IBM System Networking RackSwitch G8124E
6
Layer 3 functionality: The switch includes Layer 3 functionality, which provides security and
performance benefits as inter-VLAN traffic stays within the chassis. This switch also provides the
full range of Layer 3 protocols from static routes for technologies such as Open Shortest Path
First (OSPF) and Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) for enterprise customers.
Seamless Interoperability : IBM switches interoperate seamlessly with other vendors' upstream
switches. For more information, see Tolly Reports: Tolly Functionality and Certification:
RackSwitch G8000 and G8124 and Cisco Catalyst Interoperability Evaluation. For more
information, visit the following website:
http://ibm.co/ZRwiR0
Fault tolerance: These switches learn alternate routes automatically and perform faster
convergence in the unlikely case of a link, switch, or power failure. The switch uses proven
technologies, such as L2 trunk failover, advanced VLAN-based failover, VRRP, HotLink, Uplink
Failure Detection (UFD), IGMP V3 snooping, and OSPF.
Converged fabric: The switch is designed to support CEE/DCB and connectivity to FCoE
gateways. CEE helps enable clients to combine storage, messaging traffic, VoIP, video, and other
data on a common data center Ethernet infrastructure. FCoE helps enable highly efficient block
storage over Ethernet for consolidating server network connectivity. As a result, clients can deploy
a single server interface for multiple data types, which can simplify both deployment and
management of server network connectivity, while maintaining the high availability and
robustness required for storage transactions.
Transparent networking capability : With a simple configuration change to Easy Connect mode,
the RackSwitch G8124E becomes a transparent network device, invisible to the core, eliminating
network administration concerns of Spanning Tree Protocol configuration/interoperability, VLAN
assignments and avoids any possible loops.
By emulating a host NIC to the data center core, it accelerates the provisioning of VMs by
eliminating the need to configure the typical access switch parameters.
Features and specifications
The following sections list the features and specifications.
Performance
The performance specifications are:
100% line rate performance
Latency of 570 nanoseconds
480 Gbps non-blocking switching throughput (full duplex)
Hardware features
Features are listed for the following models:
IBM System Networking RackSwitch G8124DC (DC Power): IBM PN 7309CD9
Rear-to-front airflow is ideal for servers or blade chassis with ports in back of rack.
Features are also listed for the enhanced models:
IBM System Networking RackSwitch G8124E (Rear-to-Front): IBM PN 7309BR6 or MTM
1455-24E
Rear-to-front airflow is ideal for servers or blade chassis with ports in back of rack.
IBM System Networking RackSwitch G8124E (Front-to-Rear): IBM PN 7309BF7
Front-to-rear airflow is ideal for IBM iDataplex or when needing ports in front of rack.
Hardware features are as follows:
