Cisco MDS 9222i vs MDS 9250i
The MDS 9222i is an end-of-life multiservice modular SAN switch with 4G Fibre Channel, and the MDS 9250i is its 16G fixed multiservice successor. The 9250i quadruples Fibre Channel speed, adds 10GE FCoE and IP storage in a compact 2RU, so it is the migration path for 9222i SAN extension deployments.
Cisco MDS 9222i
End-of-life multiservice modular SAN switch with 4G Fibre Channel and an expansion slot.
- 18x 4G Fibre Channel ports (4 capable of 8G)
- 4x Gigabit Ethernet IP storage ports
- Modular expansion slot, scales to 66 ports
- 3RU; end-of-life platform
Cisco MDS 9250i
Current 2RU multiservice fabric switch with 16G Fibre Channel, 10GE FCoE, and IP storage.
- Up to 40x 16G Fibre Channel ports
- 8x 10G FCoE ports
- 2x 1/10GE IP storage services ports for FCIP/iSCSI
- Fixed 2RU, redundant power
Cisco MDS 9222i vs Cisco MDS 9250i: spec comparison
| Spec | Cisco MDS 9222i | Cisco MDS 9250i |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | 3RU modular | 2RU fixed multiservice |
| Fibre Channel speed | 4G (4 ports up to 8G) | 16G |
| Fibre Channel ports | 18 fixed (scales to 66 with module) | Up to 40 |
| Base FC ports | 18 | 20 |
| FCoE ports | None | 8x 10G |
| IP storage ports | 4x 1GbE | 2x 1/10GbE |
| IP storage services | FCIP, iSCSI | FCIP, iSCSI |
| Expansion slot | Yes (modular) | No (fixed) |
| Redundant power | Yes | Yes (hot-swappable) |
| Lifecycle status | End-of-life | Mature but later generation |
Choose Cisco MDS 9222i if
Keep a 9222i only if you have an installed SAN extension deployment under support that you are not yet ready to refresh. As a 4G end-of-life platform, it should not anchor new SAN builds.
Choose Cisco MDS 9250i if
Choose the MDS 9250i to refresh a 9222i SAN extension or multiservice deployment. It moves Fibre Channel to 16G, adds 10G FCoE and faster IP storage services, and consolidates into a fixed 2RU, while keeping the FCIP and iSCSI capabilities the 9222i was known for.
Verdict
Migrate to the MDS 9250i. It quadruples Fibre Channel to 16G, adds 8 ports of 10G FCoE, and upgrades IP storage to 1/10GE in a denser 2RU, replacing the end-of-life 4G 9222i. Both retain the multiservice FCIP/iSCSI extension features, making the 9250i a direct functional successor.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Cisco MDS 9222i end of life?
Yes. The MDS 9222i is an end-of-life multiservice modular SAN switch built around 4G Fibre Channel. Cisco no longer sells it, and SAN extension deployments should be refreshed to a current multiservice platform.
What replaces the MDS 9222i for SAN extension?
The MDS 9250i Multiservice Fabric Switch is the closest functional successor, offering 16G Fibre Channel plus FCIP and iSCSI IP storage services and 10G FCoE in a fixed 2RU chassis.
How many Fibre Channel ports does the MDS 9250i have?
The MDS 9250i scales up to 40 ports of 16G Fibre Channel, plus 8 ports of 10G FCoE and 2 ports of 1/10 Gigabit Ethernet for IP storage services such as FCIP and iSCSI.
Does the MDS 9250i still support FCIP and iSCSI like the 9222i?
Yes. The 9250i retains multiservice IP storage capabilities including FCIP for SAN extension and iSCSI, delivered over its 1/10 Gigabit Ethernet ports, so it covers the same use cases as the 9222i at higher speed.
More MDS comparisons
Specs are for planning and may change; Uniqcli confirms the current Cisco bill of materials and pricing on your quote. Cisco, Catalyst, Nexus, Meraki, and Firepower are trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc.; Uniqcli LLC is an independent authorized Cisco partner.