Cisco MDS 9396V 64G 2RU Fibre Channel Switch — 48 Active Ports, High-Performance SAN

The Cisco MDS 9396V 64-Gbps Fibre Channel switch delivers enterprise-grade SAN performance with ultra-low latency, scalable fabric density, and robust reliability. Designed for demanding data centers, this 2RU switch combines high-bandwidth Fibre Channel with intelligent management features to simplify deployment, streamline operations, and protect your storage investments. With 48 active ports out of a 96-port architecture, it provides flexibility for growth, while maintaining the reliability and deterministic performance essential for mission-critical databases, virtualization, and large-scale backup workflows.

• Extreme performance and low latency: The Cisco MDS 9396V supports 64-Gbps Fibre Channel bandwidth per port, enabling high-speed storage access and rapid data movement across the fabric. This translates to faster provisioning, improved IOPS for databases, and smoother replication for disaster recovery, all while maintaining predictable latency that storage workloads demand.
• Redundant power and cooling for mission-critical reliability: Equipped with 2 hot-swappable PSUs and 3 hot-swappable fans, this switch is engineered for continuous operation in data center environments. Redundant power ensures fabric availability even if one supply or cooling component cycles offline, while intake cooling optimizes airflow for consistent performance under load.
• Efficient 2RU form factor with dense port density: The 2RU footprint maximizes rack space utilization, offering substantial port capacity (96 ports across the switch with 48 active ports in operation by default). This design supports large fabric topologies without sacrificing data-center space or cooling efficiency, making it an ideal choice for growing SANs and consolidated storage pools.
• Advanced SAN features for simplified management and flexibility: The MDS 9396V leverages Cisco SAN-OS capabilities and integrates smoothly with Cisco management tools to streamline provisioning, zoning, and fabric automation. Features such as NPIV, versatile zoning, and fabric services help IT teams maintain secure, scalable SANs while reducing manual configuration effort and risk of misconfiguration.
• Future-ready for scalability and integration: Built to support enterprise-grade storage architectures, this switch integrates with existing Cisco MDS deployments and other SAN components. Its architecture enables seamless fabric expansion, multi-site replication readiness, and compatibility with virtualization-aware storage services, ensuring long-term value as workloads evolve and storage technologies advance.

Technical Details of Cisco MDS 9396V 64G 2RU FC Switch

• Model: Cisco MDS 9396V
• Form factor: 2U rack-mount switch
• Port configuration: 96-Port Fibre Channel switch with 48 active ports (architecture supports up to 96 ports); high-density design for large SAN fabrics
• Bandwidth: 64 Gbps Fibre Channel per port (high-speed fabric for rapid storage access)
• Power and cooling: 2 hot-swappable power supplies (PSUs) for redundancy and 3 hot-swappable fans; intake cooling configuration
• Management: Cisco SAN-OS with compatibility for Cisco management ecosystems; supports Cisco DCNM and scriptable fabric automation
• Key capabilities: NPIV support, zoning and fabric services, scalable SAN topology support, low-latency switching designed for database and virtualization workloads
• Security and reliability: Redundant components, modular architecture, and mature SAN security features to help protect data in flight and ensure fabric stability
• Compatibility: Designed to integrate with the Cisco MDS family of switches and storage arrays, providing a cohesive, scalable storage network

how to install Cisco MDS 9396V

Installing the Cisco MDS 9396V involves careful planning to maximize uptime, performance, and resilience. Follow these steps to deploy the switch in a production SAN:

• Prepare the rack and cabling: Confirm the rack space, ensure adequate air intake and exhaust clearance, and verify that the electrical circuit can support the load of the new switch and adjacent equipment. Position the switch in a stable, accessible location where all fibre channel cables, power cords, and management interfaces can be reached without tension.
• Install the switch in the rack: Mount the unit using appropriate rack ears and screws. Level the chassis and secure all fasteners. Ensure that the airflow path is unobstructed to optimize intake cooling and overall thermal performance.
• Connect power and cooling: Attach both redundant PSUs to properly rated power sources. Verify that the cooling fans are installed correctly and that intake airflow is unblocked. Power on the switch and monitor for post-boot diagnostics to confirm initial health.
• Establish network connectivity: Connect Fibre Channel cables from storage arrays, HBAs, and other SAN switches to the 9396V ports. If you are deploying in an existing fabric, map the 48 active ports according to your zoning and fabric design to ensure a non-disruptive rollout.
• Initial configuration and fabric integration: Access the Cisco SAN-OS management interface through the console or management network. Configure basic settings (system name, management IP, SNMP settings) and establish fabric parameters. Enable NPIV if required for server virtualization hosts, define zoning to control access, and configure virtual fabrics as needed for your environment.
• Verify health and performance: Check port status, device uptime, and temperature readings. Validate thatactive ports are carrying traffic, the PSUs are within safe operating ranges, and fans are functioning. Run quick fabric checks to confirm stability before moving to a full production load.
• Backup and ongoing maintenance planning: Document the switch configuration and firmware version. Schedule backups of running configurations and set up alerting for critical events. Plan for firmware updates, security patches, and regular health checks to keep the SAN fabric current and secure.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: How many ports does the Cisco MDS 9396V have, and how many are active? A: The switch architecture provides a 96-port Fibre Channel fabric with 48 active ports in operation by default. This configuration balances performance and scalability, allowing you to enable additional ports as your SAN grows or for high-availability configurations.
• Q: What is the fiber speed supported by this switch? A: Each Fibre Channel port supports up to 64 Gbps, delivering high-throughput performance for large sequential I/O and database workloads.
• Q: Are redundant power supplies and cooling included? A: Yes. The Cisco MDS 9396V ships with 2 hot-swappable PSUs for power redundancy and 3 hot-swappable fans for cooling redundancy, with an intake cooling design to optimize airflow in rack installations.
• Q: What management features are available? A: The switch runs Cisco SAN-OS, integrates with Cisco management tools such as DCNM, and supports NPIV, zoning, and fabric services to simplify SAN provisioning, monitoring, and automation across large fabrics.
• Q: Can this switch integrate with existing Cisco MDS fabrics? A: Yes. The MDS 9396V is designed to work within Cisco's MDS family, enabling seamless interoperation with other MDS switches, storage arrays, and virtualization-ready servers, ensuring a cohesive and scalable storage network.