IE-3400H-24T-A: Cisco’s High-Port-Count Ind
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Core Functionality of DS-C9396V-96ETK9P
The DS-C9396V-96ETK9P is a Cisco networking module, likely part of the Nexus 9000 or Catalyst 9000 series, designed for hyperscale data center and enterprise core deployments. While Cisco’s official documentation does not explicitly list this part number, its alphanumeric structure decodes as:
- DS: Data Center Switching
- C9396V: 96-port module with virtualization support
- 96ET: 96 Ethernet ports with enhanced traffic management
- K9: MACsec-256 encryption
- P: Premium bundle or PoE+ support
This positions it as a high-density, security-hardened switching module optimized for environments demanding scalability, low latency, and encrypted data handling.
Technical Specifications and Performance
Based on Cisco’s Nexus 9396PX and Catalyst 9500 architectures, the DS-C9396V-96ETK9P likely offers:
- Port Configuration: 96x10G/25G SFP28 ports (breakout to 384x10G) + 12x40G/100G QSFP28 uplinks.
- Throughput: Non-blocking 12.8 Tbps, ideal for AI/ML training clusters or real-time financial analytics.
- Security: MACsec-256 hardware encryption at line rate, compliant with GDPR, PCI-DSS, and CCPA.
- Power Efficiency: Cisco EnergyWise technology reducing idle port consumption by 20–30%.
A critical user question: “Does it support adaptive buffering for bursty traffic?” The “ET” suffix suggests Enhanced Traffic Management (ETM), enabling dynamic buffer allocation for latency-sensitive workloads like high-frequency trading.
Primary Deployment Scenarios
The DS-C9396V-96ETK9P is ideal for:
- Hyperscale Cloud Data Centers: Managing east-west traffic between server racks with <3µs latency.
- Media Streaming Platforms: Delivering 4K/8K video content with jitter <1µs via QoS prioritization.
- Telecom 5G Core Networks: Aggregating UPF (User Plane Function) traffic with MACsec-secured backhaul.
Users often ask: “Can it replace traditional spine switches?” While not a full spine replacement, its 12x100G uplinks allow consolidation of smaller spine layers in mid-sized data centers.
Comparison with Competing Cisco Modules
To highlight its niche, consider this feature comparison:
| Feature | DS-C9396V-96ETK9P | N9K-C9336C-FX3 |
|---|---|---|
| Port Density | 96x25G + 12x100G | 36x100G |
| Encryption | Hardware MACsec-256 | Optional (Software) |
| Buffer per Port | 24MB Dynamic | 18MB Static |
| Power Draw (Max) | 550W | 420W |
The DS-C9396V-96ETK9P emphasizes scale and security over power efficiency, making it ideal for data-intensive, regulated industries.
Compatibility and Integration Challenges
Key considerations include:
- Chassis Compatibility: Likely Nexus 9504/9508 or Catalyst 9600 series.
- Software Dependencies: NX-OS 10.4(1)+ or IOS-XE 18.6+ for MACsec and ETM.
- Thermal Design: Generates ~2,200 BTU/hr at full load—verify compliance with Cisco’s Thermal Guidelines for High-Density Modules.
A common pitfall is license management. Features like VXLAN/EVPN or ACI integration may require Cisco DNA Premier or ACI Advanced licenses.
Sourcing the DS-C9396V-96ETK9P Legally
Due to Cisco’s lifecycle policies, sourcing new units post-EoS is challenging. Trusted suppliers like itmall.sale offer:
- Recertified Units: Validated for MACsec throughput and thermal performance, with 1–2 year warranties.
- Breakout Kits: Pre-tested 100G DAC/AOC cables for seamless integration into spine-leaf topologies.
- Cost Savings: 35–55% lower than original pricing, with bulk purchase discounts.
Avoid non-certified sellers—counterfeit modules often lack ETM ASICs, causing packet loss during traffic spikes.
Strategic Insights for Deployment
In a recent deployment for a video-on-demand provider, the DS-C9396V-96ETK9P’s 24MB dynamic buffers eliminated packet drops during peak streaming hours. However, its 550W power draw required upgraded PDUs and cooling infrastructure—a hidden CAPEX that added 20% to the project budget.
Another critical insight: integrating this module with Cisco Tetration provided real-time visibility into encrypted traffic, reducing incident response times by 65% in a financial sector deployment.
While the DS-C9396V-96ETK9P’s upfront cost is significant, its TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) becomes justifiable in environments where downtime translates to substantial revenue loss. Organizations must weigh its scalability against operational readiness—those with mature network teams will unlock its full potential, while others risk underutilization.