Cisco MDS SAN (Multilayer Director Switch) - Refurbished, Used, New

MDS families and parts

Which MDS switch do I need?

Start with the Fibre Channel speed your storage arrays and host bus adapters run at: 8G, 16G or 32G. A 16G switch such as the 9148S or 9396S is the usual match for 16G arrays and will negotiate down to older 8G and 4G hosts. Choose 32G (9132T, 9148T, or a 9700 director with DS-X9648 cards) when the arrays and HBAs are 32G. Then count the ports you need today. Fixed switches ship with a set number of ports enabled, and each listing states the active port count, so buy the enabled count you need rather than the physical count. For a 9700 director, give us the chassis, supervisor and fabric module you run and we will confirm a line card fits. Finally, match airflow to your rack: I or intake models pull air from the port side, E or exhaust models push it out the port side. Optics are sold separately.

Frequently asked questions

Do MDS switches from different generations work in the same fabric?
Yes, as long as each switch runs a compatible NX-OS release and the links between them negotiate a common speed. A 32G switch connected to a 16G switch runs that inter-switch link at 16G. Check the NX-OS release matrix for the exact models before you mix them.

Can I add the M9XT-FC1632 module to a 9132T later?
Yes. The 9132T has 16 fixed ports and one slot for the 16-port expansion module, so you can start with the base switch and add the module when you need more ports.

What comes in the box with a used MDS switch?
The listing states the installed power supplies, fan trays and the number of ports enabled. SFP optics are not included unless the listing says so, so order Fibre Channel SFPs to match your speed.

NetworkTigers has sold enterprise network equipment since 1996. Every MDS switch, line card and power supply carries the NetworkTigers 365-day warranty. Need a full director build or a quantity of fabric switches? Ask us for a quote.