TL;DR: The Cisco DS-X9334-K9 is a SAN Extension Module for Cisco MDS 9700 Series Directors, combining 24 line-rate 16 Gbps Fibre Channel ports with 8 x 10 GbE FCoE/IP-services ports for FCIP-based WAN extension, replication, and disaster recovery.

Cisco DS-X9334-K9 SAN Extension Module: 24x 16G FC + 8x 10GbE FCoE for MDS 9700

Product Overview

The Cisco DS-X9334-K9 is a SAN Extension Module for the Cisco MDS 9700 Series Multilayer Directors (MDS 9706, 9710, 9710 v2, and 9718). It combines 24 line-rate 4/8/16 Gbps Fibre Channel ports with 8 x 1/10 GbE IP-services ports to deliver FCIP-based SAN extension, synchronous and asynchronous replication, and disaster recovery across metro and long-haul WAN links. Hardware-accelerated IPsec encryption and compression keep sensitive storage traffic secure while maximizing throughput on expensive WAN circuits.

Key Features & Specifications

Hardware & Performance

• Port Configuration:

• 24 x 16 Gbps Fibre Channel ports (SFP+, auto-negotiating 4/8/16 Gbps)

• 8 x 1/10 GbE IP-services ports (SFP+ for 10GbE FCoE / FCIP)

• 1 x RS-232 console (RJ-45) + 2 x 1 GbE management ports

• Two independent service engines, individually and incrementally enabled to scale SAN extension as requirements grow

• Protocol & Fabric Services:

• FCIP with write acceleration, FCIP tape write/read acceleration for disk and tape operations

• Hardware-based IPsec encryption and compression (license-dependent)

• Virtual SANs (VSAN), zoning, and Inter-VSAN Routing (IVR) for segmented, scalable fabrics

• PortChannel over IP (up to 16 links) for high availability and aggregate throughput

• Compatibility:

• Designed for Cisco MDS 9706, 9710, 9710 v2, and 9718 Directors

• Hot-swappable module, replacing without service interruption

• Cisco MDS NX-OS software (feature availability by license)

Physical Specifications

• Form factor: Plug-in expansion module (hot-swappable)

• Dimensions: 1.7 in. (H) x 15.9 in. (W) x 21.8 in. (D) — 4.4 cm x 40.4 cm x 55.4 cm

• Weight: 17 lbs (7.71 kg)

• Operating temperature: 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C)

• Operating humidity: 5% to 90% (non-condensing)

Use Cases

• FCIP SAN extension for metro and long-haul data replication

• Synchronous and asynchronous replication for disaster recovery / business continuity

• Remote backup and tape acceleration across WAN links

• Secure storage connectivity with hardware-accelerated IPsec encryption

Why Choose the DS-X9334-K9

• Line-rate 16 Gbps FC: full 24-port performance with 4/8/16 Gbps auto-negotiation for backward compatibility

• Hardware-accelerated encryption and compression: secure WAN links without sacrificing throughput

• Incremental scalability: enable service engines one at a time to match growing SAN extension demand

• Director-class reliability: hot-swappable, PortChannel resiliency, and VSAN/IVR fabric services

Conclusion

The Cisco DS-X9334-K9 SAN Extension Module gives MDS 9700 directors a purpose-built engine for secure, high-throughput SAN extension — 24 line-rate 16 Gbps Fibre Channel ports paired with 8 x 1/10 GbE IP-services ports for FCIP, IPsec encryption, and compression. For organizations replicating storage across data centers or building disaster-recovery fabrics, it delivers the throughput, security, and director-class resilience that mission-critical SANs require.

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