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IBM System Networking RackSwitch G8264
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Popular configurations
The following configurations are the most popular for using IBM RackSwitch G8264:
Rack-optimized server aggregation 10-GbE attached rack servers
Rack-optimized server aggregation logical design
2560 node gigabit network: Using next-generation 64 port 1U switches
Virtual Fabric configuration with IBM System x servers using the Emulex Virtual Fabric Adapter
IP Storage over 10 GbE: Changing the economics of storage
Rack-optimized server aggregation 10-GbE attached rack servers
The IBM RackSwitch G8264 is an ideal networking device for port aggregation, allowing the
consolidation of one to three racks full of servers before connecting to an upstream switch.
High-concentration of rack-optimized servers, for example:
IBM System x 1U servers with a 10 Gb adapter installed
o
Easily supports 40 servers per rack.
Easily supports up to 48 servers or more, depending on uplink bandwidth required across
two racks, including storage or UPS.
IBM System x 2U servers with a 10 Gb adapter installed
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Most clients will have up to twenty 2U servers per rack.
With the G8264 switch being able to support up to 64 SFP+ ports, a client can easily use
a switch across three racks of severs, and more likely two for redundancy.
IBM BladeCenter using any of the following modules in the chassis:
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IBM BladeCenter 1/10 Gb Uplink Ethernet Switch Module
With only two 10 Gb SFP+ ports per chassis, clients with larger data centers can easily
support 24 chassis or more per RackSwitch G8264.
IBM BladeCenter Virtual Fabric 10 Gb Switch Module
With support of up to ten 10 Gb SFP+ ports per switch, clients can easily support 4 - 6
chassis per RackSwitch, and if they are not concerned about oversubscription, they can
support up to
24 or more per RackSwitch G8264
.
10 Gb Ethernet Pass-Thru Module for IBM BladeCenter
For many clients looking to use a pass-through module, upstream costs can be
expensive, especially if you are connecting to a core switch and are looking at up to
fourteen 10 Gb ports per chassis. The G8264 provides a much more cost-effective
alternative and can support up to four fully populated IBM BladeCenter H chassis per
RackSwitch. This alternative is also much better for larger BladeCenter H environments
compared to a smaller 24-port switch.