The Cisco MDS 9710 Datasheet is a vital document for anyone looking to understand the capabilities and specifications of this high-performance storage networking platform. It serves as the definitive guide, outlining the hardware, software, and features that make the MDS 9710 a cornerstone for demanding enterprise data centers.
Decoding the Cisco MDS 9710 Datasheet: Your Gateway to Enterprise Storage
The Cisco MDS 9710 Datasheet isn't just a collection of numbers and technical jargon; it's a comprehensive blueprint that details a powerful modular director-class switch designed for enterprise storage area networks (SANs). This document is meticulously crafted to provide IT professionals, network architects, and storage administrators with all the information they need to plan, deploy, and manage their SAN infrastructure effectively. By understanding the contents of the Cisco MDS 9710 Datasheet, users can grasp the switch's capacity, port densities, supported technologies, and performance metrics.
This understanding is crucial for making informed decisions about storage network design and ensuring optimal performance and scalability.
These datasheets are invaluable resources for several key purposes within an organization. For procurement teams, they provide the necessary technical specifications to compare the MDS 9710 against other solutions and justify purchases. For network engineers, the datasheets are essential for designing SAN fabrics, understanding port types (like Fibre Channel or Ethernet), and calculating port bandwidth requirements. For operational teams, they offer insights into the switch's environmental requirements, power consumption, and physical dimensions, facilitating smooth integration into existing data center environments. The information presented typically includes:
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Chassis specifications (height, width, depth, weight)
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Module options (e.g., line cards for Fibre Channel, FCoE, Ethernet)
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Port configurations and speeds
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Power supply and cooling capabilities
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Supported software features and functionalities
Furthermore, the Cisco MDS 9710 Datasheet plays a critical role in capacity planning and future-proofing. By outlining the switch's scalability, including the ability to add more modules or increase port density over time, it helps organizations anticipate future storage needs and avoid costly network redesigns. The document will often detail the maximum number of ports, supported fabric sizes, and the potential for non-blocking performance, ensuring that the SAN can grow alongside the business. For instance, a table within the datasheet might illustrate the different line card options available:
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Module Type
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Description
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Max Ports
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72-Port 16Gbps Fibre Channel Module
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High-density Fibre Channel connectivity
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72
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48-Port 32Gbps Fibre Channel Module
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Higher speed Fibre Channel for demanding workloads
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48
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10/40 Gbps Ethernet Module
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For FCoE and other Ethernet-based storage protocols
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4 (10Gbps or 40Gbps)
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The Cisco MDS 9710 Datasheet is not a static document but rather a living record that reflects the latest advancements and configurations. It's important for users to consult the most current version available for the specific MDS 9710 model and software release they are interested in. This ensures accuracy in their planning and implementation. The datasheet provides a detailed breakdown of its core components, including:
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The chassis itself, which is the physical housing for the various modules.
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The Supervisor modules, which are the brains of the operation, running the Cisco NX-OS software.
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Line cards, which provide the actual data ports for connecting servers and storage arrays.
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Fabric modules, which enable high-speed communication between line cards within the chassis.
If you're looking to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Cisco MDS 9710's technical specifications and operational capabilities, the official Cisco MDS 9710 Datasheet is your definitive resource.