For today’s enterprise campus and data center networks, the network core and aggregation layers are upgrading from 10 GbE to 40 GbE. Many applications including High-Definition (HD) video, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), high quality plastic product and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) are adopted to increase the demand for higher bandwidth access networks. Therefore, Brocade has launched the ICX 7750 switch as a cost-effective and high-performance solution. This article will introduce the basic information about Brocade ICX 7750 switch and provide compatible transceiver and cable solutions for the device.Brocade ICX 7750 is a fixed-port, high-density switch for 10/40 GbE networks. Designed for enterprise campus and data center environments, Brocade ICX 7750 is available with front-to-back or back-to-front airflow and redundant, hot-swappable power supplies and fan units in a 1U form factor. The switch can also be stacked together in a linear or ring topology. The stack ports for the uplink and downlink connections should be on the same module. Each stack is able to accommodate up to 12 switches providing the maximum stacking bandwidth of 5.76 Tbps. The distance between two staked switches relies on the type of QSFP link, and its maximum length can reach up to 10 km.
Brocade ICX 7750 switch has three different modules. They are Brocade ICX 7750-48F, Brocade ICX 7750-48C and Brocade ICX 7750-26Q. Each type has a distinctive front port structure. However, they also have some places in common. All three configurations offer two slots for load-sharing, redundant power supplies, four fan slots, one RJ-45 network management port, one mini USB serial management port, and one USB storage port. Here will present the three types one by one.Second application is for the data center ToR (top of rack) server connectivity. It is fit for server racks and only consumes one rack unit. The Brocade ICX 7750 is able to connect to the data center middle-of-row or end-of-row aggregation chassis with either 10 GbE or 40 GbE.Third is for 10 GbE aggregation in data center. When most servers are 1 GbE-capable, the compact Brocade ICX 7750 switch is an ideal solution for cost-effective 10 GbE aggregation using the 10 GbE links to connect Brocade ICX ToR switches at the edge of network.