distributed Forwarding engines (dFes)
The Matrix N-Series Distributed Forwarding Engines (DFEs) support
over 18 Gbps of switch capacity per blade and deliver fully distributed
switch management and route processing capabilities, where each
interface module is individually driven and managed by on-board
processors. Enterasys flow-based nTERA ASICs, together with firmware
microprocessors, create a traffic control solution that delivers high
performance and flexibility. This distributed ASIC-based architecture
increases processing power as modules are added for a higher level of
scalability at significantly smaller startup costs than competing solutions
which are typically built around centralized switch fabrics and supervisor
management modules.
DFEs are available in a wide array of interface types to address varied
network requirements including 10/100Base -TX, 10/100/1000Base-
TX, 100Base-FX, 1000Base-X and 10-Gigabit Ethernet. Selected DFE
modules are also available with integrated PoE. Some DFEs provide
an added level of flexibility by including Network Expansion Module
(NEM) slots. This further simplifies network design and reduces the cost
of network deployments. Current Network Expansion Modules (NEMs)
include support for Matrix Security Modules for NAC and IDS/IPS, six
1000Base-X ports and 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity.
In addition to providing port expansion, Network Expansion Modules
allow enterprises to integrate security applications, including the award-
winning Enterasys Dragon
®
IDS/IPS technology, directly into the Matrix™
N-Series chassis with the Matrix Security Module. The Matrix Security
Module is an open, all-purpose processor that provides the capability
to add applications directly into the network switch infrastructure. The
first applications to be integrated onto the Matrix Security Module are
Dragon
®
Intrusion Defense and Enterasys Network Access Control.
DFEs are designed for implementation for different positions within
network infrastructures, offering differentiated features and price points.
Diamond DFEs have been optimized for large scale multiuser policy
deployments in data center server farms and at the distribution and core
layers of the network. Diamond DFEs support the full range of Secure
Networks features, including advanced Quality of Service (QoS) and per-
user traffic rate limiting. Available in 10/100/1000, 1000 Base-X and
10 Gigabit configurations, Diamond DFE’s include additional processing
power, memory, policy capacity expansion and advanced routing licenses
for medium to large enterprise backbone and distribution-layer routing
applications.
Platinum DFEs support the full range of Secure Networks features, but
are primarily designed for deployment in access and distribution roles,
with support for up to 1000 downstream users/devices on a single port
(2000 per chassis) with full distributed fault-tolerance capabilities.
The advanced routing license (N-EOS-L3) and per-port policy capacity
license (N-EOS-PPC) can be purchased in order to provide similar
multi user authentication and routing scalability as the Diamond DFEs.
Platinum DFEs provide a broad range of Ethernet connectivity ranging
from 10/100 to 10 Gigabit Ethernet, including support for Power over
Ethernet. Gold DFEs are designed specifically for high-density, 10/100,
10/100/1000 and 100FX network edge/access applications, with options
for Power over Ethernet.
Gold DFEs deliver scalable performance and flexibility to ensure
comprehensive switching, QoS, security, and bandwidth control,
providing a more cost-effective option for customers deploying flow-
based switching at the edge of the network. Gold DFEs support 2 unique
users per port (typically a workstation and a VoIP handset) in contrast
to Platinum and Diamond which support up to 1,000 users/devices
per port. Through an optional software upgrade (N-EOS-RED), Gold
DFE modules can support 1+1 redundancy for mission critical network
applications.
high Performance distributed architecture
The Matrix N-Series was designed from inception to support high
availability environments. The Matrix N-Series backplane is a point
to-point matrix design with fully meshed inter-switch links that provide
increased scalability and performance. Since there are no active
backplane components, there is no single point of failure. The inter-
switch links can support up to 80 Gbps of switching capacity per link.
Total system aggregate switching capacity scales to 1.68 Tbps.
The Matrix N-Series unique distributed architecture provides
considerable advantages when compared to solutions that rely on
centralised processing modules;
• N+6 High availability
• Performance scales as modules are added
• Inherent backwards compatibility and future proofing provides market
leading Return on Investment
• Scalability; Port Density and Performance
• Low Latency; Each module has a connection to every other module
• Modules are automatically upgraded and configured as they are
plugged into the system
Fully distributed Passive Backplane
Architectural Overview
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