In computer networking, a switch is a device that connects multiple devices together on a single network. A switch allows for communication between these devices by way of packet switching. Packet switching is the process of sending data in small packets from one device to another. Switches typically have multiple ports, which allow them to connect to multiple devices at once.
What is a layer 3 networking switch?
A layer 3 switch is a type of network switch that is capable of routing traffic at the third layer of the OSI model, which is the network layer. Layer 3 switches are typically used in enterprise-level networks where there is a need for high-performance routing.
Layer 3 switches can provide advanced features such as support for multiple VLANs, Quality of Service (QoS), and security. They can also be used to create virtual private networks (VPNs).
What is the Brocade ICX 7750-48 F Layer 3 Switch?
Today’s campus network core and aggregation layers are quickly moving to 10 and 40 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) switching as enterprises rapidly adopt applications such as High-Definition (HD) video and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives, which drive the need for resilient, high-bandwidth access networks. To meet these challenges, campus network solutions must provide a better performance, port density, reliability, security, Quality of Service (QoS), and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
The Brocade ICX 7750 Switch delivers industry-leading 10/40 GbE port density, advanced high-availability capabilities, and flexible stacking architecture, making it the most robust Brocade aggregation and core distributed chassis switch offering for enterprise LANs. In addition to rich Layer 3 features, the Brocade ICX 7750 scales to 12-unit distributed-chassis stacking or Multi-Chassis Trunking (MCT) and is an integral part of Brocade Campus Fabric technology.
Today’s data centers are also expanding as the demand for data and storage continues to grow exponentially. Moreover, requirements such as application convergence, non-stop operation, scalability, high availability, and power efficiency are placing even greater demands on the network infrastructure.
Part of the Brocade ICX family of Ethernet switches for campus LAN and classic Ethernet data center environments, the Brocade ICX 7750 Switch is a 1U high-performance, high-availability, and market-leading-density 10/40 GbE solution that meets the needs of business-sensitive campus deployments and High-Performance Computing (HPC) environments. With industry-leading price/performance and a low-latency, cut-through, non-blocking architecture, the Brocade ICX 7750 provides a cost-effective, robust solution for the most demanding deployments.
Highlights
- Provides unprecedented stacking density and performance with up to 12 switches per stack and up to 5.76 Tbps of aggregated stacking bandwidth, limiting inter-switch bottlenecks and supporting large-scale distributed chassis deployments.
- Enables a single point of management across the campus through a distributed chassis architecture supporting long-distance stacking and new Brocade Campus Fabric technology.
- Offers industry-leading 10/40 GbE port density and flexibility in a 1U form factor with up to 32×40 GbE or 96×10 GbE ports per unit, saving valuable rack space and power in wiring closets.
- Provides chassis-class high availability with up to 12 full-duplex 40 Gbps stacking ports per switch, hitless stacking failover, and hot-swappable power supplies and fan assemblies.
- Delivers superior value by incorporating enterprise-grade advanced features such as BGP, Multi-Chassis Trunking (MCT), and Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF).
- Provides OpenFlow support in true hybrid port mode, enabling software-defined Networking (SDN) for programmatic control of network data flows.
The Features of the ICX 7750-48 F Layer 3 Switch
Brocade Campus Fabric technology, offered for Brocade ICX 7250*, 7450, and 7750 Switches, extends network options and scalability. It integrates premium Brocade ICX 7750, midrange Brocade ICX 7450, and entry-level Brocade ICX 7250 Switches, collapsing network access, aggregation, and core layers into a single logical switch. This logical device shares network services while reducing management touchpoints and network hops through a single-layer design spanning the entire campus network. These powerful deployments deliver equivalent or better functionality than large, rigid modular chassis systems, but with significantly lower costs and smaller carbon footprints.
Brocade ICX switches support a Distributed Chassis deployment model that uses standards-based optics and cabling interface connections to help ensure maximum distance between campus switches—up to 80 km—and minimum cabling costs—up to 50 percent less than incumbent solutions. This gives organizations the flexibility to deliver ports wherever they are needed on campus at a fraction of the cost. The Distributed Chassis design future-proofs campus networks by allowing networks to easily and cost-effectively expand in scale and capabilities.
Leading-Edge Flexibility and Reliability
The Brocade ICX 7750 provides a highly flexible 10/40 GbE aggregation solution that offers the highest levels of reliability and port density available in a 1U form factor. The Brocade ICX 7750 is available in three models: the Brocade ICX 7750-48F, 7750-48C, and 7750-26Q. The Brocade ICX 7750-48F and 7750-48C both offer 48 10 GbE ports (SFP+ and 10GBASE-T, respectively) and up to 12 40 GbE ports (six optional). The Brocade ICX 7750-26Q offers up to 32 40 GbE QSFP+ ports (six optional).
All models support stacking, which allows organizations to buy only the ports they need now and expand later by adding switches to the stack where and when they are needed. This eliminates the need for a forklift upgrade and helps avoid provisioning an underutilized, centralized chassis. In addition, the Brocade ICX 7750 supports redundant, hot-swappable AC or DC power supplies and fans, reversible airflow, and advanced software.
Distributed Chassis Architecture for Ultimate Flexibility
The Brocade ICX 7750 Switch redefines the economics of enterprise networking by delivering a unique 10/40 GbE campus aggregation solution in a fixed form factor and new levels of performance, availability, and flexibility. It provides the capabilities of a chassis with the flexibility and costeffectiveness of a stackable switch.
The Brocade ICX 7750 delivers wire-speed, non-blocking performance across all ports to support latency-sensitive applications such as real-time voice/ video streaming and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI). Up to 12 Brocade ICX 7750 Switches can be stacked together using up to 12 full-duplex 40 Gbps standard QSFP+ stacking ports that provide an unprecedented maximum of 5.76 Tbps of aggregated stacking bandwidth with full redundancy, eliminating inter-switch bottlenecks
SDN-enabled Programmatic Control Of The Network
Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is a powerful new network paradigm designed for the world’s most demanding networking environments and promises breakthrough levels of customization, scale, and efficiency. The Brocade ICX 7750 enables SDN by supporting the OpenFlow 1.0 and 1.3 protocols, which allow communication between an OpenFlow controller and an OpenFlowenabled switch. Using this approach, organizations can control their networks programmatically, transforming the network into a platform for innovation through new network applications and services.
The Brocade ICX 7750 delivers OpenFlow in true hybrid port mode. With Brocade hybrid port mode, organizations can simultaneously deploy traditional Layer 2/3 forwarding with OpenFlow on the same port. This unique capability provides a pragmatic path to SDN by enabling network administrators to progressively integrate OpenFlow into existing networks, giving them the programmatic control offered by SDN for specific flows while the remaining traffic is forwarded as before. Brocade ICX 7750 hardware support for OpenFlow enables organizations to apply these capabilities at line rate in 10 GbE and 40 GbE networks.
Greener Campus And Data Center Networks With Lower TCO
As application data and storage requirements continue to rise exponentially, demand for higher port density and bandwidth grows, along with the number of network devices and power consumption. Organizations seeking to reduce TCO need solutions that can provide higher scalability and density per rack unit, thereby reducing power consumption and heat dissipation.
The Brocade ICX 7750 addresses those needs with a state-of-the-art ASIC, reversible airflow, automatic fan-speed control, and power-efficient optics to ensure the most efficient use of power and cooling. For low-cost, low-latency, and low-energy-consuming cabling within and between the racks, the Brocade ICX 7750 supports SFP+ Direct Attach Copper (Twinax) cables at up to 5 meters. For switch-to-switch connectivity, the Brocade ICX 7750 supports low-power-consuming SFP+ and 40GBASE-SR4 QSFP+ optical transceivers at up to 100 meters. In high-port-density deployments, these features save significant operating costs.
Superior ROI And Investment Protection
The Brocade ICX 7750 combines strategic performance, availability, and scalability advantages with investment protection for existing LAN environments. It utilizes the same Brocade FastIron operating system used by other Brocade Ethernet/ IP products. This helps ensure full forward and backward compatibility among the product family while simplifying software maintenance and field upgrades.
Moreover, the use of the same industry-standard Command Line Interface (CLI) eliminates the need for staff retraining. As a result, the Brocade ICX 7750 enables organizations to better leverage their current training, tools, devices, and processes. Brocade enables organizations to further maximize their investments by not requiring additional licensing fees for advanced Layer 3 features, including IPv6 routing.
Conclusion
The ICX 7750-48 F layer 3 switch is a powerful and versatile option for anyone looking for a top-of-the-line switch. With its 48 ports, it can easily handle large networks, and its support for 10 Gigabit Ethernet makes it perfect for high-speed applications. Brocade has thought of everything with this switch, and it shows in its feature set and performance. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line layer 3 switches, the ICX 7750-48 F should be at the top of your list.