DS-X9304-18K9 Cisco 18 Ports SFP Multiservice Switching Module

Cisco DS-X9304-18K9 Switching Module Overview

The Cisco DS-X9304-18K9 is a high-performance switch fabric module designed to deliver seamless multiservice connectivity. Engineered for efficiency and reliability, this module ensures optimal network performance for enterprise environments.

Manufacturer & Product Details

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model / SKU: DS-X9304-18K9
• Product Type: Switch Fabric Module
• Subtype: 18-Port Configuration

Technical Specifications

Module Design & Enclosure

• Enclosure Type: Plug-in Module
• Subtype: Fibre Channel
• Port Configuration: 18 × 4Gb Fibre Channel + 4 × SFP

Remote Management & Protocol Support

• Supported Protocols: SNMP v3, SSH-2
• Enables secure and reliable remote administration of network infrastructure

Expansion & Connectivity Options

Interfaces & Slots

• Interfaces: 22 × SFP (mini-GBIC)
• Offers flexible expansion for enhanced network scalability

Performance & Reliability

• Designed to ensure low-latency switching
• Supports multiservice network environments efficiently
• Highly compatible with Cisco network infrastructure

Cisco DS-X9304-18K9 18 Ports Switching Module Overview

The Cisco DS-X9304-18K9 18 Ports Switching Module SFP Multiservice is a high-performance network solution designed to meet the demands of modern enterprise and service provider environments. This advanced module offers scalable connectivity, exceptional throughput, and flexible deployment options, ensuring that organizations can optimize their network infrastructure for performance and reliability. Engineered to integrate seamlessly with Cisco's modular switching platforms, the DS-X9304-18K9 supports multi-service operations, allowing data, voice, and video traffic to coexist efficiently across the network. The module’s SFP-based design provides superior optical and copper connectivity options, delivering the flexibility required for complex and heterogeneous network topologies.

Advanced Switching Capabilities

The Cisco DS-X9304-18K9 module is equipped with robust Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching capabilities, offering high-speed data transfer and low-latency communication. Layer 2 features include support for VLANs, spanning tree protocols, link aggregation, and quality of service (QoS) management, enabling efficient traffic segregation and prioritization. Layer 3 functionalities include dynamic routing protocols such as OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP, allowing the module to handle complex routing scenarios with ease. These advanced switching capabilities ensure that the DS-X9304-18K9 can meet the requirements of high-density, high-performance network environments where reliability and speed are critical.

Multi-Service Support

The module is specifically designed to support multi-service environments, accommodating various traffic types simultaneously. Voice over IP (VoIP) traffic, high-definition video streams, and mission-critical data applications can be transmitted over the same network infrastructure without compromising performance. The Cisco DS-X9304-18K9 ensures end-to-end traffic management through advanced QoS features, including traffic shaping, classification, and prioritization. This multi-service capability makes the module an ideal choice for enterprises, data centers, and service providers that need to consolidate their network infrastructure while maintaining high levels of performance and reliability.

High-Density Connectivity

The 18-port SFP configuration of the DS-X9304-18K9 provides high-density connectivity options, allowing network administrators to connect multiple devices and switches in a compact form factor. Each port is capable of supporting high-speed data transmission, ensuring minimal bottlenecks and maximum throughput. The module’s flexible SFP interfaces support a wide range of optical and copper transceivers, enabling seamless integration with existing network infrastructure. This high-density connectivity reduces the need for additional modules and switches, optimizing both space and power consumption in data center and enterprise deployments.

Performance and Reliability

The Cisco DS-X9304-18K9 is engineered for exceptional performance and reliability. Built with advanced hardware components, the module ensures low-latency switching, high throughput, and consistent network uptime. Redundant power and cooling options further enhance the module’s reliability, minimizing the risk of network downtime. With comprehensive error detection and correction mechanisms, the DS-X9304-18K9 provides continuous monitoring and proactive fault management, which are essential for mission-critical network environments. The module is also optimized for scalability, allowing organizations to expand their network capacity without compromising performance.

Flexible Deployment Options

One of the key advantages of the Cisco DS-X9304-18K9 is its flexibility in deployment. The module can be deployed in enterprise campus networks, data centers, or service provider networks, providing seamless integration with existing Cisco infrastructure. Its SFP interfaces support both single-mode and multi-mode fiber connections, as well as copper options, enabling connectivity over varying distances and environmental conditions. The modular design allows for easy installation and upgrades, reducing operational costs and minimizing network disruption during expansion or maintenance activities.

Integration with Cisco Modular Switch Platforms

The DS-X9304-18K9 is designed to work seamlessly with Cisco's modular switch chassis, providing a scalable and unified network solution. Integration with Cisco’s management tools enables centralized monitoring, configuration, and troubleshooting, allowing network administrators to maintain optimal performance and security across the network. The module supports advanced software-defined networking (SDN) features, including programmability and automation, which are essential for modern, dynamic network environments. By leveraging Cisco’s robust ecosystem, organizations can achieve a highly efficient and resilient network infrastructure.

Security Features and Compliance

Security is a critical aspect of network infrastructure, and the Cisco DS-X9304-18K9 addresses these concerns with comprehensive security features. The module supports 802.1X network access control, secure management protocols such as SSH and SNMPv3, and advanced encryption for sensitive data transmission. Traffic monitoring and anomaly detection features help prevent unauthorized access and mitigate potential threats. In addition, the module complies with industry standards and regulations, ensuring that enterprise and service provider networks meet security and compliance requirements while maintaining high performance and reliability.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Considerations

The Cisco DS-X9304-18K9 has been designed with energy efficiency in mind. Low-power components and intelligent thermal management reduce energy consumption, making the module suitable for environmentally conscious organizations. By optimizing cooling and power usage, the module not only reduces operational costs but also minimizes the carbon footprint of the network infrastructure. Energy-efficient design, combined with high performance and reliability, ensures that the DS-X9304-18K9 delivers sustainable and cost-effective network operations.

Scalability and Future-Proofing

Scalability is a core feature of the Cisco DS-X9304-18K9, enabling organizations to grow their network capacity as demand increases. The module supports stacking and high-density port expansion, allowing additional modules to be added without significant redesign of the network architecture. Future-proofing is further enhanced by compatibility with emerging networking standards and technologies, ensuring that the module can accommodate evolving traffic patterns, higher bandwidth requirements, and advanced applications. With scalable design and long-term support from Cisco, the DS-X9304-18K9 offers a future-ready solution for enterprise and service provider networks.

Applications in Enterprise and Service Provider Networks

The Cisco DS-X9304-18K9 is versatile, supporting a wide range of applications across enterprise and service provider networks. In enterprise environments, the module can facilitate high-speed connectivity between data centers, campus networks, and branch offices, enabling seamless communication and data transfer. For service providers, the module supports multi-tenant networks, metro Ethernet services, and high-density aggregation, ensuring efficient traffic management and optimized service delivery. Its multi-service capabilities, high performance, and flexible connectivity make it a cornerstone of modern network deployments, providing reliability, scalability, and advanced features that meet diverse operational requirements.

Enhanced Data Center Interconnectivity

Data centers require high-speed interconnectivity to handle large volumes of traffic between servers, storage systems, and cloud services. The DS-X9304-18K9 supports these needs through its high-density SFP ports and multi-service architecture, enabling seamless communication across data center components. By providing low-latency, high-bandwidth connections, the module ensures efficient workload distribution and optimal performance for critical applications. Its compatibility with emerging technologies such as virtualization and software-defined networking further enhances data center flexibility and scalability, positioning the module as a strategic investment for enterprise IT infrastructure.