Cisco Nexus DS-C9148T-24IK9

High-Performance 32Gb Fibre Channel Switch for Enterprise SAN Networks

Product Overview

The Cisco Nexus DS-C9148T-24IK9 is a high-performance Fibre Channel (FC) storage networking switch designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern enterprise data centers. Built for mission-critical Storage Area Networks (SANs), this switch delivers ultra-low latency, high port density, and enterprise-grade reliability for organizations that rely on fast, secure, and always-available data access.

As part of the Cisco Nexus 9000 SAN switching portfolio, the DS-C9148T-24IK9 supports 32Gb Fibre Channel, making it an ideal solution for environments running high-performance storage arrays, virtualization platforms, databases, and business-critical applications.

Whether deployed as a top-of-rack SAN switch, core SAN component, or edge switch, the DS-C9148T-24IK9 provides the performance and scalability required for today’s data-intensive workloads while ensuring long-term investment protection.

Built for Modern Storage Workloads

Enterprise storage demands have grown exponentially due to:

• Virtualization and hyper-converged infrastructure

• Cloud and hybrid cloud architectures

• Big data analytics

• AI and machine learning workloads

• Mission-critical databases

The Cisco Nexus DS-C9148T-24IK9 is engineered to handle these workloads by delivering predictable, lossless, and high-throughput Fibre Channel connectivity.

Unlike Ethernet switches adapted for storage, this switch is purpose-built for SAN environments, ensuring consistent performance and reliability under heavy I/O loads.

Key Hardware Features

32Gb Fibre Channel Performance

The DS-C9148T-24IK9 supports 32Gb Fibre Channel, providing exceptional bandwidth and low latency for modern storage systems. This allows enterprises to fully leverage high-speed NVMe-capable storage arrays and flash-based architectures.

Benefits include:

• Faster data access

• Reduced application latency

• Improved database and VM performance

• Better utilization of storage investments

48-Port Fibre Channel Architecture

This model offers 48 Fibre Channel ports, with 24 ports activated by default. Additional ports can be enabled via licensing, allowing organizations to scale their SAN environments as needs grow—without replacing hardware.

This flexible port activation model provides:

• Lower upfront cost

• Pay-as-you-grow scalability

• Simplified capacity planning

Compact, Data Center-Optimized Design

The DS-C9148T-24IK9 features a compact 1RU form factor, making it suitable for dense data center environments. Despite its small footprint, it delivers enterprise-class performance and reliability.

Its design is optimized for:

• Top-of-rack SAN deployments

• Edge SAN connectivity

• Core SAN switching in small to mid-size data centers

Designed for Always-On Environments

Storage networks are the backbone of enterprise IT operations. Any disruption can result in application downtime, data unavailability, and financial loss.

The Cisco Nexus DS-C9148T-24IK9 is designed for continuous operation with features such as:

• Redundant power supplies

• Hot-swappable components

• Advanced fault detection

These capabilities ensure maximum uptime and operational stability.

Advanced SAN Features

Lossless Fibre Channel Fabric

The DS-C9148T-24IK9 delivers a lossless Fibre Channel fabric, which is essential for storage traffic. Unlike Ethernet, Fibre Channel ensures deterministic performance, making it ideal for mission-critical storage workloads.

Zoning and Fabric Services

The switch supports advanced SAN zoning and fabric services, allowing administrators to:

• Isolate workloads

• Improve security

• Simplify SAN management

This level of control is essential in multi-tenant or complex enterprise environments.

High Availability and Resilience

With built-in redundancy and enterprise-grade hardware, the DS-C9148T-24IK9 minimizes the risk of downtime. It is designed to handle component failures gracefully while maintaining uninterrupted data access.

Optimized for Virtualized and Cloud Environments

Modern data centers are heavily virtualized. Storage performance directly impacts VM density and application responsiveness.

The DS-C9148T-24IK9 supports:

• High IOPS workloads

• Large VM clusters

• Storage traffic consolidation

This makes it an excellent choice for VMware, Hyper-V, and other virtualization platforms.

NVMe-Ready Storage Networking

As NVMe-based storage adoption increases, SAN switches must be able to handle higher throughput and lower latency.

The Cisco Nexus DS-C9148T-24IK9 is NVMe-ready, ensuring compatibility with next-generation storage architectures and protecting your investment as storage technologies evolve.

Simplified SAN Management

Managing storage networks can be complex, but Cisco provides powerful tools to simplify operations.

Management Benefits

• Centralized SAN configuration

• Clear visibility into fabric health

• Faster troubleshooting

• Reduced administrative overhead

This allows IT teams to maintain high service levels with fewer resources.

Security in Storage Networks

Storage security is often overlooked, yet it is critical for protecting sensitive enterprise data.

The DS-C9148T-24IK9 supports:

• Secure zoning

• Controlled access to storage resources

• Fabric isolation

These features help prevent unauthorized access and reduce the risk of data breaches.

Use Cases for Cisco Nexus DS-C9148T-24IK9

Enterprise Data Centers

Ideal for core or edge SAN deployments supporting databases, ERP systems, and mission-critical applications.

Financial Institutions

Low latency and high reliability make it suitable for banking, trading, and transaction-processing environments.

Healthcare and Life Sciences

Supports imaging systems, patient records, and research data that require high availability and fast access.

Cloud Service Providers

Provides scalable, reliable SAN connectivity for multi-tenant environments and private cloud infrastructures.

Scalability and Investment Protection

One of the strongest advantages of the DS-C9148T-24IK9 is its scalability.

Organizations can:

• Start with 24 active ports

• Enable additional ports as demand grows

• Extend the lifecycle of their SAN infrastructure

This approach minimizes upfront costs while ensuring long-term flexibility.

Long Product Lifecycle

Cisco Nexus SAN switches are known for their long operational lifespan, often exceeding 7–10 years with proper maintenance.

Cisco’s commitment to:

• Long-term software support

• Security updates

• Hardware availability

Makes the DS-C9148T-24IK9 a safe and reliable long-term investment.

Total Cost of Ownership Advantage

Although enterprise SAN switches represent a premium investment, the total cost of ownership (TCO) of the DS-C9148T-24IK9 is optimized through:

• High reliability

• Reduced downtime

• Efficient scalability

• Simplified management

Over time, these benefits result in lower operational costs and higher ROI.

Why Choose Cisco Nexus DS-C9148T-24IK9?

Organizations choose this model because it delivers:

• 32Gb Fibre Channel performance

• Enterprise-grade reliability

• Scalable port activation

• Proven Cisco SAN expertise

• Long-term support and stability

It is a purpose-built solution for businesses that depend on fast and reliable storage connectivity.

Buying Considerations

Before purchasing, consider:

• Current and future SAN capacity needs

• Compatibility with existing storage arrays

• Port activation licensing

• Data center redundancy requirements

Working with an experienced Cisco supplier ensures optimal configuration and deployment.

Where to Buy Cisco Nexus DS-C9148T-24IK9 in Singapore

Choosing the right supplier is critical for genuine hardware, warranty support, and professional guidance.

Deep Dive: Fibre Channel vs Ethernet for Storage

One of the most common questions in modern data centers is whether to use Ethernet-based storage or dedicated Fibre Channel. The Cisco Nexus DS-C9148T-24IK9 exists precisely because Fibre Channel remains the gold standard for mission-critical storage.

Why Fibre Channel Still Matters

• Predictable, deterministic performance

• Lossless transport for storage traffic

• Extremely low and consistent latency

• Purpose-built for SAN workloads

While Ethernet-based storage solutions continue to improve, they often require complex tuning and strict traffic controls. Fibre Channel, by contrast, is designed from the ground up to carry storage traffic reliably—making it the preferred choice for databases, ERP systems, and virtualized workloads.

Role of DS-C9148T-24IK9 in Tiered SAN Architectures

Enterprise SAN environments are rarely flat. They are typically built using core–edge or spine–leaf SAN architectures, and the DS-C9148T-24IK9 fits naturally into multiple roles.

Common SAN Roles

• Edge SAN switch connecting hosts and storage arrays

• Top-of-rack SAN switch for high-density server racks

• Aggregation switch in compact SAN fabrics

This flexibility allows organizations to standardize on a single switch model across multiple SAN layers, simplifying design and operations.

Supporting Flash and All-Flash Storage Arrays

Modern storage arrays rely heavily on flash and NVMe technologies. These systems generate extremely high IOPS and demand ultra-low latency connectivity.

The DS-C9148T-24IK9 ensures:

• No congestion under peak I/O

• Fast transaction completion

• Stable throughput for demanding workloads

This makes it particularly well-suited for all-flash arrays, hybrid storage systems, and performance-sensitive applications.

Impact on Virtual Machine Density

In virtualized environments, storage performance directly affects how many virtual machines can run on a single host.

By deploying the DS-C9148T-24IK9:

• Storage latency is reduced

• VM responsiveness improves

• Higher VM density becomes achievable

This allows organizations to extract more value from their compute investments without sacrificing performance.

SAN Zoning Best Practices Enabled by Cisco Nexus

Effective SAN zoning is critical for security, performance, and manageability. The DS-C9148T-24IK9 supports industry-standard zoning practices that help administrators design clean, secure fabrics.

Benefits of Proper Zoning

• Isolation of workloads

• Reduced risk of misconfiguration

• Faster troubleshooting

• Improved security posture

Cisco’s SAN implementation ensures zoning remains manageable even as environments scale.

High Availability Design Strategies

Storage downtime can have immediate business impact. The DS-C9148T-24IK9 is commonly deployed in redundant SAN fabrics to eliminate single points of failure.

Typical high-availability strategies include:

• Dual-fabric SAN design

• Redundant host bus adapters

• Multiple switch paths

The reliability of the switch plays a key role in ensuring continuous access to data.

Operational Stability Under Continuous Load

SAN switches often operate under constant, heavy traffic. Unlike bursty network traffic, storage I/O is continuous and unforgiving.

The DS-C9148T-24IK9 is engineered to:

• Run continuously without degradation

• Maintain stable latency over time

• Handle sustained throughput

This stability is essential for long-running applications and 24/7 operations.

Simplifying Storage Network Growth

As data volumes grow, SAN expansion must be predictable and low-risk. The port-on-demand licensing model of the DS-C9148T-24IK9 allows organizations to expand gradually.

Expansion Advantages

• No hardware replacement required

• Lower initial investment

• Controlled scaling aligned with business growth

This makes capacity planning easier and more cost-effective.

Integration with Existing Cisco SAN Environments

Many enterprises already operate Cisco SAN infrastructure. The DS-C9148T-24IK9 integrates seamlessly into existing fabrics, reducing deployment risk.

This compatibility ensures:

• Consistent operational practices

• Familiar management workflows

• Reduced training requirements

For Cisco-centric data centers, this continuity is a major advantage.

Storage Security and Data Protection

Data stored in enterprise SANs is often highly sensitive. The DS-C9148T-24IK9 supports strong access controls and fabric isolation to protect critical assets.

Security benefits include:

• Controlled access to storage targets

• Reduced risk of accidental data exposure

• Better alignment with compliance requirements

This is especially important in regulated industries.

Use in Regulated and Compliance-Driven Industries

Industries such as finance, healthcare, and government face strict data protection and uptime requirements.

The DS-C9148T-24IK9 helps meet these demands by offering:

• High availability

• Predictable performance

• Secure SAN segmentation

These characteristics make it suitable for compliance-driven environments.

Long-Term Operational Confidence

Cisco’s SAN switching platforms are designed for longevity. Many organizations operate Cisco Fibre Channel switches for nearly a decade with consistent performance.

The DS-C9148T-24IK9 benefits from:

• Long Cisco support cycles

• Stable SAN operating software

• Ongoing security updates

This long-term stability reduces operational risk and budget uncertainty.

Executive-Level Value Summary

From an executive perspective, the Cisco Nexus DS-C9148T-24IK9 delivers:

• Reliable access to critical business data

• Reduced risk of downtime

• Scalable growth path

• Proven enterprise SAN technology

It is a strategic infrastructure component that supports business continuity and digital operations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Cisco Nexus DS-C9148T-24IK9

1. What is the Cisco Nexus DS-C9148T-24IK9 used for?

The DS-C9148T-24IK9 is a 32Gb Fibre Channel SAN switch designed for high-performance enterprise storage networks. It is commonly used in data centers, virtualized environments, cloud storage platforms, and mission-critical databases.

2. How many ports does it have and can it scale?

This model has 48 Fibre Channel ports, with 24 active by default. Additional ports can be activated via Cisco’s port licensing model, allowing flexible scaling as storage needs grow.

3. Can it support NVMe over Fabrics?

Yes, the DS-C9148T-24IK9 is NVMe-ready, meaning it can handle next-generation flash and NVMe storage arrays, providing ultra-low latency and high throughput for modern SAN environments.

4. How reliable is this switch for 24/7 operations?

The DS-C9148T-24IK9 is built for continuous operation with redundant power supplies, hot-swappable components, and advanced fault-tolerance mechanisms. It is designed to minimize downtime in mission-critical environments.

5. Can it integrate with existing Cisco SANs?

Absolutely. It seamlessly integrates with Cisco Nexus SAN fabrics and other Cisco SAN switches, supporting consistent management, zoning, and operational workflows.

6. What SAN zoning and security features does it support?

• Hardware-enforced zoning for traffic isolation

• Role-based access controls

• Fabric isolation to secure multi-tenant environments
  These features help protect sensitive data and simplify compliance.

7. How long is the typical lifecycle for this switch?

Cisco SAN switches, including the DS-C9148T-24IK9, typically have a 7–10 year lifecycle, supported with firmware updates, security patches, and long-term hardware availability.

8. Who should buy this switch?

• Enterprises running mission-critical applications

• Organizations using high-speed NVMe or flash storage arrays

• Data centers that require high port density and reliability

• Businesses that prioritize SAN performance and uptime

Cisco Nexus DS-C9148T-24IK9 Lifecycle and Support

End-of-Sale (EOS) and End-of-Support (EOSL)

Cisco provides a clear lifecycle roadmap for the DS-C9148T-24IK9, including:

• End-of-Sale (EOS): When the product is no longer sold

• End-of-Support (EOSL): When Cisco support ends

During its lifecycle, the switch benefits from software updates, security patches, and feature enhancements, ensuring long-term reliability.

Maintenance and Licensing Considerations

1. Port Activation Licensing:
   Only a subset of ports is active by default. Additional ports can be activated with licenses as business needs grow.

2. Software Support:
   Firmware updates are provided through Cisco SMARTnet or support contracts, ensuring the switch stays secure and optimized.

3. Integration with Management Tools:
   Compatible with Cisco Data Center Network Manager (DCNM) for centralized monitoring and management.

Best Practices for Deployment

• Dual-fabric SAN Design: Always deploy switches in pairs for redundancy.

• Proper Zoning: Use hardware zoning to isolate critical workloads and improve performance.

• Monitoring: Leverage Cisco DCNM or SNMP for real-time fabric monitoring.

• Firmware Updates: Maintain firmware to ensure compatibility with storage arrays and reduce security risks.

• Capacity Planning: Activate additional ports based on growth projections, avoiding sudden disruptions.

Why Cisco Nexus DS-C9148T-24IK9 is a Strategic Investment

• Provides 32Gb Fibre Channel performance at the enterprise edge or core

• Reduces storage latency for virtualized and high-I/O workloads

• Supports future technologies like NVMe over Fabrics

• Offers long-term Cisco support and lifecycle predictability

• Simplifies SAN management, monitoring, and zoning

This makes it a mission-critical component for enterprise storage networks, helping IT teams deliver reliable and predictable performance.

Industry Applications

Financial Services

Supports low-latency trading applications, core banking systems, and high-speed transactions.

Healthcare

Provides fast access for imaging systems, EHR platforms, and research databases.

Cloud and Hosting Providers

Scalable, high-density SAN switching for multi-tenant environments and private clouds.

Manufacturing and Research Labs

Handles high-throughput data transfers, real-time analytics, and simulation workloads.

Future-Proofing Your SAN Infrastructure

The DS-C9148T-24IK9 ensures that your storage network can handle future workloads without frequent upgrades, thanks to:

• 32Gb Fibre Channel bandwidth

• NVMe-ready architecture

• Flexible port activation

• Seamless integration with Cisco Nexus SAN ecosystem

This allows organizations to plan growth strategically, minimize costs, and maintain operational efficiency.

Optimizing Performance with Cisco Nexus DS-C9148T-24IK9

To maximize the benefits of the DS-C9148T-24IK9, IT teams should combine proper SAN design, monitoring, and proactive maintenance. Regularly reviewing fabric health, port utilization, and zoning policies ensures predictable performance and reduces the risk of congestion or downtime. Additionally, pairing this switch with high-performance storage arrays and NVMe-capable devices allows organizations to achieve faster backup, replication, and data access, improving overall operational efficiency. For enterprises planning growth, the DS-C9148T-24IK9 provides scalable, future-ready SAN connectivity, making it a reliable backbone for modern, high-performance data centers.

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📞 Choicecycle – Trusted Cisco Nexus SAN Switch Supplier (Singapore)

For Cisco Nexus DS-C9148T-24IK9 pricing, availability, and expert consultation, contact Choicecycle (SGCCTV Singapore):

WhatsApp: +65 9853 4404
Email: enquiry@choicecycle.com.sg
Website: https://sgcctv.com.sg

Store Location:
SGCCTV Choicecycle
Sim Lim Square #02-81
Singapore

Operating Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Choicecycle supplies original Cisco Nexus SAN switches, backed by professional advice and reliable after-sales support across Singapore.