What Is Cisco N9K-X97160YC-EX=?: High-Density
Core Functionality and Design Philosophy The Cisc...
Overview and Functional Role
The CBL-FNVME-220M6= is a Cisco-certified fiber optic cable designed for high-speed storage and data center networks, specifically optimized for NVMe over Fabrics (NVMe-oF) deployments. With a 220-meter single-mode fiber (SMF) length, it supports low-latency, long-distance connectivity between storage arrays and Cisco Nexus/Catalyst switches.
Technical Specifications
- Cable Type: OS2 single-mode fiber (1310/1550nm wavelengths).
- Length: 220 meters, ideal for cross-data center or campus links.
- Connectors: Duplex LC/LC termination.
- Speed: Supports 16G/32G Fibre Channel and 25G/100G Ethernet.
- Compatibility: Built for Cisco MDS 9000, Nexus 5600/6000, and UCS storage systems.
Primary Use Cases
- Hyperconverged Infrastructure (HCI): Enables high-throughput NVMe-oF connectivity for distributed storage nodes.
- Disaster Recovery Sites: Facilitates synchronous replication over extended distances.
- AI/ML Workloads: Reduces latency for GPU-accelerated storage access.
Critical Compatibility Considerations
- Switch Requirements: Verify compatibility with Cisco MDS 9132T or Nexus 93180YC-EX switches running NX-OS 8.x+.
- Transceiver Pairing: Use Cisco-certified SFP+/QSFP28 modules (e.g., DS-SFP-FC-16G-SW) to avoid signal mismatch.
- Firmware Updates: Ensure switches and storage controllers are on Cisco’s recommended firmware versions.
User Concerns: Addressing Common Questions
Q: Can this cable support 100G Ethernet and Fibre Channel simultaneously?
A: No—the CBL-FNVME-220M6= is designed for either Fibre Channel (16G/32G) or Ethernet (25G/100G) protocols, depending on transceiver configuration.
Q: Is 220 meters sufficient for metro-area links?
A: Yes, but for distances beyond 500 meters, consider dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) solutions.
Why Authenticity Matters in High-Stakes Deployments
Generic fiber cables often fail to meet Cisco’s signal integrity standards, risking CRC errors and retransmissions in NVMe-oF environments. For guaranteed performance, source the CBL-FNVME-220M6= from trusted suppliers like [“CBL-FNVME-220M6=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/), which offers factory-sealed, Cisco-warranted cables.
Performance Comparison: Cisco vs. Third-Party Cables
| Feature | CBL-FNVME-220M6= | Generic OS2 Cable |
|---|---|---|
| Latency at 32G Fibre Channel | <1 μs | 2-5 μs (variable) |
| Cisco TAC Support | Full | None |
| Bend Radius Tolerance | 7.5mm | 10mm (higher loss risk) |
Engineer’s Insight: The Hidden Cost of Compromise
In storage networks, microseconds of latency or a single packet drop can cascade into application timeouts. While third-party cables might save 20-30% upfront, their inconsistent performance in NVMe-oF environments often leads to costly troubleshooting and unplanned outages. For enterprises betting on real-time analytics or AI, the CBL-FNVME-220M6= isn’t just a cable—it’s a reliability lifeline.