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    • IBM B-Type SAN

    IBM SAN24B-6 b-type SAN Switch

    The IBM B-type SAN switches deliver high-performance Fibre Channel connectivity for storage area networks. These Brocade-based switches provide scalable, reliable fabric services with speeds from legacy 8 Gbps to modern 64 Gbps generations, supporting enterprise-class features like zoning, trunking, and advanced diagnostics for robust data center storage networking.

    Product Description

    IBM B-type SAN switches, rebranded from Brocade technology, form the core of IBM's Fibre Channel SAN portfolio. They offer entry-level to director-class solutions with auto-sensing port speeds, Ports on Demand scalability, and Fabric OS for simplified management. Models range from compact 24-port switches for small environments to high-density directors for large-scale fabrics. Key capabilities include low-latency switching, non-disruptive upgrades, security features like port-based authentication, and integration with IBM storage systems for unified SAN management. These switches support backward compatibility with older Fibre Channel speeds and devices, making them suitable for migrating or expanding existing infrastructures while enabling high-throughput flash storage and virtualized workloads.

    Features

    • Fibre Channel connectivity with auto-sensing speeds (e.g., 4/8/16/32/64 Gbps depending on model and transceivers).
    • Ports on Demand for flexible port activation and scalability.
    • Enterprise-class Fabric OS with web tools, CLI, and advanced zoning.
    • Support for trunking, ISL aggregation, and extended fabric distances.
    • High availability with redundant components, hot-swappable power/fans, and non-disruptive software upgrades.
    • Advanced monitoring, diagnostics, and security features (e.g., Fabric Watch, port fencing).
    • Compatibility with NVMe over Fabrics in newer generations.
    • Compact form factors for rack efficiency, from 1U entry-level to multi-slot directors.

    Technical Specifications

    Specifications vary by model and generation. Common attributes across B-type family include:

    • Port Speeds: 4/8/16/32/64 Gbps (model-dependent, via SFP+/QSFP transceivers)
    • Maximum Ports: 8–24 (entry-level switches), up to 512+ (directors like SAN512B-8)
    • Throughput: Up to line-rate non-blocking performance
    • Latency: Sub-microsecond port-to-port in Gen 6/7 models
    • Form Factor: 1U/2U switches; multi-rack unit directors
    • Interface: Fibre Channel E_Port, F_Port, FL_Port, EX_Port
    • Management: Brocade Fabric OS, Web Tools, Network Advisor
    • Power: Redundant hot-swappable supplies
    • Cooling: Hot-swappable fans
    • RAID/Support: N/A (switch fabric, not storage array)

    Refer to specific models (e.g., SAN24B-6/7, SAN64B-6/7, SAN128B-7) for exact port counts, speeds, and dimensions.

    Compatibility

    IBM B-type SAN switches are compatible with a broad ecosystem, including:

    • IBM Storage: FlashSystem, DS8000, Storwize, SVC, tape libraries (3584, etc.)
    • Servers/Hosts: IBM Power Systems (AIX, IBM i), System x, Linux/Unix servers, Windows, VMware ESXi
    • Protocols: Fibre Channel, FCoE (select models), FC-NVMe in Gen 7
    • Other Switches/Directors: Interoperable with prior B-type generations and compatible Brocade fabrics
    • Operating Systems: AIX, Linux (Red Hat, SUSE), Windows Server, VMware, Solaris, HP-UX

    Backward compatibility with 1/2/4/8/16 Gbps devices ensures smooth integration. Verify interoperability matrices via IBM or Broadcom resources for firmware levels and specific configurations.

    Warranty

    This product comes with a 60-day warranty covering parts and functionality.

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