The FINANCIAL — Dell on September 24 announced expansions to its networking portfolio to address growing complexities in campus networking and skyrocketing bandwidth demands in the data center.
For the campus, Dell introduced a new unified-campus architecture powered by the new Dell Networking C9010 Network Director switch and companion C1048P Rapid Access Node. In the data center, Dell debuted the Dell Networking S6100-ON, combining multi-rate connectivity, modularity and open networking to deliver unparalleled in-rack networking flexibility, according to Dell.
“At Dell, we’re taking a holistic, end-to-end approach to networking from connecting server storage and workloads together in the data center to connecting desktops and mobile devices in the campus,” said Tom Burns, vice president and general manager, Dell Networking and Enterprise Infrastructure. “We’re excited about these new products and capabilities and the new levels of simplicity and flexibility to help our customers become future ready.”
New Campus Network Architecture: Powered by the Dell Networking C9010 Network Director and C1048P Rapid Access Nodes
Designed for mid- to large-scale campus environments seeking improved scalability combined with simplified management, the new Dell unified-campus architecture provides a single management view for the entire campus from access to core. This provides a single point of control for quality of service, policy provisioning and software upgrades, as well as for programming software-defined attributes. Additionally, through the use of industry-standard protocols, the new Dell campus architecture can be jumpstarted using existing Dell campus investments by re-deploying Dell Networking N-series switches as access nodes.
The new Dell Networking C9010 Network Director is a next-generation multi-rate capable modular switch and is the first platform based on the new Dell campus network architecture. It delivers optimum scalability for up to 4,000 virtual ports managed centrally, a lifetime of flexibility with support for 10 and 40 gigabit Ethernet (GbE) today, and a tool-free upgrade to 100GbE in the future to meet the growing bandwidth requirements of a diverse campus of end-users and end-points. For initial deployments, the C9010 can be deployed as a traditional campus switching platform without the Dell Networking C1048P Rapid Access Node, serving to aggregate legacy switching platforms in wiring closets.
The real power of the C9010, however, comes when paired with the C1048P Rapid Access Node to deliver new levels of simplicity and scalability in the campus. The Dell Networking C1048P extends the capabilities of the C9010 Network Director by providing enhanced power over Ethernet well as user access and connectivity back to the C9010. The C1048P can be deployed either stand-alone or in a stacked configuration, and can be introduced at any time to the new architecture, greatly simplifying ongoing maintenance and operation. For enhanced investment protection, Dell N-series switches within current customer environments can also become access nodes via a software download shortly after launch.
New Dell Networking S6100-ON Multi-Rate Modular In-Rack Switch
As the latest addition to the S-Series family of data center switches, the Dell Networking S6100-ON combines multi-rate connectivity with chassis-level modularity and open networking perfect for data center operators seeking maximum flexibility and control in the rack. Through multiple expansion modules, customers have the flexibility to deliver various combinations of port speeds ranging from 10 – 100GbE with both QSFP28 and CXP port choices for flexibility in deployment. With its increased density, performance, flexibility and simplified management, the Dell S6100-ON is ideal for virtualization, cloud and big data analytics environments—all foundational elements for the Future-Ready Enterprise.
Availability
Dell Networking C9010 and C1048P will be available in October 2015.
Dell Networking S6100-ON will be available in the first quarter of 2016.
Supporting Quotes
“We’re impressed with Dell’s ability to understand our data center’s requirements both for today and tomorrow. The high density and flexible multi-rate approach from 10GbE all the way to 100GbE is key to our networking needs.” – Charlie McMahon, CTO & CIO, Tulane University
“These products insert new capabilities into a relatively complacent networking market where Dell is using software-defined networking and open networking to challenge the prevailing networking norms. The multi-rate capabilities will give data center customers more opportunity to consider these products and its campus focus will help Dell break into new areas along the edges with minimal disruption, a smart move in a conservative market like networking.” – John Fruehe, senior analyst, Moor Insights & Strategy
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