Dell Connectrix MDS-9396T
The Dell Connectrix MDS-9396T is a high-density 2U 32Gb Fibre Channel switch based on the Cisco MDS 9396T platform. Providing up to 96 auto-sensing 32Gb FC ports, state-of-the-art SAN telemetry streaming, and native NVMe/FC support, the MDS-9396T delivers enterprise performance, security, and scalability for cloud storage and virtualized datacenters.
Also written as: Connectrix MDS-9396T, Dell MDS-9396T, Cisco MDS 9396T 32Gb FC Switch
Specifications
| Brand | Dell |
|---|---|
| Family | Connectrix |
| Form factor | 2U switch |
| Released | May 2018 |
| Port count | Up to 96 Fibre Channel ports (base 48 ports expandable to 96 ports in 16-port increments) |
| Port speeds | Auto-sensing 4, 8, 16, and 32Gb/s Fibre Channel speeds |
| Switching bandwidth | 3.072 Tbps aggregate bandwidth with line-rate non-blocking switching |
| Operating system | Cisco NX-OS Software for MDS 9000 Series |
| Power supply | Dual redundant hot-plug power supplies with hot-swappable fan trays |
Generations
- Previous generation: Dell Connectrix MDS-9396S
Compatible parts
HBAs
540-BBUU Dell Emulex LPe31002 Dual Port 16Gb Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter
540-BBUV Dell QLogic 2692 Dual Port 16Gb Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter
Transceivers
407-BCBI Dell 32Gb Short Wave SFP28 Fibre Channel Optical Transceiver
407-BCBF Dell 25GbE SFP28 SR Optical Transceiver (850nm, 100m MMF)
Rail kits
770-BCKW Dell ReadyRails II Sliding Rails for 2U PowerEdge Servers (B6)
Works together
How the Dell Connectrix MDS-9396T connects to servers, storage and the network: 1 way, with the parts and products on each path.
Fibre Channel SAN
Match the speed: 16Gb and 32Gb FC HBAs, switches and array ports work together, and each generation also runs one or two speeds below its own (a 32Gb port runs at 16Gb and 8Gb).
Servers
Dell PowerEdge R240 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R340 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R6415 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R740xd2 2U rack
Dell PowerEdge R7415 2U rack
Dell PowerEdge R7425 2U rack
Adapters for the server
540-BCMS Dell QLogic 2770 Single Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter
540-BCMT Dell QLogic 2772 Dual Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter
540-BCMU Dell Emulex LPe35002 Dual Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter
540-BDLM Dell Emulex LPe36002 Dual Port 64Gb Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter
Storage
Dell PowerMax 2000 system bay / standard rack
Dell PowerMax 8000 system bay multi-cabinet
Dell PowerProtect DD9900 2U appliance + shelves
Dell Unity XT 380F 2U rack
Dell Unity XT 380XT 2U rack
Dell Unity XT 480F 2U rack
Optics
- 407-BCBI Dell 32Gb Short Wave SFP28 Fibre Channel Optical Transceiver
57-1000333-01 Brocade 32G FC SFP+ SWL
DS-SFP-FC32G-LW Cisco 32Gbps Fibre Channel Longwave SFP28 Transceiver
Plan and size it
- Draw this setup in the topology planner mrplanb.com
- Add up rack power and space rack-density.com
- Virtualization storage Ledger: scored storage platforms mrplanb.com
- SAN transport and NVMe over FC for backup mrplanb.com
- Dell E-Lab Navigator (Dell interoperability) dell.com
Check compatibility with Dell
Before you buy, confirm the exact configuration against the vendor's own lists: firmware levels, operating systems, adapters and optics that Dell has tested with the Dell Connectrix MDS-9396T.
- Compatibility Dell E-Lab Navigator (storage and SAN interoperability) (free vendor sign-in)
- Support Dell Support: drivers, manuals and service tag lookup
Equivalent models from other brands
Buying a used Connectrix MDS-9396T: what to check
Verify active Cisco On-Demand Port Activation licenses, check 32Gb SFP+ optical transceivers, confirm Cisco NX-OS version and admin credentials, and test dual power supplies.
FAQ
What is Cisco SAN Telemetry Streaming on the MDS-9396T?
Integrated hardware sensors inspect every FC frame in real-time, streaming I/O metrics to analytics tools without impacting data throughput.
Can ports be activated in increments?
Yes, starting at 48 active ports and scaling up to 96 ports via 16-port On-Demand licenses.
Buying or selling Connectrix MDS-9396T?
New, refurbished or used. Tell us the quantity and condition and we connect you with a vetted reseller in your region, usually within one working day.
Sources
- Dell Connectrix MDS Series Spec Sheet, checked 2026-10-27