Cisco MDS 9250i 50-Port Switch Base Config Bundle with 20 8G FC SFPs

The Cisco MDS 9250i 50-Port Switch Base Config Bundle with 20 8G FC SFPs is designed to deliver high‑performance, scalable Fibre Channel connectivity for demanding SAN environments. Built to support both departmental deployments and large data centers, this bundle combines a robust 50-port switch with a generous set of optics, enabling rapid deployment, simplified management, and dependable fabric reliability. Ideal for expanding storage networks, it provides the foundation for efficient, low‑latency data access, flexible zoning, and streamlined administration across multi‑host and multi‑storage configurations. If you’re modernizing your SAN with a compact, enterprise-grade fabric, the MDS 9250i bundle is engineered to shorten deployment cycles and reduce total cost of ownership while preserving maximum data availability.

• High‑performance 50‑port Fibre Channel switch optimized for data‑center SAN fabrics, delivering reliable, low‑latency connectivity for mission‑critical applications and high IOP workloads.
• Includes 20 x 8G FC SFPs in the bundle, enabling immediate fabric expansion and flexible attachment of servers and storage arrays without duplicating optics purchases.
• Advanced fabric services such as zoning, NPIV support, and VSAN capability, all manageable via the familiar NX‑OS CLI or Cisco DCNM for scalable, policy‑driven provisioning.
• Reliability and availability features including hot‑swappable components and optional redundant power, designed to minimize downtime and support non‑disruptive maintenance in live SANs.
• Seamless integration with the Cisco MDS 9000 ecosystem and virtualized storage fabrics, enabling easier growth, multitenancy, and centralized fabric management across data centers.

Technical Details of Cisco MDS 9250i 50-port switch base config bundle with 20 8G FC SFPs

• Model: Cisco MDS 9250i
• Ports: 50 Fibre Channel ports; includes 20 x 8G FC SFPs in the base bundle
• Form factor: 1U fixed‑form factor switch for standard 19" racks
• Management: NX‑OS powered with support for Cisco DCNM for GUI‑based management and monitoring
• Fabric capabilities: NPIV, zoning, and VSAN support to enable scalable, multi‑tenant storage fabrics
• Power and cooling: supports hot‑swappable components with options for redundant power supply configurations
• Deployment scope: suited for mid‑to‑large SAN environments requiring consistent, line‑rate Fibre Channel performance
• Included optics: 20 x 8G FC SFPs included in the bundle for immediate network buildout

how to install Cisco MDS 9250i

Deploying the Cisco MDS 9250i is straightforward when you follow best practices for SAN fabric setup. The steps below provide a practical guide to get you from box to fabric‑online quickly, while ensuring you lay a solid foundation for secure, scalable storage connectivity. Always refer to the latest Cisco installation guides for any model‑specific nuances or firmware recommendations.

• Prepare the rack and power: position the 1U switch in a well‑ventilated rack, connect to a suitable power source, and verify rack cabling clearances to avoid airflow obstructions.
• Unbox and inspect: verify that the switch and the included 20 x 8G FC SFPs are present and undamaged. Check the packaging for ESD precautions and note any serial numbers for asset tracking.
• Initial access and firmware: connect a console cable and boot the switch to access the NX‑OS CLI. If needed, check for the latest firmware and apply recommended baseline updates before production use.
• Basic configuration: set a hostname, apply secure management access (SSH and HTTPS), configure NTP for accurate timekeeping, and assign a management IP address for remote administration.
• Fabric integration: install the included 8G FC SFPs into the appropriate ports, attach Fibre Channel cables to your storage arrays and host HBAs, and begin fabric provisioning. Create zones, enable NPIV if required, and integrate with Cisco DCNM for ongoing management and monitoring.
• Validation and optimization: verify fabric connectivity with show commands, test failover scenarios if you have redundant paths, and tune zoning and VSAN configurations to align with your storage policies. Document the fabric topology for future expansions and audits.

Frequently asked questions

• What is included in the Cisco MDS 9250i 50-Port Switch Base Config Bundle? The bundle includes a Cisco MDS 9250i switch with 50 Fibre Channel ports and 20 x 8G FC SFPs, designed to deliver ready‑to‑deploy SAN connectivity for immediate fabric expansion.
• What environments is the MDS 9250i best suited for? It is well suited for mid‑ to large‑scale SAN deployments that require reliable, high‑performance Fibre Channel connectivity, scalable fabric services, and centralized management across multiple hosts and storage arrays.
• Does the MDS 9250i support FCoE or virtualization features? The MDS 9250i supports Fibre Channel features common to the MDS family, including NPIV and VSANs, with management via NX‑OS and DCNM. FCoE capability depends on the fabric configuration and hardware compatibility; consult Cisco documentation for your exact firmware and feature set.
• How is the switch managed? Management can be performed through the NX‑OS CLI for granular control or via Cisco DCNM for a centralized, GUI‑based approach to provisioning, monitoring, and fabric topology visualization.
• Is installation time-consuming? Basic setup is straightforward, but optimizing a SAN fabric with zoning, NPIV, and VSANs may require careful planning. For complex deployments, consider engaging Cisco support or a qualified services partner to ensure a robust, scalable fabric.