
( Brand: Brocade ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: BR-MLX-10GX20-M ), ( Part Type: Switch Module ), ( Compatible Brand: For Brocade ), ( Network Ports: Sfp ), ( Product Line: Blade ), ( Maximum Data Rate: 10 Gbps )
The Brocade MLXe 2080 Fabric Switch, specifically models BR-MLX-10GX20 and MLX-20X10G-M, are advanced data center switches engineered for supporting high-performance applications in demand of ultra-low latency and unparalleled scalability. This dual-slot system offers 20 line-rate 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) ports (MLX-20X10G-M) or 20 10 Gigabit SFP ports and 768 1Gbps Fibre Channel (FC) ports (BR-MLX-10GX20), providing unified fabric connectivity to accommodate various workloads and storage environments.
This Brocade MLXe 2080 switch is equipped with the MLXe Gen 5 ASIC, delivering 2.4 Tbps of forwarding capacity while supporting market-leading low latency at 2.9 microseconds. With an extensive portfolio of features aimed at optimizing the data center, it offers efficient bandwidth utilization, resilient connectivity, and centralized management, simplifying the network infrastructure and promoting better application performance.
Some of the key features and benefits that come with the Brocade MLXe 2080 switch include: 1. Unified Fabric Integration:It allows seamless integration between Ethernet and Fibre Channel traffic at line-rate, with each server directly accessing both Fibre Channel and Ethernet networks with a single connection to the switch.
2. Advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 Features:Advanced Layer 2 features such as Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs), Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), and Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) optimize network performance, whilst Layer 3 routing capabilities ensure comprehensive traffic management.
3. Flexible Port Options:This switch offers several port options to cater to a range of connectivity requirements. With the MLX-20X10G-M model, you have 20 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) ports. Alternatively, with the BR-MLX-10GX20 model, you can opt for 20 10GbE RJ-45 ports or a combination of both 10GbE and FC ports, providing you maximum flexibility and investment protection.
4. Network Virtualization:Brocade MLXe 2080 switch supports network virtualization through technologies like VXLAN, NVGRE, and Native VSAN, enabling multi-tenancy, ease of mobility and potential for automation.
5. Scalability:These switches scale up to 48 slots, providing the flexibility to add capacity in the future. With an optional InfiniBand Interconnect Module (IMC), the MLXe 2080 can also provide high-speed interconnect capabilities for I/O intensive applications.
6. Advanced Traffic Management:To help you efficiently manage your network traffic, it offers advanced features such as Quality of Service (QoS), traffic shaping, and port mirroring, ensuring your applications receive the necessary bandwidth while other less time-critical traffic is intelligently managed.
The Brocade MLXe 2080 is an excellent choice for data centers and campuses seeking unrivaled connectivity and performance. Its rich feature set and unified fabric capabilities simplify the network infrastructure and provide exceptional value for businesses aiming to strengthen their IT ecosystem while reducing operational complexities.
Brocade MLX Series switches, specifically the MLX-10GX20-M and MLX-20X10G-M models, are high-performance data center switches designed for enterprise-level networking requirements. We'll discuss their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Pros:1. Scalability: These switches support 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) and 40/100 Gigabit Ethernet (40GbE/100GbE) connectivity options, making them suitable for data centers with varying bandwidth demands. They can also be used in stacking configurations for increased port density and bandwidth.
2. High Performance: The MLX series switches provide high performance through their Advanced Internet Routing (AIR) technology, which supports 1.6 Tbps forwarding capacity and 1.28 Tbps sustained throughput. This is ideal for running bandwidth-intensive applications like video streaming and cloud services.
3. Flexible Deployment: They offer various deployment options, including traditional chassis, the SVX vRouter Virtual Router, and the MLXe Module for hybrid fibre coarse (HFC) installations, making it easier to adapt to different networking infrastructures.
4. built-in Security: MLX series switches come with several built-in security features, including Access Control Lists (ACLs), Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP), and High Availability (HA) options, making it easier to protect your network.
5. IEEE 802.1Q Standard: These switches support the IEEE 802.1Q standard, enabling VLAN support and better network segmentation, making it easier to manage and protect your network.
Cons:1. Cost: Brocade MLX series switches are quite expensive when compared to other mid-range data center switches. This price point may make them a less attractive option for smaller businesses or budget-conscious organizations.
2. Complex Configuration: MLX series switches offer many advanced features, but their complex configuration and large number of options might prove overwhelming for administrators who are less experienced with high-end networking equipment.
3. Limited PoE support: Unlike some other data center switches, MLX series models do not provide Power over Ethernet (PoE) support, meaning additional power supplies and cables are required for devices that need this feature.
In conclusion, the Brocade MLX series switches, such as the MLX-10GX20-M and MLX-20X10G-M models, offer high performance, scalability, and advanced features essential for enterprise-level data centers. However, they come at a premium price, and their complex configuration might be a touch challenging for some administrators. Consider evaluating these switches based on your organization's specific requirements and budget constraints. If the costs are reasonable, and the need for advanced features, high performance, and security predominates, then these switches are an excellent option. However, if budget constraints or the simplicity of deployment outweigh the benefits, you may want to consider alternative switches from other vendors.
Multiple units may be available, board revisions differ from picture. Listing is for one card. 4 slot, 8 slot and 16. Pulled from various Mlx / MLX chassis.
If a specific revision is required, please message me beforehand.