DS-C9396T-96ETK9 – 32 Gbps – 96 Port – Fibre Channel Switch

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DS-C9396T-96ETK9

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DS-C9396T-96ETK9 Description

Cisco DS-C9396T-96ETK9 is the full-capacity, port-side-exhaust bundle in the MDS 9396T family. All 96 Fibre Channel ports are active on day one and run at 32G line rate with autosensing to 16/8/4G, delivering up to 3 Tbps aggregate bandwidth in a compact 2RU chassis. The platform combines native NVMe/FC readiness with hardware-assisted SAN Analytics, slow-drain detection, and model-driven telemetry for deep, real-time visibility. Redundant hot-swappable power supplies and fans, plus the ability to distribute ISL port-channels across six 16-port groups, make DS-C9396T-96ETK9 a resilient aggregation/core building block for core-edge or end-of-row SAN designs that require exhaust airflow and full 96-port density from day one.

Product Highlights

Switching Capacity
Speed
Active Ports

Key Features

Day-one full capacity

All 96 ports active at delivery eliminates staged licensing and future change windows for incremental turn-ups.

Deterministic performance at scale

Non-blocking 32G forwarding across six 16-port groups provides predictable latency for large all-flash tiers, database clusters, and high fan-in access layers.

Metro/long-distance replication headroom

Extended buffer-to-buffer credits on designated ports help sustain throughput over high-latency links used for synchronous/asynchronous copy, DR, and cross-site backup.

Analytics-first operations

Hardware SAN Analytics and model-driven telemetry reveal congestion, slow-drain endpoints, and mis-zoning early—accelerating root-cause analysis and capacity planning.

Secure multi-environment segmentation

VSANs, IVR (license), and centralized AAA/RBAC enable clean isolation for departments and tenants, aligning with zero-trust and compliance requirements.

Exhaust airflow standardization

Port-side exhaust aligns with front-to-back cooling policies; one exhaust bundle simplifies spares, audits, and fleet standardization across sites.

Applications Scenarios

SaaS storage back-ends and multi-tenant platforms

High port density and VSAN segmentation streamline tenant onboarding; analytics feed SLA dashboards and capacity triggers.

Telecommunications billing/OSS-BSS storage

Predictable 32G fabrics support batch rating/mediation, CDR archives, and inter-DC replication; exhaust airflow fits carrier hot/cold-aisle norms.

Global law firms and e-discovery/records retention

Deterministic throughput for large case repositories and retention tiers; per-tenant VSANs and AAA/RBAC simplify access control and audits.

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-96ETK9

  • Ideal when you need 96 active 32G FC ports on day one to avoid staged licensing and change windows.
  • Choose if your DC requires port-side exhaust airflow (front-to-back cooling); this bundle aligns with that policy.
  • Good fit for large aggregation/core roles with high fan-in and predictable low latency across six 16-port groups.
  • Suitable for metro/long-haul replication: use extended buffer-to-buffer credits on designated ports with appropriate LR/ER optics; validate end-to-end latency budget.
  • Not ideal if you plan staged growth over 12–24 months; consider 48IK9/48EK9 and add 16-port licenses as utilization grows.
  • Not ideal with a strict 1RU height limit; consider the 1RU MDS 9148T family (24/48 active).

Product Comparison

Parameter

DS-C9396T-48IK9

DS-C9396T-48EK9

DS-C9396T-96ETK9

Physical FC ports

96

96

96

Base licensed ports

48

48

96 (bundle)

Port expansion

+16 to 96 (license)

+16 to 96 (license)

N/A (max)

Port groups

6 × 16

6 × 16

6 × 16

Line-rate speed

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

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

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

Aggregate bandwidth

Up to 3 Tbps

Up to 3 Tbps

Up to 3 Tbps

NVMe/FC

Ready

Ready

Ready

Telemetry/analytics

Hardware-assisted

Hardware-assisted

Hardware-assisted

Long-distance B2B credits

Supported (designated ports)

Supported

Supported

Airflow

Port-side intake (red)

Port-side exhaust (blue)

Port-side exhaust (blue)

Fan modules

DS-C96S-FAN-I

DS-C96S-FAN-E

DS-C96S-FAN-E

PSUs

2 × DS-CAC-1200W

2 × DS-CAC-1200W

2 × DS-CAC-1200W

Typical use

Intake sites, staged growth

Exhaust sites, staged growth

Full 96-port density day one

Specifications

Parameter Specification Parameter Specification
Product model DS-C9396T-96ETK9 (MDS 9396T family) Form factor 2RU fixed Fibre Channel switch
Physical ports 96 x SFP+/SFP28 Fibre Channel Licensed ports 96 active (bundle; max licensed)
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 fault domains) Forwarding Non-blocking, line-rate at 32G
NVMe/FC NVMe-ready; coexistence with SCSI/FCP Long-distance credits Extended buffer-to-buffer credits on designated ports
Telemetry/analytics Hardware-assisted SAN Analytics; model-driven telemetry Diagnostics Slow-drain detection; ISL/HBA diagnostics; SPAN/RSPAN
Fabric services VSANs; IVR (license); Smart/Auto Zoning; QoS High availability Redundant hot-swappable PSUs and fans; ISL port-channels across groups
Airflow Port-side exhaust (blue); DS-C96S-FAN-E Power supplies 2 × DS-CAC-1200W (bidirectional airflow)
Power/thermal Per datasheet/project file AC/DC input Per PSU spec (VAC and VDC supported)
Dimensions (H×W×D) Per datasheet Weight Per datasheet
Management NX-OS CLI/SSH, SNMP, REST/NX-API; NDFC/DCNM Security AAA/RBAC (TACACS+/RADIUS/LDAP/AD), FC-SP
Interoperability MDS 9000 family per Cisco matrix Accessories Rail kit; regional power cords; optics ordered separately

Get More Information

Discover unbeatable prices and fast shipping for the DS-C9396T-96ETK9 Access the detailed DS-C9396T-96ETK9 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

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5.0
(4 reviews)
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    Palpatine
    Posted on 10/09/2024
    Verified Buyer
    5.0

    Unlimited power! The bandwidth is flowing. Everything is proceeding as I have foreseen.

    Darth Maul
    Posted on 05/06/2024
    Verified Buyer
    5.0

    At last we will reveal ourselves… with high speed connectivity.

    CTO
    Posted on 10/05/2024
    Verified Buyer
    5.0

    Fully populated 96 ports. We needed max capacity immediately. You guys delivered.

    Procurement
    Posted on 25/01/2024
    Verified Buyer
    5.0

    Competitive pricing for a fully loaded switch. Verified new.

Questions & Answers

  • When deploying DS-C9396T-96ETK9 in a greenfield 32G SAN, how do I set initial telemetry so slow-drain or CRC trends are caught before users complain?

    Enable SAN analytics if licensed, stream counters to DCNM, and set early-warning thresholds on DOM, CRC, and credit starvation. Baseline during low load and compare after peak cycles to detect drift or mis-patched links.

  • How does DS-C9396T-96ETK9 differ operationally from DS-C9396T-96ITK9 once production begins?

    Functionally the platform is the same; the ETK9 bundle typically unlocks enterprise features sooner. That can reduce time to detect anomalies and simplify ISL trunking or IVR, depending on entitlements and code level.

  • What’s the best approach to scale from 48 to 96 active ports without service disruption as arrays arrive in phases?

    Use pay-as-you-grow activation, add new ports into existing VSANs, then re-balance port-channels and ISLs. Migrate small host groups at a time, validating counters and application SLOs after each wave.

  • How should I separate NVMe/FC and SCSI/FC on the DS-C9396T-96ETK9—dedicated VSANs or shared?

    Both work. Dedicated VSANs keep policies isolated and aid troubleshooting; shared VSANs can be fine if endpoints behave. Start with separation, then consolidate once monitoring proves stability.

  • Which optics and cables minimize surprises during weekends when only remote-hands are available?

    Standardize on 32G SW for short OM4 and 32G LW for SMF, keep a labeled spare kit with cleaning tools, and store polarity-correct patch cords. Document port roles and expected DOM ranges in the cabinet binder.

  • How do I design ISL port-channels so one flaky member doesn’t throttle the entire trunk?

    Keep member links equal length and loss, enable link-level monitoring, and remove misbehaving members automatically. Regularly review per-member utilization to detect imbalance or early fiber degradation.

  • What steps isolate whether a burst of CRCs came from the DS-C9396T-96ETK9, a line card, or the physical plant?

    Swap fibers, move the optic to another port, and compare DOM. If errors follow the fiber, fix hygiene; if they follow the optic, RMA; if they persist on the slot, investigate line-card hardware or firmware.

  • Can I perform ISSU on DS-C9396T-96ETK9 without pausing replication jobs?

    Often yes, but validate release notes and your features. Upgrade one fabric at a time, verify path failover ahead of the window, and monitor array metrics during the process.

  • What’s the right way to onboard a new array while keeping VSAN and zoning hygiene?

    Create device aliases, add to the correct VSAN, implement single-initiator zones, and test path failover. Clean optics during install and record DOM baselines so future issues are easier to diagnose.

  • How should I plan spares for a globally distributed footprint of DS-C9396T-96ETK9 cores?

    Maintain regional spare optics (SW/LW), jumpers, and at least one spare line card or switch where SLA is strict. Keep a standard toolkit and documented playbooks for remote sites.

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