Cisco MDS DS-C9148-48P-K9 Fibre Channel Switch (48 Ports)

Product Overview of Cisco DS-C9148-48P-K9

• Manufacturer: Cisco 
• Model Number: DS-C9148-48P-K9
• Series: Cisco MDS 9100
• Product Type: Fibre Channel Switch

Key Specifications

• Device Type: 48-Port Switch
• Form Factor: 1U Desktop Enclosure
• Port Configuration: 48 x 8 Gbps Fibre Channel

Advanced Protocols Supported

• Fibre Channel standards: FC-AL, FC-AL-2, FC-BB, FC-FLA, FC-FS
• Compliant with protocols like FC-GS, FC-GS-3, FC-GS-4, FC-MI
• Enhanced support for FC-PI, FC-SW, FC-TAPE, FC-SP, and more

Management & Security Features

• Remote Management: RMON, SNMP v3, SSH-2
• Encryption: AES (Advanced Encryption Standard)
• Authentication Methods: RADIUS, TACACS+, SSH v2
• Manageability: Supports syslog, ACLs, LUN zoning, QoS, trunking, hot-swap module replacement

Status Indicators

• Port Status
• Power
• Device Status

Expansion & Connectivity Options

• Network Interfaces: 1 x RJ-45 (100Base-TX) for management, 1 x RJ-45 console port
• SFP+ Ports: 48 for Fibre Channel connectivity

Power Specifications

• Power Supply: Internal, hot-pluggable
• Redundant Power: Yes, supports AC 120/230V (50/60Hz)
• Operational Power Consumption: 300W

Notable Features for Optimal Performance

• Auto-sensing for each connected device
• Comprehensive access control lists (ACLs) for security
• Enhanced Quality of Service (QoS) for bandwidth management
• Supports hot-swappable modules for easy hardware upgrades

Ports

The Cisco DS-C9148-48P-K9 Fibre Channel Switch is equipped with an impressive 48 ports, making it a highly versatile and scalable solution for businesses of all sizes. This feature sets it apart from other switches in its class, providing users with a multitude of benefits and ensuring efficient connectivity within their network infrastructure. In this section, we will explore the importance and advantages of having 48 ports in greater detail.

Scalability and Flexibility

With 48 ports, the Cisco DS-C9148-48P-K9 offers remarkable scalability and flexibility. Businesses can easily connect numerous devices such as servers, storage arrays, and workstations to the switch without worrying about capacity limitations. This high port count allows for future expansion and growth, as additional devices can be seamlessly integrated into the network without the need for additional switches or complex configurations.

Reduced Network Congestion

One significant advantage of having 48 ports is the reduction of network congestion. With more available ports, the switch can distribute network traffic more efficiently, minimizing bottlenecks and ensuring smooth data transmission. Users can enjoy faster response times, improved network performance, and reduced latency when accessing critical applications or transferring large amounts of data. This is particularly beneficial in environments where bandwidth-intensive tasks are commonplace.

Enhanced Network Performance

The 48-port capability of the Cisco DS-C9148-48P-K9 also contributes to enhanced network performance. Each port supports high-speed Fibre Channel connectivity, enabling quick data transfers between devices. This is particularly crucial in scenarios where real-time data processing or storage operations are required, such as in financial institutions or healthcare facilities. With multiple devices connected simultaneously, businesses can achieve optimal performance levels and ensure uninterrupted operations.

High Availability and Redundancy

Having 48 ports also facilitates high availability and redundancy within the network infrastructure. The Cisco DS-C9148-48P-K9 supports features such as port channeling and link aggregation, allowing users to combine multiple ports into a single logical interface. This configuration not only increases bandwidth but also provides failover capabilities. In the event of a port or link failure, traffic can seamlessly be redirected to alternate paths, ensuring continuous connectivity and minimizing downtime.

Improved Data Security

In addition to high availability, the redundant nature of the switch enhances data security. By utilizing multiple ports, businesses can establish separate paths for data transmission, reducing the risk of data loss or corruption due to a single point of failure. This level of redundancy is essential for mission-critical applications that demand uninterrupted access to sensitive data and require robust disaster recovery mechanisms.

Efficient Resource Utilization

The 48-port capacity of the Cisco DS-C9148-48P-K9 also enables efficient resource utilization within the network infrastructure. With a higher number of ports available, businesses can distribute their devices across different ports, optimizing resource allocation and preventing overloading on specific connections. This balanced distribution ensures that network resources are utilized effectively, maximizing performance and minimizing potential bottlenecks.

Simplified Network Management

Managing a network with 48 ports may seem daunting, but Cisco has designed the DS-C9148-48P-K9 with user-friendly management features to simplify administrative tasks.

Centralized Control

The switch offers centralized management capabilities through Cisco's intuitive web-based interface. Administrators can conveniently configure and monitor the switch, as well as perform essential tasks such as firmware updates or port configurations from a single interface. This streamlines network management processes and reduces the time and effort required to maintain a large-scale network.

Virtualization Support

Virtualization has become a vital component in modern IT infrastructures. The Cisco DS-C9148-48P-K9 is equipped with advanced virtualization support, allowing businesses to create and manage virtual SANs (Storage Area Networks). With this feature, administrators can allocate specific ports to virtualized environments, enabling efficient resource utilization and simplified management of virtualized storage resources.

Enhanced Troubleshooting

The Cisco DS-C9148-48P-K9 offers enhanced troubleshooting capabilities, which are essential for maintaining a reliable and high-performing network.

Diagnostic Features

The switch provides comprehensive diagnostic features that enable administrators to identify and resolve network issues quickly. From monitoring port statistics to identifying faulty connections or devices, these diagnostic capabilities simplify the troubleshooting process and minimize network downtime.

Proactive Monitoring

With the ability to monitor each port individually, administrators can proactively detect potential issues before they impact network performance. By setting up alerts and notifications for specific thresholds or events, administrators can take preventive measures to address any anomalies promptly.

In conclusion, the Cisco DS-C9148-48P-K9 Fibre Channel Switch's 48-port feature offers immense benefits to users. It provides scalability, flexibility, reduced network congestion, enhanced network performance, high availability, redundancy, improved data security, efficient resource utilization, simplified network management, and enhanced troubleshooting capabilities. With this switch, businesses can build a robust and future-proof network infrastructure that meets their growing demands while ensuring optimal performance and reliability.