Description
Product Overview of Cisco DS-C9134-K9 MDS 9134
The Cisco DS-C9134-K9, also known as the MDS 9134, is a powerful Multilayer Fabric Fibre Channel Switch designed to cater to the intricate networking needs of modern data centers. This switch, manufactured by Cisco, boasts advanced features and capabilities that make it a crucial component in building robust and efficient storage area networks (SANs).
Multilayer Fabric Fibre Channel Switch: The Heart of Data Center Connectivity
Understanding the Multilayer Fabric Concept
The term “Multilayer Fabric” signifies the switch’s ability to operate at different layers of the network protocol stack. In the case of the MDS 9134, this multilayer capability extends to the Fibre Channel protocol, a high-speed network technology commonly used for storage connectivity.
Fibre Channel: A Brief Overview
Fibre Channel is a network technology specifically designed for high-speed data transfer in storage and networking environments. It provides a dedicated and reliable pathway for data communication between servers and storage devices, ensuring efficient and secure data transactions.
Unveiling the Technical Specifications24 Ports for Seamless Connectivity
The Cisco DS-C9134-K9 MDS 9134 features a total of 24 ports, providing extensive connectivity options for various devices within the SAN. These ports act as gateways for data to flow between servers, storage arrays, and other networked devices.
4.24 Gigabits per Second (Gbps): The Need for Speed
The switch operates at a speed of 4.24 Gbps, emphasizing its high-performance capabilities. This speed is crucial for handling large volumes of data swiftly and supporting the bandwidth demands of modern data-intensive applications.
The Role of Cisco DS-C9134-K9 in Data Center NetworkingBuilding Robust Storage Area Networks (SANs)
The primary role of the Cisco DS-C9134-K9 MDS 9134 is to serve as a core component in building Storage Area Networks (SANs). SANs are specialized networks designed to facilitate the efficient and secure transfer of data between servers and storage devices.
Enabling Efficient Data Transfer
With 24 high-speed ports operating at 4.24 Gbps, the MDS 9134 ensures that data can flow seamlessly between connected devices. This is particularly crucial for applications that demand real-time access to large datasets, such as database systems and multimedia streaming services.
Key Features and CapabilitiesHigh Port Density
The switch’s 24 ports contribute to a high port density, allowing data centers to connect a significant number of devices without compromising on performance. This is particularly beneficial in large-scale enterprise environments with numerous servers and storage arrays.
Multilayer Switching
The multilayer switching capability enables the switch to operate efficiently at different layers of the network protocol stack. This flexibility is invaluable in optimizing data routing and ensuring that information reaches its destination with minimal latency.
Scalability
The Cisco DS-C9134-K9 MDS 9134 is designed with scalability in mind. As data center needs grow, the switch can easily accommodate additional devices and expand the network infrastructure without a significant overhaul.
Redundancy and Reliability
Redundancy is a critical aspect of data center design to ensure uninterrupted operations. The MDS 9134 incorporates features that enhance system reliability, such as redundant power supplies and hot-swappable components that minimize downtime in case of hardware issues.
Use Cases and ApplicationsEnterprise Data Centers
Large enterprise data centers with diverse storage and server requirements benefit from the Cisco DS-C9134-K9’s high port density and multilayer switching capabilities. It forms the backbone of the storage network, providing the necessary connectivity for critical business applications.
Media and Entertainment
Industries such as media and entertainment, where massive amounts of data need to be rapidly accessed and transferred, find the switch’s high-speed operation and scalability advantageous. Video editing suites, for example, rely on such infrastructure to handle high-definition content seamlessly.
Benefits for IT Administrators and Data Center ManagersSimplified Management
The switch is equipped with management interfaces and tools that streamline the configuration and monitoring processes. IT administrators can efficiently manage the connected devices and monitor the overall health of the SAN.
Enhanced Performance Monitoring
Detailed performance monitoring features allow administrators to identify potential bottlenecks and optimize data flow within the network. This proactive approach ensures that the network operates at peak efficiency.
Flexibility in Network Design
The multilayer switching capability provides flexibility in designing the network architecture. IT managers can optimize data routing based on specific application requirements, ensuring that critical workloads receive priority.
Advanced Security Features of Switch
The DS-C9134-K9 Cisco Multilayer Fibre Channel switch provides advanced security features for storage area networks (SANs). These features help to secure the SAN and protect sensitive data from unauthorized access.
- Access Control: The switch provides access control mechanisms, such as authentication and authorization, to control access to the switch and to the data stored on the SAN.
- Data Encryption: The switch supports data encryption, helping to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access or theft.
- Fibre Channel Security Protocol (FC-SP): The switch supports the Fibre Channel Security Protocol (FC-SP), a security protocol designed specifically for storage area networks. FC-SP provides secure communication between Fibre Channel switches, ensuring that data transmitted over the SAN is protected from unauthorized access.
- RADIUS and TACACS+: The switch supports RADIUS and TACACS+ authentication protocols, allowing administrators to integrate the switch into their existing security infrastructure.
- Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): The switch provides role-based access control, allowing administrators to assign different levels of access to different users, based on their role in the organization.
In conclusion, the DS-C9134-K9 Cisco Multilayer Fibre Channel switch provides advanced security features that help to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access, theft, or tampering. With support for data encryption, FC-SP, RADIUS, TACACS+, and RBAC, the switch provides organizations with the security they need to protect their data and comply with regulatory requirements.
Remote Management and Access
The DS-C9134-K9 Cisco Multilayer Fibre Channel switch provides remote management and access capabilities to simplify switch management and configuration.
- Out-of-band Management: The switch supports out-of-band management, allowing administrators to manage the switch remotely even if the switch is not operational.
- Secure Shell (SSH) and Telnet: The switch supports secure remote management protocols, such as SSH and Telnet, allowing administrators to securely manage the switch from a remote location.
- Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP): The switch supports SNMP, allowing administrators to monitor and manage the switch using standard network management tools.
- Web-Based GUI: The switch provides a web-based graphical user interface (GUI), allowing administrators to access the switch from a web browser, without the need for special software.
- In-Band Management: The switch supports in-band management, allowing administrators to manage the switch over the same network used by the switch for data transmission.
In conclusion, the DS-C9134-K9 Cisco Multilayer Fibre Channel switch provides a variety of remote management and access capabilities, making it easy for administrators to manage and configure the switch from a remote location. With support for out-of-band management, SSH, Telnet, SNMP, and a web-based GUI, the switch provides administrators with the tools they need to manage and maintain the switch effectively.
Interoperability and Compatibility
The DS-C9134-K9 Cisco Multilayer Fibre Channel switch provides interoperability and compatibility with a wide range of storage devices and systems.
- Fibre Channel: The switch is fully compatible with Fibre Channel (FC) storage devices, providing a high-speed, reliable connection for storage networks.
- Industry Standard Compliance: The switch is compliant with industry standards, such as the Fibre Channel Industry Association (FCIA) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ensuring interoperability with a wide range of devices.
- Third-Party Integration: The switch integrates with a variety of third-party systems and tools, including storage area network (SAN) management tools, backup and recovery solutions, and security systems.
- FCIP and FICON Support: The switch supports both FCIP and FICON, allowing administrators to connect FC storage devices over a wide area network (WAN) and to support mainframe systems, respectively.
- Multi-Protocol Support: The switch supports multiple protocols, including Fibre Channel, iSCSI, and Ethernet, providing administrators with a flexible solution for multi-protocol storage networks.
In conclusion, the DS-C9134-K9 Cisco Multilayer Fibre Channel switch provides a high degree of interoperability and compatibility, ensuring that it will work seamlessly with a wide range of storage devices and systems. With support for industry standards, third-party integration, FCIP, FICON, and multi-protocol support, the switch provides administrators with a flexible and reliable solution for storage networks.
General Information about this Cisco DS-C9134-K9
- Manufacturer Cisco
- Model Number or SKU# DS-C9134-K9
- Product Series: MDS 9100
- Product Model: MDS 9134
- Product Name: MDS 9134 Multilayer Fabric Fibre Channel Switch
- Product Type: Fibre Channel Switch
Interfaces/Ports
- Number of Fibre Channel Ports 24
Media & Performance
- Data Transfer Rate: 4.24 Gbit/s
- Fiber Channel Port Type: E_Port
- Fiber Channel Port Type: F_Port
- Fiber Channel Port Type: FL_Port
- Management Port: Yes
I/O Expansions
- Number of Total Expansion Slots: 24
- Expansion Slot Type: SFP
Management & Protocols
- Manageable: Yes
Power Description
- Redundant Power Supply: Yes
In summary, the Cisco DS-C9134-K9 MDS 9134 Multilayer Fabric Fibre Channel Switch stands as a robust and versatile solution for data center networking. Its 24 ports operating at 4.24 Gbps, multilayer switching capabilities, and scalability make it a pivotal component in building efficient and high-performance Storage Area Networks (SANs). As data centres continue to evolve, the MDS 9134 remains a future-ready and reliable choice for organizations seeking to empower their infrastructure for the demands of tomorrow.