IBM RackSwitch G8124E 7309-HC6 24x SFP+ 10Gb - Ethernet Switch

The IBM RackSwitch G8124E (Machine Type 7309-HC6) is an excellent switch due to its high-density 10GbE connectivity, ultra-low latency, and advanced features for virtualization and converged networking, making it a superb solution for modern data center environments. Its high-density 10GbE connectivity, provided by 24 SFP+ ports, ensures ample bandwidth for demanding applications and virtualized servers, enabling non-blocking performance at wire speed. The ultra-low latency, as low as 570 nanoseconds for 10 GbE traffic, is critical for time-sensitive applications and efficient inter-server communication, significantly contributing to overall data center responsiveness. Furthermore, its advanced features such as Lenovo Virtual Fabric (allowing a single physical 10GbE port to be carved into multiple virtual NICs with dedicated bandwidth) and VMready (for automated VM network policy management during migrations) provide substantial benefits for simplifying network management and optimizing performance in highly virtualized and converged data center environments. The switch includes two integrated, redundant 275W AC power supplies and six internal, redundant fans for high availability.
The IBM RackSwitch G8124E (Machine Type 7309-HC6) is perfect for:

Data Center Top-of-Rack (ToR) Deployments: Its compact 1U design and high port density of 10GbE ports make it ideal for connecting numerous servers within a single rack, providing high-bandwidth access to the network core. Virtualized Server Environments: With features like VMready software, it helps simplify network configuration for virtual machines, automatically reconfiguring network policies as VMs migrate. This is crucial for maintaining network performance and security in dynamic virtualized infrastructures. Converged Fabrics and FCoE Ready: Supports Converged Enhanced Ethernet (CEE/DCB) and provides connectivity to Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) gateways, allowing organizations to converge storage (Fibre Channel) and traditional Ethernet traffic onto a single network infrastructure, reducing cabling and complexity. High-Performance Computing (HPC) Clusters: The extremely low latency and non-blocking line-rate switching are critical for HPC environments where inter-node communication speed directly impacts application performance. Reducing Cabling and Complexity: By offering both 1GbE and 10GbE connectivity on a single switch, and enabling virtual network interfaces (vNICs) from a single physical port (via Virtual Fabric), it significantly cuts down on the number of adapters and cables needed per server. /