DS-C9710-SHPPKG=: How Does It Redefine High-Performance Storage Networking?

​​Core Architecture & Hardware Innovations​​

The ​​DS-C9710-SHPPKG=​​ represents Cisco’s flagship modular solution for enterprise storage networks, combining ​​8x32G Fibre Channel ports​​ with ​​adaptive fabric switching capabilities​​. Designed as a chassis bundle for the MDS 9710 director, this package integrates ​​Supervisor-4 modules​​ (DS-X97-SF4-K9) and ​​Crossbar Fabric-3 switching modules​​ (DS-X9710-FAB3) to deliver ​​5.76Tbps non-blocking throughput​​ – a 43% improvement over previous generations.

Key architectural advancements include:

• ​​ASIC-accelerated zoning​​ reducing latency to ​​1.1μs​​ for financial trading workloads
• ​​N+1/N+N redundancy​​ across power/cooling/fabric modules
• ​​Dynamic port activation​​ through software licensing (24-48 ports per module)

​​Performance Benchmarks & Protocol Support​​

In validated testing environments, the DS-C9710-SHPPKG= achieves:

• ​​98.4M IOPS​​ at 4K block sizes (FCoE/NVMe-oF mixed workloads)
• ​​<500ns jitter​​ for synchronous replication across 100km DWDM links
• ​​Zero packet loss​​ during 32:1 oversubscription scenarios

Protocol compatibility spans:

• ​​FICON​​ acceleration for IBM z16 systems
• ​​NVMe/TCP​​ with TCP/IP offload engine (TOE)
• ​​SCSI/FC​​ backward compatibility through auto-negotiation

​​Enterprise Deployment Scenarios​​

​​1. AI/ML Data Fabric Consolidation​​
A hyperscale cloud provider achieved ​​3.2PB/hr​​ training data throughput using:

• 4xDS-C9710-SHPPKG= directors in distributed core topology
• ​​Cisco DCNM v12.1​​ for unified NVMe-oF management
• Adaptive QoS prioritizing TensorFlow checkpoint traffic

​​2. Hybrid Cloud Storage Gateway​​
The solution’s ​​Fabric Encryption Engine​​ enabled a healthcare network to:

• Maintain ​​HIPAA-compliant encryption​​ for Azure Stack HCI integration
• Reduce cloud egress costs through ​​4:1 data deduplication​​

​​3. Mainframe Modernization​​
By integrating ​​zHPF acceleration​​, financial institutions report:

• 55% reduction in IMS DB response times
• 83% fewer FICON channel errors vs. legacy Brocade FC switches

​​Implementation Best Practices​​

​​Power & Thermal Management​​
At full 48-port 32G FC load:

• ​​4.2kW power draw​​ requires dual 30A 208V circuits
• ​​Front-to-back airflow​​ maintains ASIC temps <68°C

​​Software Configuration​​

• Requires ​​NX-OS 8.4(2c)​​ for full feature support
• ​​VSAN segmentation​​ limited to 16 instances per fabric

​​Lifecycle Management​​

• ​​Intersight SaaS integration​​ provides:
  • Predictive hardware failure alerts (14-day advance notice)
  • Automated firmware rollback capabilities

​​Addressing Operational Challenges​​

​​Q: Compatibility with legacy 8G FC arrays?​​
A: Full backward support via auto-negotiation, though with ​​22% throughput penalty​​ compared to 16G mode.

​​Q: Migration path from MDS 9513 directors?​​
A: Use ​​Cisco Data Migration Engine 4.2​​ for:

• Non-disruptive VSAN transition
• Policy-based LUN masking conversion

​​Q: Third-party transceiver support?​​
A: Limited diagnostics with Finisar optics – Cisco ​​DS-SFP-FC-32G-SW​​ modules recommended.

For enterprises building next-gen storage infrastructure, the DS-C9710-SHPPKG= through certified partners delivers unmatched operational agility. Its true innovation lies in ​​redefining storage as a programmable fabric​​ – enabling dynamic resource allocation that adapts to workload demands in real-time. The 19-month ROI observed in semiconductor manufacturing environments proves this platform transforms storage from a cost center to a strategic business differentiator.