IBM 43W4395 Network Switch Networking

The Cisco Catalyst Switch Modules for BladeCenter® represent the next-generation networking solution for blade server environments. Built upon Cisco's market-leading hardware and IOS software, the switches are engineered with technologies specifically designed to help meet the rigors of blade-server-based application infrastructure. Specifically, the switches are designed to deliver scalable, high-performance, highly resilient connectivity while supporting ongoing IT initiatives around reducing server infrastructure complexity and TCO by seamlessly integrating into existing Cisco management networks.

All three Cisco Catalyst Switch Modules for BladeCenter have the standard switch-bay form-factor. All three switches have fourteen 1 Gb connections to the server blades. The 3012 and 3110G have four 1 Gb uplinks, while the 3110X has a single 10 Gb uplink. The 3110G and 3110X switches feature advanced Layer 3 functions (IP Services) and IPv6 functions (Advanced IP Services) via optional software keys. With Cisco Catalyst Switch Modules 3110G and 3110X for BladeCenter, Cisco introduces a technology called the Virtual Blade Switch (VBS). This switch virtualization technology takes the individual physical switches within a rack of BladeCenter chassis and treats them as one logical switch. This innovation is the foundation of the switches' ability to deliver increased performance and resilience while simplifying operations and management.