Cisco DS-X97-SF1E-K9 Supervisor 1E Control Processor Module Refurbished

The Cisco DS-X97-SF1E-K9 Supervisor 1E is a Fibre Channel Wired Plug-in Control Processor Module designed for use with the MDS 9706, 9710, and 9718 Series switches. This module is essential for managing and controlling the data flow in high-capacity, enterprise-grade storage area networks (SANs). In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the technical details and benefits of the Cisco DS-X97-SF1E-K9 Supervisor 1E module, its compatibility with the MDS 9706, 9710, and 9718 Series, and the significant role it plays in optimizing network performance for higher workloads.

Before we dive into the specifics of the Cisco DS-X97-SF1E-K9 Supervisor 1E module, it's essential to have a clear understanding of Fibre Channel technology, as this module is designed to operate within Fibre Channel SAN environments.

Meaning of Fibre Channel

Fibre Channel is a high-speed, high-performance network technology primarily used for connecting storage devices, such as disk arrays and tape drives, to servers. It's known for its low latency and high reliability, making it a popular choice for enterprise storage solutions. Fibre Channel operates over optical or copper cables and supports various topologies, including point-to-point, switched fabric, and arbitrated loop.

Significant Role of Fibre Channel

In enterprise IT environments, the efficient and reliable storage and retrieval of data is crucial. Fibre Channel technology excels in this domain, offering features like high bandwidth, low latency, and support for long-distance connectivity. This makes it well-suited for applications with high I/O (input/output) demands, including virtualization, database management, and data backup.

The Cisco DS-X97-SF1E-K9 Supervisor 1E module is a crucial component for MDS 9706, 9710, and 9718 Series switches. It serves as the control processor for these switches, enabling them to manage and optimize data flow within the SAN. In this section, we'll explore the features, capabilities, and benefits of this module.

Supervisor Module Overview

The Supervisor module, often referred to as a Supervisor Engine or Supervisor Card, is the brain of a network switch. It provides essential functions like controlling the switch's operation, managing configurations, and maintaining high availability. In the context of Cisco MDS switches, the Supervisor module is responsible for overseeing the entire SAN, ensuring data traffic is efficiently managed.

DS-X97-SF1E-K9 Supervisor 1E Features

The Cisco DS-X97-SF1E-K9 Supervisor 1E module is packed with features to meet the demands of modern data centers and storage environments. Some of its key features include:

• High Performance: The Supervisor 1E module is equipped with a powerful multicore CPU and ample RAM to handle the complex operations of large SANs efficiently.
• Enhanced Network Management: It supports a wide range of network management protocols and provides tools for monitoring and troubleshooting the SAN network.
• Redundancy: The module offers redundancy for high availability, ensuring uninterrupted SAN operation even in the event of a hardware failure.
• Scalability: It can scale to accommodate the growing needs of the SAN, making it suitable for environments with higher workloads.
• Compatibility: Specifically designed for the MDS 9706, 9710, and 9718 Series switches, it seamlessly integrates with these platforms.
• Fibre Channel Support: As a dedicated Fibre Channel Supervisor module, it's optimized for Fibre Channel SANs, delivering superior performance and reliability.

The Cisco DS-X97-SF1E-K9 Supervisor 1E module offers several benefits for data center operators and IT professionals. These advantages are crucial for optimizing network performance and ensuring smooth SAN operation in high-workload scenarios:

• Optimized Workload Handling: The module is designed to handle higher workloads efficiently, ensuring that data-intensive applications and operations can run smoothly.
• Enhanced Reliability: Redundancy features and failover mechanisms make the SAN more reliable, reducing the risk of downtime due to hardware failures.
• Improved Scalability: The Supervisor 1E module can scale with your SAN needs, allowing you to expand your storage network without major overhauls.
• Streamlined Management: With robust network management tools and support for various protocols, it simplifies the process of configuring, monitoring, and troubleshooting the SAN.
• Dedicated Fibre Channel Support: As a specialized Fibre Channel module, it offers the best possible performance and compatibility for Fibre Channel SANs.

In this section, we will explore the technical specifications of the Cisco DS-X97-SF1E-K9 Supervisor 1E module, providing detailed insights into its capabilities.

• Performance
  • CPU: The module is equipped with a multicore CPU, enabling it to handle complex operations and manage data flow effectively.
  • RAM: It features ample RAM to support high-performance data processing and network management tasks.
• Network Connectivity
  • Ports: The Supervisor 1E module provides multiple Fibre Channel ports to connect to the SAN fabric, ensuring high-speed data transfer.
  • Compatibility: It supports various Fibre Channel standards, including 2/4/8/16/32 Gbps, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of storage devices.
• Redundancy and High Availability
  • Redundant Components: The module includes redundant components, such as power supplies and fans, to ensure uninterrupted operation.
  • Failover Mechanisms: It supports failover mechanisms to switch to backup components in case of hardware failure, reducing downtime.
• Scalability
  • Slot Capacity: Depending on the MDS switch model, the module fits into one of the available slots, offering flexibility and scalability to accommodate your growing SAN needs.
• Network Management
  • Management Tools: The Supervisor 1E module comes with a suite of management tools, making it easier to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot the SAN network.
  • Protocols: It supports various network management protocols, ensuring compatibility with existing network management solutions.
• Form Factor
  • Physical Dimensions: The module is designed to fit within the chassis of the MDS 9706, 9710, or 9718 Series switches, maintaining a compact form factor.
• Compatibility
  • MDS 9706, 9710, and 9718 Series: The Supervisor 1E module is compatible with these specific switch series, ensuring optimal performance and integration.

Now that we've covered the technical details, let's explore how the Cisco DS-X97-SF1E-K9 Supervisor 1E module optimizes network performance, particularly in scenarios with higher workloads.

Load Balancing

The Supervisor 1E module is equipped with intelligent load-balancing algorithms that distribute data traffic across multiple paths in the SAN fabric. This feature ensures that no single path is overloaded, which can lead to performance degradation. Load balancing helps maintain consistent performance, even during peak workloads.

Redundancy and High Availability

One of the key features of the module is its support for redundancy and high availability. Redundant components, such as power supplies and fans, ensure that the switch can continue functioning in case of a hardware failure. Additionally, the failover mechanisms automatically switch to backup components, minimizing downtime and optimizing network reliability.

Scalability for Growth

As businesses grow, their data storage and retrieval requirements typically increase. The Supervisor 1E module's scalability allows you to expand your SAN network seamlessly. You can add more line cards, storage devices, and servers without significant disruptions, ensuring your network can adapt to higher workloads.

Enhanced Network Management

Efficient network management is crucial for optimizing performance. The module's suite of management tools simplifies the process of configuring and monitoring the SAN network. This makes it easier to detect and address performance bottlenecks, ensuring that your SAN operates at its best even under higher workloads.

Fibre Channel Support

The Supervisor 1E module is designed specifically for Fibre Channel SANs. Fibre Channel is known for its high-speed, low-latency, and reliable data transfer capabilities. By using this specialized module, you can take full advantage of Fibre Channel technology, ensuring that your SAN can handle the increased data traffic associated with higher workloads.

Use Cases for Cisco DS-X97-SF1E-K9 Supervisor 1E

The Cisco DS-X97-SF1E-K9 Supervisor 1E module has a wide range of use cases in data center environments. Below, we'll explore some common scenarios where this module plays a crucial role in optimizing network performance.

• Enterprise Data Centers: Large enterprise data centers typically manage vast amounts of data, including databases, virtualization environments, and critical applications. The Supervisor 1E module ensures that these data centers can handle the high workloads associated with mission-critical operations while maintaining reliability and scalability.
• Cloud Service Providers: Cloud service providers require a robust and highly available network infrastructure to meet the needs of their customers. The Supervisor 1E module enables cloud providers to optimize network performance, ensuring fast and reliable access to cloud-based services and storage.
• Financial Institutions: Financial institutions deal with massive volumes of data in real-time, including stock trading, transactions, and risk analysis. The module is essential for these organizations to guarantee low latency, high throughput, and uninterrupted service delivery, even during peak trading hours.
• Healthcare Facilities: Healthcare facilities store and access a vast amount of patient data, including electronic health records (EHRs) and medical imaging. The Supervisor 1E module supports the seamless flow of medical information, which is critical for patient care and hospital operations.
• Research and Development: Research institutions and laboratories often work with data-intensive applications, such as simulations, data analysis, and scientific computing. The module ensures that researchers can access and process data efficiently, improving productivity and time-to-insight.

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number or SKU# DS-X97-SF1E-K9
• Device Type: Control processor

• Processors Installed: 1 x Intel Xeon 2.13 GHz
• RAM: 32 GB DDR3 SDRAM

• Form Factor: Plug-in module
• Connectivity Technology: Wired
• Data Link Protocol: Fibre Channel
• Supported Fibre Channel Protocols: FC-DA, FC-FLA, FC-FS, FC-GS-3, FC-GS-4, FC-MI, FC-PH, FC-PH-2, FC-PH-3, FC-PI, FC-PLDA, FC-SB-2, FC-SB-3, FC-SW-2, FC-SW-3, FC-Tape, FC-VI, FC-SP, FCP-4, FC-BB-2, FCP, FCP-2, FC-PI-2, FC-BB-5, FC-BB-3, FC-FS-2, FC-GS-5, FC-SW-4, FCP-3, FC-LS, FC-MI-2, FC-PI-4, FC-FS-3, FC-GS-6, FC-PI-3, FC-SW-5, FC-BB-4, FC-IFR, FAIS, FAIS-2, FC-PI-5, FC-LS-2, FC-SP-2, FC-SB-4, FC-DA-2, FC-MI-3, FC-MSQS, FC-BB-6, FC-SB-5
• Network / Transport Protocol: SFTP
• Routing Protocol: VRRP
• Remote Management Protocol: SNMP 3, SSH-2
• Performance: Switching bandwidth (Fibre Channel): up to 48 Tbps
• Status Indicators: Power, system, active, USB
• Features: Load balancing, Syslog support, manageable, Access Control List (ACL) support, Quality of Service (QoS), reset button, Remote Switch Port Analyzer (RSPAN), Registered State Change Notification (RSCN) support, Call Home function support, Class of Service (CoS), Automated Attendant (IVR), Fabric Configuration Server (FCS), Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), TrustSec support, N-Port ID virtualization, Real-Time Protocol (RTP) debug
• Encryption Algorithm: AES
• Authentication Method: RADIUS, TACACS+, Secure Shell v.2 (SSH2)

• Interfaces: 1 x RS-232 - RJ-45, 1 x 1000Base-T (management) - RJ-45, 2 x USB 2.0

Miscellaneous

• Compliant Standards: CISPR 22 Class A, EN 60950, EN 61000-3-2, IEC 60950, EN 61000-3-3, EN55024, UL 60950, EN50082-1, EN 61000-6-1, AS/NZS 3260, ICES-003 Class A, EN 60825, AS/NZS 3548 Class A, IEC 60825, CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60950, VCCI Class A, EN 55022 Class A, FCC CFR47 Part 15 A, 21 CFR 1040

Environmental Parameters

• Min Operating Temperature: 32°F
• Max Operating Temperature: 104°F
• Humidity Range Operating: 10% - 90% (non-condensing)

Compatibility Information

• Compatible with Cisco MDS 9706 Crossbar Switching Fabric1 Module, 9706 Multilayer Director, 9710 Base Config, 9710 Crossbar Switching Fabric1 Module, 9710 Enhanced Config, 9710 Multilayer Director, 9718 Chassis, 9718 Crossbar Switching Fabric-1 Module

Finally, the Cisco DS-X97-SF1E-K9 Supervisor 1E Fibre Channel Wired Plug-in Control Processor Module is an essential component for optimizing network performance in data center environments, particularly in scenarios with higher workloads. Its compatibility with the MDS 9706, 9710, and 9718 Series switches ensures a seamless integration that caters to the specific needs of your organization.

With features such as load balancing, redundancy, scalability, enhanced network management, and dedicated Fibre Channel support, this module offers a comprehensive solution for managing and controlling data flow in Fibre Channel SANs. Whether you operate a large enterprise data center, provide cloud services, or work in a data-intensive field like finance or healthcare, the Supervisor 1E module ensures that your network can meet the demands of modern data storage and retrieval.

By investing in the Cisco DS-X97-SF1E-K9 Supervisor 1E module, you can optimize network performance, improve reliability, and support the growth of your data center infrastructure, ultimately leading to enhanced productivity and better service delivery for your organization.