For cost-effective server connectivity within a rack, 10 GbE copper direct attach SFP+ active TwinAx cables are available. These cables have two 10 GbE SFP+ transceivers attached on either end of the cable and have been tested for compatibility with the Brocade 10Gb CNA, QLogic 10Gb CNA, and Emulex 10Gb Virtual Fabric Adapter for IBM System x. Compatibility with other 10 GbE server adapters and network devices is up to the user to determine.
Figure 4. 10 GbE Direct Attach SFP+ TwinAx cable
Features and benefits
The features and benefits are:
zComprehensive standards support: Supporting a wide range of open IEEE and RFC standards, the B24X is fully interoperable with existing network environments. In addition, the B24X 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.
zBuilt for the data center: The B24X features front-to-back airflow, allowing installation into racks with a 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.
zFlexible deployment: Dynamic Layer 3 routing allows the B24X to support multiple deployment options, including a Top of Rack access switch supporting inter-VLAN routing within a rack or a cost-effective aggregation switch.
zHigh availability: Hot-swappable and redundant power supplies and fan trays reduce downtime and allow you to meet your service level agreements by increasing switch availability.
zBest-in-class power efficiency: At only 176 W per twenty-four 10 GbE ports, the low power consumption reduces operational costs tied to power and cooling and allows data centers running out of power to deploy more assets.
zHigh performance: Supporting full-line rate traffic on all ports with no over-subscription and 488 Gbps of internal forwarding performance, the B24X also uses an advanced cut-through forwarding architecture featuring low latencies to support time-sensitive applications such as real-time video and market trading/exchange applications.
zIndustry-standard CLI: Minimize re-training and personnel costs while increasing operational efficiencies by utilizing a management interface with which the network team is already familiar.
zMature operating system: The feature-rich and time-tested IronWare Operating System running on the B24X and all IBM b-type system networking devices provides a consistent experience across the network.
zUpgrade without rip-and-replace: With dual-speed 10/1 GbE SFP+ ports plus four additional 1 GbE RJ-45 ports, the B24X supports a mix of 10 GbE and 1 GbE servers on the same switch without needing to force upgrades of existing systems.
