IBM Ethernet Switch B48Y
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Top of Rack switch
An access or edge switch is a switch that connects directly to the end devices requiring network
connectivity, most commonly servers and storage arrays in the data center. A switch that is 1 or 2 RU in
height that acts as the access switch for devices within a rack is commonly called a Top of Rack (ToR)
switch.
The B48Y is ideal for deployment as an all-purpose Top of Rack switch in demanding network
environments due to its high performance, resilient hardware characteristics, easy manageability, and
comprehensive network features support. The B48Y can also be used to support NAS or iSCSI SAN
storage in a shared or dedicated network environment (Figure 9).
Figure 9. IBM Ethernet Switch B48Y as Top of Rack switch with server and storage connections