Technical Specifications:

• Product Line: Dell Connectrix MDS-9000T Series (based on Cisco MDS 9000 architecture)
• Form Factor: 1RU (1U) rack-mountable
• Port Configuration: Scalable from 8 to 32 ports
• Maximum Speed: 32 Gb/s per port Fibre Channel

Port Configuration & Scalability:

Base Models:

• 8-Port Base Model: Entry-level configuration with 8 x 32 Gb/s FC ports
  • Includes: 1 power supply, 2 fan kits
  • Can be expanded to 24 or 32 ports with Port Upgrade Licenses
• 24-Port Bundled Model: Mid-range configuration with 24 x 32 Gb/s FC ports
  • Includes: 2 power supplies, 4 fan kits, 24 x 32Gb SFPs included
  • Can be expanded to 32 ports with Port Upgrade Licenses

Maximum Configuration:

• 32 Ports: Full configuration with all ports activated
• Port Type: SFP+ (Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus) slots
• Supported Speeds: Auto-negotiating 4, 8, 16, and 32 Gb/s per port
• Port Licensing: Expandable through Port Upgrade Licenses (ports shipped disabled, activated via license)

Performance Specifications:

• Architecture: Non-blocking, line-rate switching fabric
• Latency: Ultra-low latency for real-time storage access
• Throughput: Full wire-speed performance across all ports simultaneously
• Buffer Credits: Configurable buffer credits for distance extension
• Quality of Service (QoS): Hardware-enforced QoS policies for prioritized traffic

Operating Modes:

Switch Mode:

• Full Fibre Channel fabric switch functionality
• Supports advanced fabric services
• Inter-Switch Link (ISL) connectivity to other FC switches
• Full zoning and routing capabilities

NPV Mode (Network Port Virtualization):

• Operates as NPV device for simplified SAN fabric integration
• Reduces fabric complexity by eliminating domain IDs
• Ideal for connecting to SAN core directors
• Simplified management for edge-of-SAN deployments

Layer 3 & Fabric Services:

• VSANs (Virtual SANs): Logical fabric segmentation for multi-tenancy and traffic isolation
• VSAN Trunking: Carry multiple VSANs over single ISL
• Inter-VSAN Routing (IVR): Route traffic between different VSANs
• Fabric Binding: Secure fabric-wide authentication and authorization
• Domain ID Management: Unique domain identification per VSAN (1-239 range)

Security & Access Control:

• Hardware Zoning: Hardware-enforced zoning with Access Control Lists (ACLs)
  • Port-based zoning
  • WWN (World Wide Name) zoning
  • LUN zoning for granular storage access control
  • Read-only zones for enhanced security
• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Predefined and custom user roles
  • Local user authentication
  • Enterprise authentication via RADIUS, TACACS+, LDAP
  • Fine-grained administrative permissions
• Fabric-Wide Security:
  • DH-CHAP (Diffie-Hellman Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol)
  • Switch-to-switch authentication
  • Host-to-switch authentication
  • Port security enforcement
  • VSAN-based access control

Advanced Diagnostics & Monitoring:

MAPS (Monitoring and Alerting Policy Suite):

• Proactive monitoring with customizable policies
• Automated event correlation and root cause analysis
• Threshold-based alerting for performance metrics
• Pre-configured best practice policies

Additional Diagnostic Tools:

• ClearLink Diagnostics: Optical link health monitoring and troubleshooting
• Fabric Performance Impact (FPI) Monitoring: Identify slow devices impacting fabric performance
• Flow Vision: Deep packet inspection and flow-level analytics
• ISL and HBA Diagnostics: Link-level troubleshooting
• Slow Drain Detection: Identify and mitigate congestion issues
• Port Monitoring (SPAN): Mirror traffic for analysis

High Availability & Redundancy:

Power Supply Configuration:

• 8-Port Base Model: 1 x hot-swappable power supply
• 24-Port Bundled Model: 2 x hot-swappable redundant power supplies
• Redundancy: N+1 power supply redundancy for maximum uptime
• Hot-Swap Capability: Replace power supplies without service interruption

Cooling System:

• 8-Port Base Model: 2 x fan kits
• 24-Port Bundled Model: 4 x fan kits
• Airflow Options:
  • PSE (Port-Side Exhaust / Front-to-Back airflow)
  • PSI (Port-Side Intake / Back-to-Front airflow)
• Important: Fan modules and power supplies must have matching airflow directions

Management & Administration:

Cisco NX-OS Operating System:

• Industry-standard Cisco NX-OS for MDS platforms
• Modular, carrier-class network operating system
• Regular security updates and feature enhancements
• Compatible with Cisco MDS management tools

Management Interfaces:

• Command Line Interface (CLI): Full-featured SSH/Telnet CLI
• Web-based GUI: Integrated Device Manager for graphical management
• SNMP: v1/v2c/v3 for integration with network management systems
• Out-of-Band Management: Dedicated management Ethernet port
• Console Port: Serial console for local access
• Call Home: Email alerts and automated case creation

Cisco DCNM (Data Center Network Manager):

• Centralized SAN fabric management (optional)
• Topology visualization and discovery
• Configuration management and compliance
• Performance monitoring and trending

Dell Nexus Dashboard Integration:

• Cloud-based or on-premises management platform
• Unified management for Dell Connectrix switches
• Advanced analytics and insights
• Automation and orchestration capabilities

Smart Licensing:

• Subscription-based software licensing model
• Available in 1-year, 3-year, or 5-year terms
• Simplified license management and tracking
• Flexible license portability across devices

NVMe over Fibre Channel (NVMe/FC):

• Full NVMe/FC Support: Native support for NVMe over Fibre Channel protocol
• Low Latency: Optimized for flash storage and NVMe SSDs
• End-to-End NVMe: Connect NVMe hosts to NVMe storage arrays
• Backward Compatibility: Coexist with traditional SCSI-based FC traffic

Physical Specifications:

• Dimensions: 1.72" H × 17.3" W × 20.11" D (4.37 × 43.94 × 51.08 cm)
• Weight: Approximately 21.65 lbs (9.82 kg)
• Mounting: Standard 19-inch rack-mountable with included rack kit
• Form Factor: 1RU for maximum rack density

Environmental Specifications:

• Operating Temperature: 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C)
• Non-Operating Temperature: -40°F to 158°F (-40°C to 70°C)
• Humidity: 10% to 85% relative humidity (non-condensing)
• Altitude: Supports standard data center operating altitudes

Standards Compliance:

• Fibre Channel: FC-PI-5, FC-FS-3, FC-GS-6, FC-SW-5
• Safety: UL, cUL, CE, CB
• EMC: FCC Part 15 Class A, CE, VCCI
• Environmental: RoHS compliant

Ideal Applications:

• Top-of-Rack (ToR) SAN Connectivity: Direct server-to-storage connections in data center racks
• Small to Medium SAN Fabrics: Cost-effective standalone fabric for departmental storage
• SAN Edge Deployment: Extend 32 Gb/s connectivity from core directors to server racks using NPV mode
• All-Flash Array Connectivity: High-speed, low-latency access to flash storage systems
• Server Virtualization: Connect virtualized hosts to shared storage infrastructure
• Database Storage Networks: High-performance, low-latency storage for OLTP workloads
• Private Cloud Infrastructure: FC SAN foundation for OpenStack, VMware, or Microsoft clouds
• Backup and DR Networks: Dedicated fabric for backup-to-disk and replication traffic
• Test and Development: Cost-effective SAN infrastructure for non-production environments

Key Features Summary:

• Scalable 8-to-32 port design with Port Upgrade Licenses
• Non-blocking, line-rate 32 Gb/s Fibre Channel performance
• Hardware-enforced zoning with ACLs for secure storage access
• NPV mode for simplified edge-of-SAN deployments
• Advanced diagnostics (MAPS, ClearLink, FPI, Flow Vision)
• NVMe/FC support for next-generation flash storage
• Bidirectional airflow options (PSE/PSI) for flexible data center cooling
• Cisco NX-OS with Smart Licensing
• Comprehensive VSAN support for fabric virtualization

Optional Features & Licenses:

Dell offers various optional software licenses to extend switch capabilities:

• Port Upgrade Licenses: Activate additional ports beyond base configuration
• Advanced Features: Storage services, analytics, and automation capabilities
• Enterprise Software Bundle: Comprehensive feature set for large deployments

Warranty & Support:

• Dell standard warranty coverage
• Dell ProSupport and ProSupport Plus options available
• Access to Dell Technical Support and firmware updates
• Integration with Dell services portfolio

Why Choose the Dell Connectrix MDS-9132T:

The Connectrix MDS-9132T delivers enterprise-class Fibre Channel switching with exceptional flexibility and value. Its scalable design allows organizations to start with 8 ports and grow to 32 ports as storage demands increase, protecting initial investment while providing a clear upgrade path. With ultra-low latency, non-blocking line-rate performance, comprehensive security through hardware-enforced zoning, and advanced diagnostics via MAPS and ClearLink, this switch ensures optimal SAN performance and reliability. The combination of switch and NPV modes, NVMe/FC support for flash storage, bidirectional airflow options, and Cisco NX-OS with Dell support makes the MDS-9132T an ideal choice for organizations seeking a robust, scalable, and manageable Fibre Channel SAN solution.