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Cisco DS-C9396S-K9 End of Life & End of Support

Cisco MDS 9396S 16G Multilayer Fabric Switch

Supported through Jun 30, 2027

The MDS 9396S was a 96 port 16G Fibre Channel fixed switch used for large SAN core and edge deployments. Cisco's bulletin lists the MDS 9396T as the direct replacement, moving customers to 32G Fibre Channel switching in the same chassis form factor. Customers should plan SFP and cabling refreshes alongside the switch swap to take full advantage of the higher port speed.

Cisco DS-C9396S-K9 lifecycle milestone dates

End-of-Sale Date
Jun 10, 2022
End of Software Maintenance
Jun 10, 2023
Last Date of Support (LDoS)
Jun 30, 2027

Dates per Cisco’s official End-of-Sale/End-of-Life bulletin. Verify against your support contract before acting.

Running past End-of-Sale or Last Date of Support means no new Cisco TAC, hardware replacement, or security fixes. Uniqcli, an authorized Cisco partner, scopes a like-for-like or better replacement, confirms TAA compliance, accepts the Government Purchase Card (GPC), and plans a low-risk cutover.

Upgrade or extend support on your schedule

Tell us what you run and a Cisco Solutions Specialist will map the replacement or support path with TAA-compliant, GPC-payable options. No obligation.

Authorized Cisco partner · TAA-compliant options · GPC accepted.

Prefer to keep it running? Renew SmartNet / support instead →

Replacement backordered or budget not ready? See extended support options →

Not sure this is your exact unit? Look it up by serial number →

Frequently asked questions

When is the Cisco DS-C9396S-K9 end of life?

Cisco announced End-of-Sale for the DS-C9396S-K9 effective Jun 10, 2022. The Last Date of Support (LDoS) is Jun 30, 2027, after which Cisco no longer provides support. Check the milestone dates on this page and plan your refresh accordingly.

What replaces the Cisco DS-C9396S-K9?

Cisco's recommended migration is the Cisco MDS 9396T 32G 96-Port Fibre Channel Switch (48 active ports). Uniqcli, an authorized Cisco partner, can quote the replacement TAA-compliant and GPC-payable, and help plan the cutover.

Can I still get support for the DS-C9396S-K9?

Yes, until the Last Date of Support (Jun 30, 2027) with an active SmartNet/Solution Support contract. After LDoS, independent third-party maintenance can extend hardware coverage. Uniqcli can review your install base, confirm coverage, and quote extended support or a refresh side by side.