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DS-C9396S-96IK9
Cisco DS-C9396S-96IK9 MDS 9396S 96-Port 16G Fibre Channel Sw...
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DS-C9396S-96IK9 provides 96 active Fibre Channel ports with port-side intake airflow in a fixed 2U fabric switch. Each port supports connections through 16 Gbps, using built-in SFP+ cages rather than an Ethernet uplink module bay. The Cisco MDS 9396S serves standalone storage networks, redundant fabrics and enterprise data center storage edges. All ports are enabled in this configuration, separating it from models that require additional port activation as connection counts grow. The discontinued DS-C9396S-96EK9 uses port-side exhaust instead, so the airflow direction is the distinguishing hardware choice between those configurations. Within the Cisco MDS 9000 Family, this switch connects storage hosts, arrays and fabric links; the Ethernet management connection is separate from those storage interfaces.
DS-C9396S-96IK9 price for new stock is is available on request. Get immediate quote. DS-C9396S-96IK9 refurb price is $46,482.45.
Request bulk order quote for DS-C9396S-96IK9 for additional pricing. Browse the full Cisco MDS 9300 Switches series or explore all Cisco products.
800W maximum power consumption at full population, 16-Gbps traffic load and 25°C provides the load figure for electrical planning. Two DS-CAC-1200W power supplies provide redundant internal power, while two DS-C96S-FAN-I fan modules maintain the intake airflow direction. Continuous operation requires both supplies and both fan modules installed and their fans operating. DS-C9396S-96IK9 provides local console access and remote management connections, keeping administration separate from storage traffic. Buffer-credit limits are license-dependent: the base configuration supports 500 credits per port, while the optional Enterprise Package increases the per-port limit to 4095. In-Service Software Upgrades allow software maintenance while Fibre Channel ports carry traffic. Virtual output queuing addresses head-of-line blocking, and smart zoning reduces zoning resource consumption. Hardware-based slow-port detection and diagnostics provide additional checks when investigating storage-fabric behavior rather than treating an Ethernet management link as a storage connection.
ORM Systems offers DS-C9396S-96IK9 new sealed or certified refurbished, with up to a 3-year extended warranty for new units, up to 1 year for certified refurbished units, and 30-day returns on every condition; terms apply. Certified refurbished units are inspected and bench-tested for power-on and POST, every port linking at rated speed, optics bay recognition, PSU status, fan status and clean boot, with firmware verified and configuration wiped to factory default. Specify the condition, optical transceiver PIDs and quantities on the PO. For enterprise and volume orders, PO acceptance, Net-30 for government, RMA with advance replacement, and regional stock/RMA across the UK, EU, US and MEA are available.
| Key Specs | Key Spec Values |
|---|---|
Operating System | Cisco NX-OS |
Port Configuration | 96 active 16G Fibre Channel ports |
Max Power Draw | 800W |
Cooling | 2 x DS-C96S-FAN-I fan modules |
Lifecycle Status | End of sale June 10, 2022 |
When an existing storage fabric needs additional inter-switch connectivity, the MDS 9396S can combine 16 physical ISLs into one logical PortChannel. Treat host-facing connections and fabric links as separate line items in the connection plan. Before the PO, specify the required link count, compatible optics and fiber connections for each bundle.
When several storage switches need a consistent initial configuration, the MDS 9396S supports Power On Auto Provisioning for software-image upgrades and configuration-file installation on newly deployed switches. Prepare the staging configuration separately from production fabric settings. Before the PO, specify the staging quantity and verify the intended software image and provisioning files.
When a storage rack is being prepared for replacement hardware, reserve airflow clearance as well as mounting space. The MDS 9396S requires a minimum 64 mm between chassis vents and walls, with 152 mm horizontal separation between adjacent chassis. Before the PO, check the cabinet layout, service access and cable routing against those clearances.
Native 32-Gbps storage connections
DS-C9396S-96IK9 supports Fibre Channel connections through 16 Gbps, not 32 Gbps. Native 32-Gbps endpoint connections require higher-speed switching hardware.
Continuing Cisco security remedies
Cisco vulnerability and security support ended June 9, 2025. DS-C9396S-96IK9 cannot satisfy a requirement for continuing manufacturer security remedies; eligible service support ends June 30, 2027.
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| Depth | 565.9 mm | 565.9 mm | 565.9 mm | 565.9 mm | 565.9 mm |
| Form Factor | Rack-Mount 2U | Rack-Mount 2U | Rack-Mount 2U | Rack-Mount 2U | Rack-Mount 2U |
| Height | 86.4 mm | 86.4 mm | 86.4 mm | 86.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Manufacturer Part Number | DS-C9396S-96IK9 | DS-C9396S-96E8K9 | DS-C9396S-48E8K9 | DS-C9396S-48IK9 | DS-C9396S-48ESK9 |
| Power Consumption | 800W | 800W | 700W | 700W | 700W |
| Weight | 17.8 kg. | 17.8 kg | 17.8 kg | 17.8 kg | 17.8 kg |
| Width | 442.5 mm | 442.5 mm | 442.5 mm | 442.5 mm | 442.5 mm |
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DS-C9396S-96IK9 identifies an MDS 9396S 16G Fibre Channel switch with 96 active ports and port-side intake airflow. DS-C9396S identifies the switch model, 96 identifies the enabled port count, and I corresponds to intake airflow. The configuration is separate from models bundled with optical transceivers.
DS-C9396S-96IK9 is managed through its CLI, Cisco Prime DCNM, SNMPv3 and SMI-S interfaces. CLI access uses the serial console or Ethernet management connection, with SSHv2 available for secure remote access. In-band IP over Fibre Channel supports management access, while DCNM also provides a web services API.
DS-C9396S-96IK9 is discontinued, with end of sale on June 10, 2022 and last support on June 30, 2027. Software maintenance ended June 10, 2023, and vulnerability support ended June 9, 2025. Remaining support depends on eligible existing entitlement, and no direct replacement PID is assigned.
ORM Systems offers DS-C9396S-96IK9 new sealed or certified refurbished. New units receive up to a 3-year extended warranty; refurbished units receive up to 1 year. Returns are available for 30 days on every condition; terms apply. Cisco service and warranty entitlement is separate and ends June 30, 2027.
DS-C9396S-96IK9 supports the optional M9300ENT1K9 Enterprise Package, DCNM-SAN-M93-K9 advanced management license and combined Enterprise/DCNM package options. Port activation is already complete on this 96-active-port configuration. Optional advanced software packages are delivered uninstalled, so license obtainment and installation must be included in the commissioning plan.
DS-C9396S-96IK9 uses port-side intake airflow, while DS-C9396S-96EK9 uses port-side exhaust; both have 96 active Fibre Channel ports. Both models are discontinued. For legacy replacement orders, the intake model fits installations requiring air to enter at the ports, while the exhaust model matches the opposite airflow arrangement.
DS-C9396S-96IK9 enables 96 Fibre Channel ports, whereas DS-C9396S-48IK9 enables 48; both use port-side intake airflow. Both models are discontinued. The 96-port configuration addresses legacy orders needing the full enabled connection count, while the 48-port configuration matches installations whose replacement requirement is limited to 48 active connections.
DS-C9396S-96IK9 has no bundled optical transceivers, while DS-C9396S-96I8K9 includes 8G optical transceivers; both have 96 active ports with intake airflow. Both configurations are discontinued. The unbundled configuration matches legacy orders specifying optics separately, while the 8G bundle matches replacement requirements that include those transceivers.
Yes, DS-C9396S-96IK9 has two redundant DS-CAC-1200W power supplies. Continuous operation requires both supplies installed, although a healthy supply can sustain operation after the other fails. Power-grid redundancy requires 180-264V AC input. Verify the intended input voltage and separate electrical feeds before specifying the installation power arrangement.
The MDS 9396S supports DS-SFP-FC16G-SW= shortwave optics for 4/8/16-Gbps connections and DS-SFP-FC16G-LW= longwave optics for the same speeds. These are spare transceiver PIDs and ship separately. Match the optical type at both ends of each connection and specify quantities independently from the switch hardware order.
Yes, the MDS 9396S supports NVMe over Fibre Channel with NX-OS Release 8.2(1) or higher. Software compatibility is therefore part of the deployment requirement, not just the port-speed selection. Verify the intended image and the host-to-storage connection plan before introducing the switch into that fabric.
Yes, DS-C9396S-96IK9 is a 2U rack-mount switch for a standard 19-inch rack. The chassis measures 86.4 mm high, 442.5 mm wide and 565.9 mm deep, with a fully configured weight of 17.8 kg. Verify rack depth, mounting hardware and service clearance before the order.
The MDS 9396S provides 500 buffer credits per port without the Enterprise license and supports 4095 per port with the optional Enterprise license. These are license-dependent per-port limits, not one shared switch-wide total. Confirm the required allocation and Enterprise Package entitlement when planning fabric links and commissioning the switch.