The Cisco MDS 9216A Multilayer Fabric Switch shares a consistent architecture with the MDS 9500 series Directors and offers the same multilayer intelligence in a modular fabric switch. Intelligent features include multi-protocol support (Fibre Channel, iSCSI, FCIP), Virtual SANs (VSANs), embedded diagnostics and role-based security. With these innovations, companies can build highly scalable, available storage networks with comprehensive security and unified management. The MDS 9216A is fully populated out of the box with sixteen 1 and 2 Gb auto-sensing Fibre Channel ports. An expansion slot allows for the addition of an MDS 9000 Storage Networking Module available in 1, 2, 4 and 10 Gb versions and in port increments of 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, or 48 ports, for up to 64 Fibre Channel ports or for FC/IP connectivity.