Cisco MDS 9148T 32G Fibre Channel SAN Switch (DS-C9148T-48PETK9)
The Cisco MDS DS-C9148T-48PETK9 is a fully licensed, high-performance 32G Fibre Channel SAN switch. Featuring 48 active ports, it delivers maximum NVMe-ready throughput, enterprise-grade high availability, and advanced analytics for the most demanding all-flash storage environments.
Quick Specs:
· Active Ports: 48 x 32G Fibre Channel (Fully Licensed)
· Speed: Auto-sensing 8/16/32 Gbps
· Software: Enterprise Package Included
· Storage Support: Ready for NVMe over Fibre Channel (NVMe/FC)
· Form Factor: 1RU Rack-mountable
Comprehensive Product Overview
The Cisco MDS 9148T (Part Number: DS-C9148T-48PETK9) is a premium, high-density 32-Gbps Multilayer Fabric Switch built for the modern enterprise Storage Area Network (SAN). Designed to eliminate storage bottlenecks, it provides the ultra-low latency and massive line-rate bandwidth required to maximize the performance of cutting-edge All-Flash Arrays (AFA) and Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) storage systems. Unlike base models that require future license upgrades, this specific 48PETK9 configuration is a fully unlocked powerhouse. It comes out-of-the-box with all 48 Fibre Channel ports actively licensed and the comprehensive Cisco MDS Enterprise Software Package bundled. This provides data center architects with immediate, maximum port density and advanced fabric security features in a compact 1-Rack-Unit (1RU) form factor, delivering exceptional Return on Investment (ROI) for heavy storage workloads.
Key Features & Business Benefits
Maximum Density Out-of-the-Box: No need to manage piecemeal port licenses. With 48 active 32G ports available on day one, you can immediately connect dozens of host servers and massive storage arrays without worrying about port exhaustion.
NVMe & All-Flash Ready: Future-proof your data center. The switch natively supports NVMe over Fibre Channel (NVMe/FC) alongside traditional SCSI traffic, providing the microsecond latency needed for next-generation solid-state storage.
Enterprise Software Package Bundled: Included at no extra cost, this package unlocks advanced SAN features such as Inter-VSAN Routing (IVR), Quality of Service (QoS), Cisco TrustSec FC Link Encryption, and comprehensive fabric security.
Mission-Critical High Availability: Engineered for 99.999% uptime. Features dual redundant, hot-swappable power supplies and hot-swappable fan trays with front-to-back airflow, ensuring your critical data is always accessible.
Deep SAN Analytics & Telemetry: Powered by Cisco NX-OS, it provides hardware-based inspection of every frame. Administrators can monitor I/O flows, detect slow-drain devices, and resolve latency issues in real-time without the need for external network taps.
Technical Specifications
Specification
Details for DS-C9148T-48PETK9
Product Series
Cisco MDS 9000 Family (MDS 9148T)
Switch Type
Fibre Channel Storage Area Network (SAN) Switch
Active Ports
48 ports active (Fully populated license)
Port Speed Options
Auto-sensing 8, 16, and 32 Gbps
Maximum Bandwidth
1.536 Tbps full-duplex
Software Bundle
Cisco MDS 9000 Enterprise Package Included
Operating System
Cisco NX-OS Software
Storage Protocols
FCP (SCSI), NVMe/FC, FICON
Power Supplies
Dual redundant hot-swappable (650W AC typical)
Cooling
4 hot-swappable fan trays (Port-side exhaust default)
Dimensions (H x W x D)
1.72 x 17.3 x 20.11 in. (4.37 x 43.94 x 51.08 cm)
Ideal Application Scenarios
High-Density All-Flash Storage (ToR): The ultimate Top-of-Rack switch for data centers deploying dense clusters of high-speed All-Flash Arrays (like Pure Storage, Dell PowerMax, or NetApp) that require immediate access to dozens of 32G ports.
Large-Scale Enterprise SAN Edge: Serve as a high-capacity edge/leaf switch in a massive Core-Edge SAN topology, aggregating heavy server traffic before routing it to a Cisco MDS 9700 Series Director core.
Data Center Consolidation: Replace multiple aging 16-port or 24-port 8G/16G SAN switches with a single, highly efficient 48-port 32G switch, drastically reducing rack space, power consumption, and cooling costs.
Supported Accessories & Optics
To fully utilize all 48 ports on your DS-C9148T-48PETK9, you will need to equip it with compatible Cisco Fibre Channel optics: DS-SFP-FC32G-SW: Cisco 32-Gbps Fibre Channel Shortwave SFP+ transceivers (Essential for maximizing 32G server/storage connections over OM3/OM4 multi-mode fiber). DS-SFP-FC16G-SW: Cisco 16-Gbps Fibre Channel SFP+ transceivers (For connecting to legacy 16G HBAs or older storage arrays). (Note: No Port-On-Demand upgrade licenses are needed for this model, as all 48 ports are already activated).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the exact difference between the DS-C9148T-24PETK9 and DS-C9148T-48PETK9?
A1: Both models share the exact same physical chassis. The difference is the software licensing. The “24PETK9” comes with only 24 ports activated, allowing for future upgrades. The “48PETK9” comes fully licensed with all 48 ports active out of the box, offering maximum density immediately.
Q2: Does this model require any Port-On-Demand (PoD) licenses?
A2: No. Because the DS-C9148T-48PETK9 is a fully licensed switch, you do not need to purchase any additional Cisco MDS 9148T 8-port activation licenses.
Q3: Are SFP transceivers included in the box?
A3: No. The base hardware includes the switch chassis, power supplies, fans, and software licenses. You must purchase the necessary Fibre Channel SFP+ transceivers (e.g., DS-SFP-FC32G-SW) separately based on your cabling requirements.
Q4: Can this switch handle NVMe over Fibre Channel (NVMe/FC)?
A4: Yes, absolutely. The MDS 9148T series is purpose-built to handle both traditional FCP (SCSI) traffic and NVMe/FC concurrently on the same fabric, ensuring you can upgrade to NVMe storage without changing your SAN switches.
Q5: Will this 32G switch work with my older 8G servers?
A5: Yes. The 32G Fibre Channel ports are auto-sensing. If you plug an 8G or 16G transceiver into the switch to connect an older server HBA, the port will automatically negotiate down to the appropriate speed, protecting your legacy investments.
