requiring non-blocking 768 Gbps throughput and N+1 redundancy. Compatible with Cisco NX-OS 9.3+ and SAN Analytics 2.0+, this solution integrates dual Supervisor-4 modules and Fabric-3 switching engines to support mission-critical Fibre Channel (32G/64G) and NVMe-oF workloads.
Key operational advantages include:
- Hot-swappable component design for zero downtime maintenance
- Unified management across FC, iSCSI, and FCoE protocols
- Smart Zoning with role-based access controls
How Does It Compare to Previous-Gen MDS Configurations?
| Feature | DS-C9706-V2K9 (Current Gen) | MDS 9706 (Legacy) |
|---|---|---|
| Switching Capacity | 768 Gbps per slot | 384 Gbps per slot |
| Protocol Support | FC-NVMe, NVMe/TCP | FC, FCoE |
| Analytics Capability | SAN Insights v2.0 | Basic Telemetry |
| Power Efficiency | 2.8W per 32G FC port | 3.5W per 16G FC port |
This upgraded configuration resolves three historical limitations:
- Latency reduction: 1.5μs cut-through switching for AI/ML datasets
- Scalability: 48% higher ISL density compared to Fabric-2 modules
- Energy optimization: 20% lower power consumption per port
Where to Source Authentic DS-C9706 Components?
For guaranteed interoperability with MDS 9710 directors, procure certified hardware exclusively through Cisco SAN Infrastructure Solutions. Authorized channels provide:
- Pre-validated chassis kits with integrated SmartNet licensing options
- Fabric module burn-in testing for hyperscale deployments
- Custom airflow templates for hot aisle/cold aisle configurations
Operational best practices recommend:
• Maintaining ambient temperature below 35°C with front-to-back airflow
• Implementing port-group QoS for mixed NVMe/FC traffic
• Scheduling fabric module firmware updates every 6 months
The DS-C9706 redefines storage area networking by merging 32G FC economics with NVMe-oF scalability. While backward-compatible with MDS 9700 series line cards, organizations migrating from 16G FC infrastructures should conduct IOPS burst analysis before full deployment. For financial institutions requiring deterministic latency, pairing this chassis with Cisco Nexus 9336C-FX2 switches creates a unified NVMe fabric capable of sub-10μs transaction times.