Telecom Lead America:
Extreme Networks has launched 10 gigabit Ethernet (GbE) copper modules for its
BlackDiamond X8 core switch and new copper versions of its Summit X670 Top-of-Rack
fixed data center switches.
10GBase-T copper switches, as a ratio of global ports
shipped, will become the primary choice for cloud and data center network
upgrades in the next two years, according to Dell’Oro Group.
Extreme Networks new high density copper switches are
optimized to take advantage of servers based on the Intel Xeon Processor E5
Family and 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) LAN on motherboard (LOM) devices.
“Data center operators are looking for ways to reuse
cabling infrastructure, when upgrading their networks to 10 GbE.
Rip-and-replace is the last option for most data center operators. The new
BlackDiamond X8 blade and Summit X670 copper switch allow data center customers
to deploy the most cost-effective 10 GbE options using standard RJ45 copper
jacks,” said Huy Nguyen, senior director of product management at Extreme
Networks.
“Intel and Extreme Networks believe 10GBase-T copper
switches will be a driver for cloud and data center upgrades because of their
simplicity, backwards compatibility with one gigabit switches, and low-cost
copper cabling,” said Steve Schultz, director of marketing, Intel LAN
Access Division.
The Intel Ethernet Controller X540 is the industry’s first
single-chip, fully integrated 10GBASE-T controller and is designed for
cost-effective, low power LOM and converged network adapters solutions. Extreme
Networks offers Gigabit, 10 and 40 Gigabit Ethernet networking solutions for
Layer 2/3 switching. These products can be used by data center and cloud
operators in modular and fixed configurations.
The new Summit X670 switch will support 48-ports of wire-speed
10 GbE copper RJ45 with 40 GbE uplink capabilities and is expected to begin
shipping this calendar year. The new BlackDiamond X8 copper blade will support
48-ports of wire-speed 10 GbE copper RJ45 with 384 total ports inside the
chassis.
In independent tests conducted in November by the Lippis
Report, existing versions of the switch families were up to 10 times faster and
used less half the power of other network vendors. Wide adoption of 10GbE
servers is important because it is expected to drive a new wave of 40GbE
network upgrades for next generation data centers over time.
