Dell Connectrix MDS-9710
The Dell Connectrix MDS-9710 is a 14U 10-slot enterprise director based on the Cisco MDS 9710 platform, architected for high-density core storage area networks. Supporting up to 384 line-rate Fibre Channel ports across eight modular switching bays, the MDS-9710 combines non-blocking crossbar switching, complete hardware component redundancy, and granular SAN telemetry.
Also written as: Connectrix MDS-9710, Dell MDS-9710, Cisco MDS 9710 10-Slot Director
Specifications
| Brand | Dell |
|---|---|
| Family | Connectrix |
| Form factor | 14U director chassis |
| Released | May 2013 |
| Slot count | 10 slots (8 switching module slots + 2 Supervisor module slots) in a 14U chassis |
| Port count | Up to 384 Fibre Channel ports (supporting 16Gb, 32Gb, and 64Gb switching modules) |
| Switching bandwidth | Up to 24.576 Tbps aggregate front-panel bandwidth |
| Operating system | Cisco NX-OS Software for MDS 9000 Director Series |
| Power supply | Up to 8 redundant hot-plug power supplies with dual redundant fan trays |
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-9710 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 R220 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R320 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R420 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R430 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R520 2U rack
Dell PowerEdge R530 2U rack
Adapters for the server
- 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
540-BCMS Dell QLogic 2770 Single Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter
540-BCMT Dell QLogic 2772 Dual Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter
Storage
Dell PowerProtect DD Data Domain DD2500 2U controller + shelves
Dell PowerProtect DD Data Domain DD4200 2U controller + shelves
Dell PowerProtect DD Data Domain DD4500 2U controller + shelves
Dell PowerProtect DD Data Domain DD7200 2U controller + shelves
Dell PowerVault MD3660F 4U rack
Dell PowerVault MD3800F 2U rack
Optics
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-9710.
- 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-9710: what to check
Verify dual Supervisor modules, check rear crossbar fabric module count, inspect line cards for optical SFP transceiver detection, and confirm redundant 3000W AC power supplies.
FAQ
What is the maximum port count on the MDS-9710?
Up to 384 line-rate 32Gb or 64Gb Fibre Channel ports using eight 48-port switching modules.
How does the MDS-9710 prevent fabric congestion?
Hardware-based Congestion Control, Dynamic Ingress Rate Limiting (DIRL), and SAN Analytics monitor and mitigate buffer-to-buffer credit starvation.
Buying or selling Connectrix MDS-9710?
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 Director Spec Sheet, checked 2026-10-27