Targeting server virtualization and data center consolidation, Brocade has unveiled its FCX series of 10/100/1000 Mbps switches with 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 GbE) uplink capability. These top-of-rack (ToR) switches are built to provide a broad set of capabilities, including data center-class performance, flexibility and simplified management. The company claims the new switch offers superior "price/performance value to help customers reduce overhead costs and quickly scale with the pace of consolidation."
To address the growing need to scale and support highly virtualized data centers, customers can stack the Brocade FCX switches horizontally across server racks to create a single logical switch. This design may significantly reduce administrative expenditures while helping to simplify management and facilitate seamless incremental data center network expansion.
Available in 24- or 48-port models with wire-speed performance for server access in a 1U form factor, the Brocade FCX switches can deliver up to 40 gigabits per second (Gbps) of switching bandwidth between stack members to help minimize inter-switch bottlenecks. The switches have an optional 4-port 10 GbE module, doubling the number of 10 GbE connections between network layers and making the switches ideal for virtual data centers. Featuring a combination of compact design and reversible front-to-back cooling, the Brocade FCX switches complement next-generation, high-density data centers that have strict space and environmental requirements.
To facilitate unified management and increase security through multiple interfaces, the FCX series leverages an industry-standard command-line interface. In addition, the Brocade IronView Network Manager (INM) utility displays network- and application-level traffic information in a secure Web-based management interface to greatly simplify network provisioning, troubleshooting and alarm reporting. In response to a detected security threat, Brocade INM can automatically apply a security policy, thwarting network attacks in real time without administrator intervention.
"Brocade is committed to advancing the architecture of the data center through rapid innovation in response to growing market demands," said Doug Ingraham, vice president of product management, data center products, Brocade. "With the addition of the Brocade FCX series, Brocade has taken a leadership role in advancing the data center top-of-rack server connectivity market with one of the broadest portfolios of GbE and 10 GbE-based solutions. We are continuously striving to reduce our customers' capital and operational expenditures by providing networking solutions that are at the forefront of price/performance value, scalability and efficiency."
Increased server virtualization and the growing trend of infrastructure consolidation to simplify and streamline next-generation data center environments serve as the primary drivers in this burgeoning market segment. According to Dell'Oro, the GbE market is one of the fastest-growing segments within the Ethernet switching category, with the number of ports shipped projected to expand approximately 85 percent from 124 million ports in 2009 to 225 million ports in 2014.
The Brocade FCX has a base price starting at $4,945 and volume orders will be available starting April 2010.
Product Details:
-- Brocade FCX Series Overview http://www.brocade.com/products-solutions/products/ethernet-switches-routers/enterprise-mobility/product-details/fcx-series-data-center/index.page
-- Brocade FCX Series Data Sheet http://www.brocade.com/downloads/documents/data_sheets/product_data_sheets/FCX_624_648_DS_00.pdf