IBM Ethernet Switch B48Y
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Any standards-based network device can connect to the switch stack. To these network devices, the
multiple discrete switches in a stack look like a single switch. Network devices can utilize
standards-based 802.3ad Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) or static link aggregation connected
across multiple switch stack members to support multi-device hardware redundancy. No special setup is
required.
You can also support multi-device hardware redundancy within a rack using IronStack between the two
access switches in the same rack. This allows servers to connect to the two access switches in an
active-active configuration using standards-based link aggregation protocols, maximizing bandwidth while
also simplifying configuration. Figure 7 illustrates this topology.
Figure 7. Using IronStack within the rack enables multi-device redundancy while increasing bandwidth
utilization
Features and benefits
Features and benefits are:
Comprehensive standards support: Supporting a wide range of open IEEE and RFC standards, the
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B48Y is fully interoperable with existing network environments. In addition, the B48Y supports
vendor-specific protocols such as Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP), native support for Per-VLAN
Rapid Spanning Tree Plus (PVRST+), and static trunks to EtherChannel for further supportability.
IronStack technology: IronStack enables multiple discrete switches to be unified together into a single
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logical chassis, enabling multi-device hardware redundancy, speeding up infrastructure rollouts, and
simplifying management operations. Unifying the access layer can reduce the need for spanning tree
protocol, which increases bandwidth utilization and helps flatten the network.
Double the uplink bandwidth: Supports up to four 10 Gbps uplinks, double the uplink bandwidth of
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common 1 Gbps switches. With full-line rate traffic on all ports, 1:1 internal subscription, and up to
176 Gbps of internal forwarding performance, the B48Y ensures that your network devices have the
bandwidth that they require.
Built for the data center: The B48Y features back-to-front airflow, allowing installation into racks with a
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hot-cold aisle design without the need for complicated air baffles. All ports are found on the front side
of the switch for easy serviceability.
Fully featured L2/L3 switch: Dynamic Layer 3 routing, advanced Layer 2 features such as Q-in-Q,
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protected links, and advanced quality of service (QoS) are all included in the base, eliminating
complicated licensing schemes.