What Is the Cisco 8818-FC-3PACK=? Features, Compatibility, and High-Performance Use Cases



​Defining the 8818-FC-3PACK= in Cisco’s Ecosystem​

The ​​8818-FC-3PACK=​​ is a ​​3-unit bundle of 16G Fibre Channel (FC) SFP+ transceivers​​, optimized for Cisco’s MDS 9000 Series SAN switches. Designed for high-speed storage networks, this pack ensures redundancy and scalability in environments demanding consistent data throughput and low latency.


​Core Technical Specifications​

  • ​Speed​​: Supports ​​16G Fibre Channel​​ with backward compatibility to 8G/4G/2G.
  • ​Distance​​: Achieves up to ​​125 meters over OM3 multimode fiber​​.
  • ​Compliance​​: Meets ​​SFP+ MSA standards​​ and Cisco’s strict interoperability requirements.

​Primary Use Cases and Applications​

  • ​Enterprise SANs​​: Connects storage arrays (e.g., NetApp, EMC) to Cisco MDS switches.
  • ​Data Replication​​: Facilitates high-speed backups and disaster recovery workflows.
  • ​Virtualized Infrastructure​​: Ensures seamless communication between hypervisors and storage resources.

​Compatibility and Pre-Installation Checks​

Before deployment:

  • Confirm compatibility with ​​Cisco MDS 9148S, 9250i, or 9700 Series switches​​.
  • Verify firmware is updated to ​​NX-OS 8.x or later​​ for stable operation.
  • Inspect fiber connectors for cleanliness to avoid signal degradation.

For procurement and technical validation, visit the “8818-FC-3PACK=” link.


​Addressing Critical User Questions​

​Q: Can a single transceiver from the pack be used independently?​
A: Yes—each unit operates standalone, but the bundle provides ​​cost-effective redundancy​​.

​Q: Are these transceivers compatible with non-Cisco switches?​
A: No—they are locked to Cisco MDS switches to ensure performance and reliability.

​Q: What happens if a transceiver fails?​
A: Hot-swappable design allows replacement without network downtime.


​Why This Bundle Matters in Enterprise Storage​

While third-party transceivers might seem cheaper, the 8818-FC-3PACK= eliminates risks like ​​firmware mismatches​​ or ​​link instability​​—common pain points in mission-critical SANs. The bundled approach not only reduces per-unit costs but also ensures consistency across deployments. For teams managing large-scale storage infrastructure, this pack is a pragmatic investment in both performance and operational sanity.

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