• Key elements of this vision are to simplify data networks and provide a foundation for
critical solutions—such as server virtualization, data mobility, and data protection—
running seamlessly without costly manual intervention or performance bottlenecks.
• Intelligent application delivery plays a crucial role in the success of this end-to-end
vision, and will help Brocade provide high-performance hardware and software
products with proven interoperability.
Technologies
Q What is unique or advanced about the ServerIron ADX architecture?
Q Compared to the many competitive offerings, the ServerIron ADX switches deliver
extremely high application throughput based on an advanced design that features
complete physical and logical separation of the application and management planes. In
fact, the multichip, multicore, application processing plane is designed for the highest
core density and performance upgradability.
This architecture utilizes modular hardware design to accelerate application processing
and to optimize the distribution and flow of internal traffic to a large number of
application cores. The high-speed non-blocking switching fabric uniquely supports
application processing, I/O, and management modules to maximize flexibility. The data
plane provides high-density 10 Gbps support with hardware assist for linear session
distribution across multiple application cores. In addition, the management modules
feature field-upgradable mezzanine cards for Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), and other
planned future functions such as compression.
The ServerIron ADX switches are simple to configure and manage using the Brocade
Command Line Interface (CLI) or built-in browser-based interface. The CLI uses well-
known industry-standard syntax for fast error-free configuration. The switches support
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) to allow device management using
applications such as HP OpenView and Brocade IronView® Network Manager (INM).
Q How does the ServerIron ADX improve network performance?
Q The ServerIron ADX switches use deep packet inspection and content transformation,
beyond the traditional Layer 2 and 3 packet headers, directing client requests to the
optimal servers. These intelligent Layer 4-7 application switches transparently support
any TCP- or UDP-based applications and provide specialized application acceleration,
server-offload, connection management, and network optimization.
The ServerIron ADX switches also provide a reliable line of defense by securing servers
and applications against many types of intrusion and attack without sacrificing
performance. In addition, they provide efficient traffic distribution among infrastructure
devices such as firewalls, DNS servers and cache servers. The ADX devices also deliver
high performance for higher-layer application switching functions. Intelligent content
switching capabilities include customizable rules based on URL, HOST, cookies and other
HTTP headers, XML, and application content.
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