Description
Product Overview of the Cisco 32 Ports Switch
The Cisco DS-C9148-32P-K9 9100 Series Switch is a powerful networking device designed to meet the demands of modern data centres. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the key features and functionalities of this switch, with a particular focus on its 32 ports supporting SFP+ Fibre Channel connectivity.
Understanding the DS-C9148-32P-K9 Cisco 32 Ports Fibre Channel Switch
Before delving into its resiliency features, let’s grasp the fundamentals of the DS-C9148-32P-K9 Cisco 32 Ports Fibre Channel Switch. This switch is meticulously engineered to operate in Fibre Channel storage area networks, serving as a crucial component in facilitating seamless data transfer and storage.
Cisco DS-C9148-32P-K9 9100 Series
The Cisco DS-C9148-32P-K9 is part of the 9100 Series, designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern data centres. As a Fibre Channel Switch, it plays a crucial role in facilitating high-speed and reliable communication between storage devices, ensuring seamless data access and transfer. Let’s explore the essential details of this switch:
32 Ports Ports
The DS-C9148-32P-K9 boasts 32 ports, each equipped with Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus (SFP+) technology. This configuration enables flexible connectivity options, accommodating a variety of storage and networking needs. The use of SFP+ technology ensures high data transfer rates and low latency, contributing to an efficient and responsive storage environment.
Fibre Channel Technology
Fibre Channel is a widely adopted technology in the realm of storage networking, known for its reliability and performance. The DS-C9148-32P-K9 supports the Fibre Channel, providing a dedicated and high-speed channel for data transfer between storage devices. This ensures that critical data is transmitted swiftly and reliably, meeting the demands of modern enterprise applications.
Technical Specifications
To understand the capabilities of the Cisco DS-C9148-32P-K9 in more detail, let’s explore its technical specifications:
Switching Capacity
The switch boasts a commendable switching capacity, measured in gigabits per second (Gbps). This metric reflects the maximum data transfer rate the switch can handle, indicating its ability to support a large volume of data traffic concurrently. The DS-C9148-32P-K9 excels in high-speed data environments, making it suitable for data-intensive applications and workloads.
Port Speed
Each of the 32 ports on the DS-C9148-32P-K9 supports a specific speed, typically measured in Gbps. The switch’s compatibility with various port speeds allows organizations to integrate it seamlessly into their existing infrastructure while providing the flexibility to scale and upgrade as needed.
Form Factor and Rack Compatibility
The physical dimensions and form factor of the DS-C9148-32P-K9 are crucial considerations for data center managers and IT professionals. Understanding the switch’s size and compatibility with standard racks ensures smooth integration into existing infrastructure. This switch’s design is optimized for efficiency, making it a space-saving solution without compromising on performance.
Performance Benefits
The Cisco DS-C9148-32P-K9 offers several performance benefits that contribute to the overall efficiency of storage networks. Let’s explore these advantages in detail:
Low Latency
Latency, the delay between initiating a data transfer and its actual occurrence, is a critical factor in storage networking. The DS-C9148-32P-K9 is engineered to minimize latency, ensuring that data can be accessed and transmitted swiftly. This is particularly crucial for applications where real-time data access is paramount, such as financial transactions or video streaming.
High Throughput
Throughput refers to the amount of data that can be transferred successfully over the network within a given time frame. The DS-C9148-32P-K9’s high throughput capabilities make it well-suited for scenarios where large volumes of data need to be moved rapidly, supporting the seamless operation of data-intensive applications and workflows.
Reliability and Redundancy
In mission-critical environments, reliability is non-negotiable. The DS-C9148-32P-K9 incorporates features that enhance system reliability, such as redundant power supplies and hot-swappable components. These design elements contribute to minimizing downtime and ensuring continuous access to stored data.
SNMP Support
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) support is crucial for integrating the switch into existing network management systems. The DS-C9148-32P-K9’s compatibility with SNMP ensures seamless integration with network monitoring tools, facilitating centralized management and proactive issue resolution.
Diagnostic Tools
To streamline troubleshooting and maintenance, the DS-C9148-32P-K9 includes diagnostic tools that provide insights into the switch’s performance and health. These tools aid administrators in identifying and addressing potential issues before they impact the storage network’s functionality.
Security Features
Security is a top priority in any networking environment, especially when dealing with sensitive data. The Cisco DS-C9148-32P-K9 incorporates a range of security features to safeguard data and prevent unauthorized access:
Role-Based Access Control
Administrative tasks and access to critical settings are often restricted to authorized personnel. The DS-C9148-32P-K9 supports role-based access control, allowing administrators to define specific roles and permissions for different users. This granular control enhances security by limiting access to sensitive configurations.
Secure Shell (SSH) Encryption
To protect data during remote management sessions, the switch supports Secure Shell (SSH) encryption. This ensures that data exchanged between the switch and administrators is secure, mitigating the risk of eavesdropping or unauthorized access.
Port Security
Port security features on the DS-C9148-32P-K9 enable administrators to control and monitor access at the port level. This prevents unauthorized devices from connecting to the switch, adding an additional layer of protection to the storage network.
Scalability and Future-Proofing
As organizations grow and their storage needs evolve, scalability becomes a critical consideration. The Cisco DS-C9148-32P-K9 is designed with scalability in mind:
Virtual Fabric Support
The switch supports virtual fabric configurations, allowing organizations to create logical partitions within the switch. This feature is particularly useful in multi-tenant environments or scenarios where different departments require dedicated storage resources. Virtual fabric support enhances flexibility and enables efficient resource utilization.
Upgradeable Firmware
Firmware updates are essential for addressing security vulnerabilities, adding new features, and ensuring compatibility with evolving technologies. The DS-C9148-32P-K9’s upgradeable firmware allows organizations to stay current with the latest enhancements and security patches, extending the switch’s lifespan and relevance.
Use Cases and Industry Applications
Understanding how the Cisco DS-C9148-32P-K9 fits into specific use cases and industries provides valuable insights into its versatility and applicability:
Enterprise Data Centers
Large enterprises with extensive storage requirements benefit from the DS-C9148-32P-K9’s high port density and performance capabilities. The switch is well-suited for consolidating and managing storage resources in enterprise data centres, ensuring efficient data access and transfer.
Healthcare
In the healthcare industry, where sensitive patient data must be accessed rapidly and securely, the DS-C9148-32P-K9 plays a vital role in supporting the storage infrastructure of electronic health record (EHR) systems. Its reliability, low latency, and security features align with the stringent requirements of healthcare IT environments.
Financial Institutions
Financial transactions demand real-time data access and high levels of security. The DS-C9148-32P-K9’s low latency and robust security features make it an ideal choice for financial institutions seeking to optimize their storage networks and ensure the timely processing of transactions.
General Information about the Cisco DS-C9148-32P-K9
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU# DS-C9148-32P-K9
- Product Series: MDS 9100
- Product Model: MDS 9148
- Product Type: Fibre Channel Switch
Details of Fibre Channel Switch
- Switch Type: Fibre Channel Switch
- Number of Fibre Channel Ports: 32
- Data Transfer Rate: 8.48 Gbit/s
I/O Expansions
- Expansion Slot Type: SFP+
- Management & Protocols:
- Manageable: Yes
- Redundant Power Supply: Yes
Security
- VSAN (Virtual Storage Area Network) Fabric Isolation
- Intelligent Packet Inspection @ Port Level
- Hardware Zoning by Access Control Lists (ACLs)
- Extended Broadcast Zoning
- FC-SP Switch-to-Switch Authentication
- FC-SP Host-to-Switch Authentication
- RBAC (Role-Based Access Control) using RADIUS or TACACS+ Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) Functions
- Management Access
- Secure FTP (SFTP)
- Secure Shell Version 2 (SSHv2)
- Simple Network Management Protocol Version 3 (SNMPv3) implementing Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)
- Control-Plane Security
Virtual Computing Environment (VCE) Coalition:
- Cisco MDS 9148 is supported as a VCE coalition option for Vblock1, Vblock2, Vblock 300, and Vblock 700.
Management Access Methods
- Out-of-Band 10/100/1000 Ethernet Port
- EIA/TIA-232 Serial Console Port
- In-Band Management using IP over Fibre Channel
Access Protocols
- CLI (Command Line Interface)
- SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
- SMI-S (Storage Management Initiative Specification)
Security Measures
- RBAC using RADIUS or TACACS+ Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) Functions
- VSAN-Based Roles
- SSHv2
- SNMPv3
Environmental Parameters
- Ambient Operating Temperature: 32 to 104°F (0 to 40°C)
- Ambient Nonoperating Temperature: -40 to 158°F (-40 to 70°C)
- Humidity (RH), Ambient (Noncondensing) Operating: 10 to 90%
- Humidity (RH), Ambient (Noncondensing) Nonoperating and Storage: 5 to 95%
- Operating Altitude: -197 to 6500 ft (-60 to 2000m)
Compatibility
- Fibre Channel Protocols:
- FC-PH, Revision 4.3 (ANSI/INCITS 230-1994)
- FC-PH, Amendment 1 (ANSI/INCITS 230-1994/AM1 1996)
- FC-PH, Amendment 2 (ANSI/INCITS 230-1994/AM2-1999)
- FC-PH-2, Revision 7.4 (ANSI/INCITS 297-1997)
- FC-PH-3, Revision 9.4 (ANSI/INCITS 303-1998)
- FC-PI, Revision 13 (ANSI/INCITS 352-2002)
- FC-PI-2, Revision 10 (ANSI/INCITS 404-2006)
- FC-PI-3, Revision 2.1 (BSR INCITS 460-200x)
- FC-PI-4, Revision 8.0 (INCITS 450-2009)
- FC-FS, Revision 1.9 (ANSI/INCITS 373-2003)
In summary, the Cisco DS-C9148-32P-K9 9100 Series Fibre Channel Switch stands out as a reliable and high-performance solution for organizations seeking to optimize their storage networks. From its impressive port configuration and technical specifications to its advanced management features and security capabilities, the switch addresses the diverse needs of modern data centres.
Whether deployed in enterprise data centres, healthcare environments, or financial institutions, the DS-C9148-32P-K9 delivers on its promise of scalability, reliability, and efficiency. By understanding its features, benefits, and the steps involved in installation and configuration, organizations can make informed decisions about integrating this Fibre Channel Switch into their storage infrastructure, ensuring a seamless and responsive data storage environment.