Brocade ramps up campus LAN, ICX switch portfolio

NEW DELHI, INDIA: Networking company Brocade announced newer capabilities to its campus LAN portfolio with the introduction of its new vision 'The Effortless Network'.

This vision is based on Brocade's HyperEdge technology, which is designed to deliver automation and simplification of campus LAN lifecycle.

HyperEdge technology promises to enhance a wide range of current campus LAN-based applications, such as unified communications (UC) and security, while paving the way for emerging applications such as "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD) enterprise mobility, rich video and virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), says a release.

It features single-point management that enables users to manage entire access switching layer as a single device, from initial deployment to ongoing configuration, software upgrades and monitoring.

It also features mix-and-match stacking, which allows users to build a stack of edge switches cost effectively, claims the company.

Users can mix and match premium and entry-level switches within a single stack. This approach can also extend the lifespan of the switching infrastructure. As the network evolves, premium switches can augment existing entry-level switch services, whereas competitive offerings would require a rip-and-replace conversion, the release adds.

HyperEdge technology will be available on the stackable switch portfolio, including Brocade ICX and FCX switch families, through a software upgrade when it becomes available next year.

Brocade also introduced two new its ICX switch family to support the company's advancements in campus LAN technology.

Brocade ICX Switches

The new Brocade ICX 6430 switch and Brocade ICX 6450 switch feature full stacking capabilities, a rich set of Layer 2 and Layer 3 functionality and the ability to support advanced features such as Energy-efficient Ethernet (EEE) and MACsec encryption for link-level data protection.

Available in 24- and 48-port 1GbE models, with optional 1/10GbE uplink/stacking ports, the ICX 6430 and 6450 can stack up to 384 ports for entry level stack densities and functionality.

The new stackable access switches join the recently released Brocade ICX 6610 switch.

"Organizations today are increasingly relying on advanced enterprise communications solutions -- such as video, real-time collaboration and unified communications -- to increase productivity and reduce costs. These applications require a solid networking foundation to deliver the seamless user experience that consumers expect," said Warren Barkley, General Manager for Lync at Microsoft Corporation. "As Microsoft continues to drive next-generation communication technologies forward, it's apparent that Brocade is focused on powering these new applications with innovative campus LAN solutions optimized to ensure highly reliable and scalable enterprise-class communications deployments."

Pricing and Availability

The Brocade ICX 6430 and 6450 are available at a starting list price of $1,295.

Multi-Chassis Trunking (MCT) capabilities are also available today for the Brocade FastIron SX switches. HyperEdge technology is planned to be available for purchase in the first half of 2013.

All Brocade ICX and Brocade FCX switches are HyperEdge technology-ready.