DS-C9396T-48EK9 – 32 Gbps – 96 Port – Fibre Channel Switch

Brand: Category: Availability: In Stock Model:

DS-C9396T-48EK9

(4 customer reviews)
Questions

0/mo Solds

List Price: $55288 $13997
  • 100% Genuine
    Original, factory-authenticated
  • S/N Verifiable
    Verified by official serial-check
Condition New Factory Sealed Related Quantity
Trusted & Secure Payments
Shipping Express Shipping 2-6 Days, via DHL, FedEx, UPS, etc. Packaging weight and dimensions included:
layer23-switch
Certified Expertise for Project Delivery

CCIE · JNCIE · NSE7 · ACDX · HPE · Dell Server/AI Expert

Stable Global Supply Chain for Thriving Businesses.

  • $3,000,000 Inventory
  • Certified Cisco Partner ships
  • Collaborating with FedEx, UPS, DHL

Free Expert Support from Planning to Deployment

  • Assistance with product selection and network solution design
  • Configuration guidance and best-practice recommendations
  • Troubleshooting support provided by CCIE-level technical experts

Established Global IT Distributor

With over a decade of industry experience, we are a certified Cisco Partner delivering genuine enterprise networking hardware and trusted services to system integrators, ISPs, and enterprises worldwide.

DS-C9396T-48EK9 Description

Cisco DS-C9396T-48EK9 is the 2RU, port-side-exhaust SKU of the MDS 9396T. It ships with 48 active 32-Gbps FC ports and expands in 16-port steps to the full 96, delivering up to 3 Tbps of aggregate bandwidth for dense, modern SANs . Built-in, hardware-assisted SAN Analytics and model-driven telemetry provide deep, real-time visibility for capacity planning and rapid troubleshooting . The platform is NVMe/FC-ready and sustains consistent low-latency forwarding across traffic conditions; at least six ports can be configured with up to 8270 B2B credits for extended-distance links up to 612 km at 32G, with greater distances at lower speeds . Redundant hot-swappable PSUs and fans, plus the ability to distribute port-channels across the six 16-port groups, underpin 99.999% availability designs in core-edge or end-of-row topologies .

Product Highlights

Ports
Speed
Active Ports

Key Features

High-density 32G FC aggregation in 2RU

48 active ports on day one, expandable to 96 in 16-port steps, consolidating edge and aggregation layers to reduce switch count, cabling complexity, and rack space.

Long-distance and inter-site ready

Designed for metro/long-haul replication use cases; extended buffer-to-buffer credit capabilities help maintain throughput over high-latency links for synchronous/asynchronous copy, DR, and backup.

Service assurance with deep observability

Hardware-assisted SAN Analytics, per-flow telemetry, and slow-drain detection provide early warning on congestion and misbehaving endpoints, improving SLO/SLA adherence.

Resilient fabric building block

Six 16-port groups, port-channels across groups, and hot-swappable PSU/fans limit fault domains and support 24×7 operations in core-edge and end-of-row topologies.

Multi-tenant segmentation and zero-trust posture

VSANs, IVR (license), and centralized AAA/RBAC enable workload/tenant isolation with policy consistency for regulated environments and shared infrastructures.

Operations at fleet scale

POAP zero-touch provisioning, templating in Cisco NDFC/DCNM, and REST/NX-API/Ansible workflows support infrastructure-as-code rollouts and repeatable change control.

Applications Scenarios

Metro DR and active-active data centers

Predictable 32G FC performance for synchronous/asynchronous replication between sites; extended credits help sustain high throughput across distance while maintaining database and EMR availability.

Managed/hosted storage providers (MSP/XSP)

96-port density and VSAN segmentation make it efficient to onboard many tenants and tiers; analytics and telemetry back tenant SLAs with real evidence.

Engineering and manufacturing (EDA/CAE/CAD/PLM)

Deterministic latency and high fan-in for parallel builds, simulation scratch, and large repository check-in/out; port-grouping helps isolate issues without impacting the entire fabric.

Front View

DS-9396T-front

1

LEM slot 1

3

LEM slot 3

2

LEM slot 2

DS-9396T-front

1

Serial console port

5

USB port

2

System status LED

6

Ethernet management ports (2)

3

Power supply status LED

7

Base Fibre Channel ports

4

Fan status LED

8

Airflow Grill

Rear View

DS-9396T-rear

1

Power supply unit fan

5

Power supply units (2)

2

Power supply unit handle

6

Chassis fan modules (2)

3

Power receptacle

7

Fan module locking screw

4

Power supply unit locking latch

DS-9396T-rear

1

Power supply unit slot 1

3

Chassis fan module slot 2

2

Chassis fan module slot 1

4

Power supply unit slot 2

Model Selection Guide – DS-C9396T-48EK9

  • Choose when you need 48 active 32G FC ports on day one with a clear path to 96 via +16-port licenses (no hardware swap).
  • Ideal if your site mandates port-side exhaust airflow (front-to-back cooling); this SKU aligns with common hot/cold-aisle policies.
  • Good fit for 2RU aggregation/core roles, consolidating many access racks while reducing optics/cabling overhead and operational complexity.
  • Suitable for metro/long-distance replication: use extended buffer-to-buffer credits on designated ports with LR/ER optics; validate end-to-end latency budgets.
  • Works well for phased NVMe/FC adoption while retaining SCSI/FCP; policies and workflows remain consistent during migration.
  • Supports multi-tenant segmentation and compliance: VSANs, IVR (license), QoS, and centralized AAA/RBAC; automate with NX-API/Ansible and Cisco NDFC/DCNM.
  • Analytics-driven operations: hardware-assisted SAN Analytics and model-driven telemetry speed root-cause analysis and capacity planning.
  • Consider distributing ISL port-channels across the six 16-port groups to minimize blast radius and improve fabric resiliency.
  • Not ideal if your data center requires port-side intake airflow—choose DS-C9396T-48IK9/48ITK9 instead.
  • Not ideal if you need all 96 ports active on day one—choose DS-C9396T-96ETK9 to avoid staged licensing.
  • Not ideal with a strict 1RU height limit—consider the 1RU MDS 9148T family (24/48 active).
  • For very large cores or features beyond fixed 96-port scale, move to Cisco MDS 9700 series.

Product Comparison

Parameter

DS-C9396T-48EK9

DS-C9396T-48IK9

DS-C9396T-96ETK9

Physical FC ports

96

96

96

Base licensed ports

48

48

96 (bundle)

Port expansion

+16 up to 96

+16 up to 96

N/A (max)

Port groups

6 groups × 16 ports

6 × 16

6 × 16

Line-rate speed

32G FC (auto 4/8/16/32)

Same

Same

Aggregate bandwidth

3 Tbps

3 Tbps

3 Tbps

NVMe/FC

Ready

Ready

Ready

SAN Analytics/telemetry

Hardware-assisted

Hardware-assisted

Hardware-assisted

Airflow

Port-side exhaust (blue)

Port-side intake (red)

Port-side exhaust (bundle)

Fans

DS-C96S-FAN-E

DS-C96S-FAN-I

DS-C96S-FAN-E

PSUs

2 × DS-CAC-1200W (bidirectional)

Same

Same

Form factor

2RU

2RU

2RU

Long-distance/B2B

≥6 ports up to 8270 B2B; 612 km @ 32G

Same

Same

Specifications

Parameter Specification Parameter Specification
Product model DS-C9396T-48EK9 (MDS 9396T family) Form factor 2RU fixed FC switch
Physical ports 96 x SFP+/SFP28 Fibre Channel Base licensed ports 48 active; expand in +16-port steps to 96
Port speeds Auto-sensing 4/8/16/32-Gbps FC Aggregate bandwidth Up to 3 Tbps per switch
Port groups Six groups × 16 ports (smaller failure domains) Line-rate forwarding Consistent low-latency at 32G
NVMe/FC NVMe-ready; seamless transition on same fabric Long-distance credits ≥6 ports up to 8270 B2B; up to 612 km @ 32G
Telemetry Hardware-assisted SAN Analytics; streaming telemetry Diagnostics Slow-drain detection, ISL/HBA diagnostics
Fabric services VSANs, Smart/Auto Zoning, IVR (license), QoS High availability Redundant hot-swappable PSUs and fans; port-channels across groups
Airflow Port-side exhaust (blue), DS-C96S-FAN-E PSUs 2 × 1200W DS-CAC-1200W, bidirectional airflow
Typical power (ref.) 497W @ 48×32G optics; 555W @ 96×32G optics AC/DC input 90–305 VAC; 192–400 VDC (DS-CAC-1200W)
Dimensions (HxWxD) 3.39 × 17.42 × 22.28 in (8.61 × 44.25 × 56.59 cm) Weight Approx. 41.62 lb (18.88 kg)
Management Cisco NX-OS; NX-API/REST; NDFC/DCNM Interoperability MDS 9000 family per Cisco matrix
Certifications Safety/EMC/RoHS (per datasheet) Accessories Rail kit, regional power cords; optics ordered separately

Get More Information

Discover unbeatable prices and fast shipping for the DS-C9396T-48EK9 Access the detailed DS-C9396T-48EK9 datasheet and ensure you’re getting the best deal with our reliable delivery service. Need assistance? Our free live chat support is here to help. For more information about the product and pricing, contact us via Live chat or email us at [email protected]

Quality Certifications

Customer Reviews

Write A Review
5.0
(4 reviews)
5 Stars
4
4 Stars
0
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
    Count Dooku
    Posted on 05/07/2024
    Verified Buyer
    5.0

    Twice the pride, double the fall… but not with this switch. Stability is absolute.

    General Grievous
    Posted on 18/05/2024
    Verified Buyer
    5.0

    A fine addition to my collection… of networking gear.

    SAN Architect
    Posted on 22/03/2024
    Verified Buyer
    5.0

    The 9396T is a beast. 48 ports active out of the box. Arrived on a pallet, very secure.

    Procurement
    Posted on 15/11/2023
    Verified Buyer
    5.0

    High value item. Layer23 handled the insurance and freight perfectly.

Questions & Answers

  • What advantages does DS-C9396T-48EK9 bring for a department-sized SAN that will gradually onboard more hosts and a second array?

    It offers 32G performance with scalable licensing. Start at 48 ports, maintain low latency for mixed workloads, and expand smoothly toward 96 without redesigning ISLs or replacing the chassis.

  • How can I keep troubleshooting simple when teams rotate frequently?

    Standardize naming, keep zoning templates, and store DOM baselines and patch photos centrally. A small kit of labeled optics and jumpers helps new staff resolve hygiene issues quickly.

  • What first-week checks confirm healthy optics and fibers on a fresh DS-C9396T-48EK9 install?

    Verify zero CRCs, stable DOM within vendor bands, balanced ISL utilization, and clean logs. Run a short synthetic load and review latency percentiles against expectations.

  • Does 48EK9 support IVR from day one?

    Yes, if licensed. Start with tight, documented routes and expand gradually. IVR eases multi-VSAN architectures without over-complicating zoning.

  • Any tips for mixing 8G/16G legacy endpoints while hosts migrate to 32G?

    Keep trunks per speed class, avoid mixed-speed bundles, and watch for slow-drain from older HBAs. Schedule firmware updates early to stabilize performance.

  • What’s the cleanest path to enable NVMe/FC later?

    Upgrade code to a supported NX-OS, validate HBA/array firmware, and start with a small VSAN segment. Monitor queue depths and credits, then scale after success.

  • How do I design ISLs to remain resilient during fiber maintenance?

    Diverse conduit routes, symmetric port-channels, and equalized lengths. Document physical paths to avoid accidental shared infrastructure during future changes.

  • What operational runbook should remote sites follow before opening a TAC case?

    Clean connectors, reseat optics, swap to known-good jumpers, capture DOM and counters, and attach zoning exports and port-channel status. This shortens time to resolution.

  • How often should I revisit buffer-credit sizing?

    After topology or distance changes, or when latency patterns shift. Validate with test traffic and adjust to maintain full link utilization without starvation.

  • Spare strategy for a single-rack deployment?

    Keep a pair of 32G SW optics, one 32G LW if SMF exists, OM4 and SMF jumpers, cleaning tools, and one spare PSU or fan tray.

Warranty

100% Low Price Guarantee:

Layer23-switch.com provides high-quality products at low wholesale prices

100% Quality Assurance:

All items are ORIGINAL and GENUINE only.
Item conditions are "New Sealed" or "Used / Refurbished".
Used & refurbished items are fully tested with good conditions by Cisco-certified Engineers.

Free CCIE Technical Support:

Our FREE Cisco CCIE Expert Consultancy Support is over the phone, by chat, by email or by login remotely.

100% Money Back Guarantee:

You can contact our customer service team to exchange or return any product that you bought from us.

Standard Services

Personalized Service, Superior Product Maintenance for Ultimate Satisfaction.

  • Projects and Technical Support
  • Easy Purchasing Supply
  • Product Lifecycle Protection
  • Exclusive F3 Team Support

Customized Support for Your Needs with CCIE, HCIE, HPE ASE, etc.

Shipping

Resources Downloads

  • DS-C9396T-48EK9 Datasheet

Product Tag

Related products

  • C9300-48UN-EC9300-48UN-E

    C9300-48UN-E

    Original price was: $6,357.00.Current price is: $3,505.75. Condition: New Factory Sealed
  • C9300L-48T-4G-EC9300L-48T-4G-E

    C9300L-48T-4G-E

    Original price was: $2,976.00.Current price is: $1,402.30. Condition: New Factory Sealed
  • C9300L-48P-4G-EC9300L-48P-4G-E

    C9300L-48P-4G-E

    Original price was: $5,710.00.Current price is: $1,905.50. Condition: New Factory Sealed
  • C9300L-48P-4G-AC9300L-48P-4G-A

    C9300L-48P-4G-A

    Original price was: $10,533.00.Current price is: $6,635.00. Condition: New Factory Sealed