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What Is the DS-C9710-FD-MD= Module?
The Cisco DS-C9710-FD-MD= functions as a high-density fabric module for the MDS 9710 Multilayer Director, Cisco’s flagship storage area network (SAN) platform designed for hyperscale data centers. This component enables non-blocking 16 Gbps Fibre Channel switching and supports advanced features like FCoE convergence and multi-hop FCoE topologies. Unlike base configurations, the FD-MD= variant focuses on maximizing per-slot bandwidth allocation through Cisco’s crossbar switching architecture.
Key Technical Specifications
- Port Density: Supports up to 384 Fibre Channel ports via 48-port line cards, ideal for NVMe-oF workloads and dense virtualization clusters.
- Bandwidth Capacity: Delivers 1.5 Tbps per slot with Fabric-3 technology, doubling the throughput of earlier Fabric-1 modules.
- Compatibility: Requires Supervisor-4 modules (DS-X97-SF4-K9) for full NX-OS 8.4+ feature support, including FC-Redirect and NPIV optimizations.
- Redundancy: Dual active fabric modules ensure 99.999% uptime, critical for financial and healthcare SANs.
DS-C9710-FD-MD= vs. Legacy Fabric Modules: Critical Differences
| Feature | DS-C9710-FD-MD= | Fabric-1 Modules (e.g., DS-X9710-FAB1) |
|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth per Slot | 1.5 Tbps | 768 Gbps |
| NVMe-oF Support | Native (NX-OS 8.4+) | Limited to FC-only workloads |
| Oversubscription Ratio | 10:1 (optimized for AI/ML) | 5:1 (legacy SAN expansions) |
| Energy Efficiency | 18% lower power consumption | Standard 3K AC/DC power requirements |
Decision Factors:
- Hyperscale Readiness: The FD-MD= module’s 1.5 Tbps/slot ensures seamless handling of 32G/64G FC and NVMe over Fabrics, reducing latency by 43% for real-time analytics.
- Cost: New FD-MD= modules carry a global list price exceeding 150,000∗∗,whilecertifiedrefurbishedFabric−1unitsstartat∗∗150,000**, while certified refurbished Fabric-1 units start at **150,000∗∗,whilecertifiedrefurbishedFabric−1unitsstartat∗∗28,000 on itmall.sale.
Why Choose DS-C9710-FD-MD= for Enterprise SANs?
- Unified Fabric Management: Integrates with Cisco DCNM for end-to-end visibility across hybrid cloud storage tiers, aligning with GDPR/HIPAA compliance requirements.
- Future-Proof Architecture: Supports FICON/CUP protocols for IBM mainframe environments and QoS policies for SLA-driven workloads.
- Operational Resilience: Features Cisco GOLD diagnostics and SPAN/RSPAN traffic analysis tools to preemptively identify SAN bottlenecks.
Final Recommendations
The DS-C9710-FD-MD= redefines fabric scalability for enterprises transitioning to NVMe-driven infrastructures. While its 1.5 Tbps throughput justifies investments in AI/ML clusters, budget-conscious organizations should evaluate refurbished Fabric-1 modules through trusted partners like itmall.sale. Always validate Supervisor-4 compatibility and plan phased upgrades to minimize downtime in legacy FC environments. For hyperscale deployments, prioritize FD-MD= modules to leverage Cisco’s 7-year hardware lifecycle support and avoid mid-term obsolescence risks.