The Cisco MDS Series is a comprehensive line of multilayer directors and fabric switches that are designed to meet the stringent requirements of the most demanding data center environments. This article will delve into the various models of MDS switches, their features, and their applications in different scenarios.

Introduction to MDS Switches

Cisco’s MDS switches are designed to deliver high performance, scalability, and flexibility for storage area networks (SANs). They are built on a high-performance, purpose-built “switch-on-a-chip” application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) with ultra-low latency and advanced analytics capabilities.

Models of MDS Switches

There are several models of MDS switches, each designed to meet specific data center requirements. These include:

• MDS 9700 Series Multilayer Directors: These are designed for large, virtualized, cloud environments. They deliver industry-leading scalability, high performance, and innovative features to support highly virtualized, cloud-based architectures.
• MDS 9300 Series Multiservice Fabric Switches: These are ideal for small to medium-sized data centers. They offer multiprotocol, multilayer switching, and integrated applications for flexibility and cost savings.
• MDS 9200 Series Multiservice Switches: These are designed for departmental and remote branch-office SANs. They offer integrated SAN extension and multiprotocol capabilities for cost-effective, consolidated SANs.

MDS 9700 Series Multilayer Directors

The MDS 9700 Series is designed to integrate the industry’s highest performance with outstanding flexibility and investment protection. Key features include:

• Scalability: The MDS 9700 Series can scale up to 24-Tbps switching capacity per chassis, supporting up to 384 16-Gbps Fibre Channel ports, or 192 40-Gbps FCoE ports.
• High Performance: With ultra-low latency, the MDS 9700 Series delivers high performance for the most demanding applications.
• Advanced Analytics: The MDS 9700 Series offers integrated analytics for deep visibility into applications and workloads.

MDS 9300 Series Multiservice Fabric Switches

The MDS 9300 Series is designed to provide a cost-effective, flexible, and high-performance platform for departmental, remote branch, and small to medium-sized data center SANs. Key features include:

• Flexibility: The MDS 9300 Series supports multiprotocol, multilayer switching, and integrated applications, offering flexibility and cost savings.
• Scalability: The MDS 9300 Series can scale up to 24-Tbps switching capacity per chassis, supporting up to 384 16-Gbps Fibre Channel ports, or 192 40-Gbps FCoE ports.
• High Performance: With ultra-low latency, the MDS 9300 Series delivers high performance for the most demanding applications.

MDS 9200 Series Multiservice Switches

The MDS 9200 Series is designed to provide a cost-effective, flexible, and high-performance platform for departmental and remote branch-office SANs. Key features include:

• Integrated SAN Extension: The MDS 9200 Series offers integrated SAN extension and multiprotocol capabilities for cost-effective, consolidated SANs.
• Scalability: The MDS 9200 Series can scale up to 24-Tbps switching capacity per chassis, supporting up to 384 16-Gbps Fibre Channel ports, or 192 40-Gbps FCoE ports.
• High Performance: With ultra-low latency, the MDS 9200 Series delivers high performance for the most demanding applications.