Cisco SM-X-6X1G= Multi-Service Interface Modu
Dual-Mode Port Architecture The ​​SM-X-6X1G=​​ ...
What Is the DS-C9710-V3K9P?
The ​​Cisco DS-C9710-V3K9P​​ represents an evolution of Cisco’s MDS 9710 Multilayer Director series, designed for ​​AI/ML-driven storage networks​​ and ​​NVMe-oF hyperscale deployments​​. This model integrates ​​Supervisor-4 modules​​ and ​​Fabric-3 switching technology​​, delivering ​​24 Tbps system-wide throughput​​ – a 200% improvement over the V2K9 variant. Unlike legacy configurations, the V3K9P supports ​​adaptive 32G/64G FC port groups​​ with dynamic buffer credit allocation (up to 4,095 per port), addressing latency-sensitive workloads like real-time analytics.
Key Hardware Innovations
- ​​Chassis Architecture​​: 10-slot design with ​​6 fabric modules​​, enabling ​​non-blocking 1.5 Tbps per slot​​ for multi-protocol traffic (FC/FCoE/FICON).
- ​​Port Flexibility​​: Configures 16–384 ports via ​​48-port 64G FC modules​​, compatible with ​​QSFP28 transceivers​​ for 100m OM4/500m SMF deployments.
- ​​Energy Efficiency​​: ​​3K DC power shelves​​ reduce operational costs by 22% compared to V2K9’s AC configurations.
- ​​Smart Diagnostics​​: Embedded ​​Cisco GOLD​​ tools monitor component health, predicting failures in crossbar ASICs with 98% accuracy.
DS-C9710-V3K9P vs. Previous Generations: Strategic Upgrades
| ​​Feature​​ | ​​V3K9P​​ | ​​V2K9 (DS-C9710-V2K9)​​ |
|---|---|---|
| Backplane Bandwidth | 24 Tbps | 10 Gbps |
| Buffer Credits per Port | 4,095 (Enterprise License) | 253 (Base Configuration) |
| NVMe-oF Support | Native (NX-OS 9.2+) | Limited to FC/FCoE |
| Max ISL Oversubscription | 16:1 with QoS prioritization | 5:1 |
| Hyperscale Readiness | 99.999% uptime with dual supervisors | 99.99% uptime |
​​Operational Implications​​:
- ​​ROI Analysis​​: The V3K9P’s ​​$285,000 list price​​ justifies investments in ​​PB-scale storage clusters​​, while refurbished V2K9 units on itmall.sale offer 60% cost savings for legacy SANs.
- ​​Compliance​​: Meets ​​FIPS 140-3​​ encryption standards for healthcare/finance sectors, unlike V2K9’s FIPS 140-2 limitations.
Why Choose DS-C9710-V3K9P?
- ​​Unified Fabric Management​​: Integrates with ​​Cisco DCNM 11.5​​ for cross-VSAN analytics, reducing troubleshooting time by 40%.
- ​​Future-Proof Scalability​​: Supports ​​Cisco CloudScale ASICs​​, enabling software-defined SAN extensions to hybrid cloud environments.
- ​​Thermal Resilience​​: ​​Front-to-back airflow optimization​​ prevents thermal throttling in 45°C data centers, critical for Asian/Middle Eastern deployments.
Final Insights
The DS-C9710-V3K9P redefines SAN scalability for enterprises transitioning to ​​32G FC/NVMe-oF infrastructures​​. While its ​​24 Tbps throughput​​ and ​​16:1 oversubscription​​ cater to AI/ML workloads, organizations with sub-100TB storage pools should evaluate refurbished MDS 9710 configurations through itmall.sale to avoid overprovisioning. Prioritize NX-OS 9.2+ compatibility for automated buffer credit management and ensure rack depth ≥1,200mm to accommodate redundant fabric modules. For hyperscale deployments, pair V3K9P with Cisco Nexus 9000 switches to create lossless unified fabrics.