Cisco MDS 9396V 64G 2RU FC switch, w/ 48 active ports, 3 Fans, 2 PSUs, intake

The Cisco MDS 9396V 64G 2RU FC Switch is an advanced networking solution crafted to elevate the performance, scalability, and reliability of Fibre Channel Storage Area Networks (SAN). Perfectly suited for modern data centers and enterprises, this high-speed, low-latency switch is your go-to choice for enhancing storage solutions. Equipped with 48 active ports, three fans, and dual power supply units (PSUs), it ensures robust connectivity for all-flash arrays and high-performance hosts. Let’s delve into the unique features and benefits of the Cisco MDS 9396V that make it an essential addition to your networking infrastructure.

• High-Speed Connectivity: The Cisco MDS 9396V boasts 64-Gbps non-oversubscribed line-rate ports that provide seamless and efficient data transfer, ensuring minimal latency and maximum performance across all traffic conditions.
• Advanced Analytics and Telemetry: Featuring a state-of-the-art hardware Analytics Engine, this switch allows for real-time monitoring and data traffic analytics, enabling users to inspect Fibre Channel and SCSI/NVMe headers without requiring external appliances.
• Dynamic Ingress Rate Limiting: The Cisco MDS 9396V automatically detects and mitigates congestion by implementing rate limiting on affected devices, ensuring stable and efficient network performance.
• High Availability and Reliability: Designed with redundancy in mind, this switch ensures 99.999% availability with features such as dual power supplies, redundant cooling systems, and advanced error correction mechanisms.
• Investment Protection: The 64-Gbps ports are fully compatible with existing 32- or 16-Gbps transceivers, allowing for seamless upgrades and significant capital expenditure savings for organizations looking to future-proof their infrastructure.

Technical Details

• Model: Cisco MDS 9396V
• Ports: 48 active ports, 96 total ports
• Bandwidth: 64 Gbps per port
• Form Factor: 2RU
• Cooling: 3 Fans
• Power Supply: 2 PSUs
• Airflow: Bidirectional airflow
• Compatibility: NVMe/FC ready
• Support: Enhanced Buffer-to-Buffer (B2B) credits, hardware-assisted Fibre Channel link encryption

How to Install

Installing the Cisco MDS 9396V 64G 2RU FC Switch is straightforward and involves the following steps:

1. Prepare the installation site, ensuring adequate space for the switch and proper airflow.
2. Mount the switch into a standard 19-inch rack using the provided mounting brackets.
3. Connect the power supply to the switch and ensure that the dual power supplies are connected for redundancy.
4. Connect the Fibre Channel cables to the desired ports.
5. Power on the switch and configure it using the management interface according to your network requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the maximum number of ports the Cisco MDS 9396V can support? The switch supports a total of 96 ports, with 48 active ports readily available for use.
• Is the Cisco MDS 9396V compatible with existing Fibre Channel infrastructure? Yes, the switch is compatible with existing 32- or 16-Gbps transceivers, ensuring easy integration into current networks.
• What are the power requirements for this switch? The Cisco MDS 9396V features dual power supply units to guarantee high availability and redundancy, requiring a standard power connection.
• Can the switch handle NVMe/FC workloads? Absolutely! The Cisco MDS 9396V is designed to support Fibre Channel Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe/FC) workloads seamlessly.
• How does the Dynamic Ingress Rate Limiting feature work? This feature automatically detects congestion and applies rate limiting to affected devices, preventing performance issues from propagating across the SAN.