Back to: Brocade FC (Fibre Channel) Switches
The Brocade Data Center Fabric Portfolio offers a range of solutions designed to create agile, high-performance, and secure data center networks. Let’s break it down by categories:
🌐 Brocade Data Center Fabric Portfolio
1. Storage Networking Fabrics (SAN)
Focused on high-speed, low-latency fabrics for storage environments, especially Fibre Channel (FC) networks.
- Gen 7 Fibre Channel (64 Gbps):
- Switches: Brocade G720, G730, G710
- Directors: Brocade X7-4, X7-8
- ASIC: Condor 5
- Key Features: NVMe over FC support, autonomous SAN, and ultra-low latency for flash storage.
- Gen 6 Fibre Channel (32 Gbps):
- Switches: Brocade G610, G620, G630
- Directors: Brocade X6-4, X6-8
- Key Features: Fabric Vision technology, integrated diagnostics, and dynamic path selection.
2. Ethernet Fabrics (IP Networking)
Built to simplify and automate data center networks using Ethernet technologies.
- Brocade VDX Series:
- Models: VDX 6740, VDX 6940
- Features: Layer 2/3 Ethernet switches with support for Virtual Fabric (VCS), automation, and VXLAN for multi-tenant environments.
- Brocade SLX Series:
- Models: SLX 9140, SLX 9240
- Features: Advanced programmability, automation, and real-time network visibility with support for containerized network functions (CNFs).
3. Data Center Directors
High-density, modular switches for enterprise-class data centers.
- Brocade DCX 8510:
- Modular backbone supporting Fibre Channel connectivity for large-scale SANs.
- Scales up to 8Tbps for Gen 5 Fibre Channel environments.
4. Automation and Analytics
Brocade integrates automation and AI-powered analytics for predictive management.
- Brocade Fabric Vision Technology:
- Real-time performance monitoring, fault isolation, and proactive alerting.
- Brocade SANnav Management Portal:
- Simplified SAN management with a modern UI, telemetry streaming, and health dashboards.
5. NVMe over Fabrics (NVMe-oF)
Modern fabrics optimized for high-speed NVMe storage environments.
- Supports NVMe over FC with Gen 6 and Gen 7 Fibre Channel switches.
- Reduces latency, boosts throughput, and improves overall storage performance.
📈 Key Innovations:
- Automation: Built-in automation for provisioning, diagnostics, and scaling.
- Security: End-to-end encryption and dynamic access control.
- Scalability: Modular designs for both Ethernet and Fibre Channel networks.
- Real-time Analytics: Proactive monitoring and AI-powered insights.