The Cisco MDS 9216i brings new capability to the fabric switch market. Sharing a consistent architecture with the Cisco MDS 9500 Series, the Cisco MDS 9216i integrates both Fiber Channel and IP Storage Services in a single system to allow maximum flexibility in user configurations. With fourteen 2-Gbps Fiber Channel ports, two Gigabit Ethernet IP Storage Services ports, and a modular expansion slot, the Cisco MDS 9216i is ideally suited for enterprise storage networks that require high performance SAN extension or cost-effective IP Storage connectivity.This unprecedented level of integration gives Cisco MDS 9216i users the benefits of a multiprotocol system without sacrificing Fiber Channel port density. The expansion slot on the Cisco MDS 9216i allows for the addition of any Cisco MDS 9000 Family module, so users can add additional Fiber Channel ports and additional IP ports. Alternatively, the expansion slot may be used for a variety of Cisco MDS 9000 Family Services Modules, thereby providing an unparalleled level of storage services in a single, highly available 3-rack unit (RU) system. As the storage network expands further, Cisco MDS 9000 Family modules can be removed from Cisco MDS 9216i switches and migrated into Cisco MDS 9500 Series Multilayer Directors, providing smooth migration, common sparing, and outstanding investment protection.