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    • IBM B-Type SAN

    IBM B-Type SAN Switches

    IBM B-type SAN switches provide Fibre Channel connectivity for IBM Power Systems, FlashSystem storage, and other Fibre Channel environments.

    Product Description

    IBM B-type SAN switches are based on Brocade technology and deliver Fibre Channel fabric connectivity from 16 Gbps to 128 Gbps. The product line includes entry-level 24-port switches, mid-range models with 48 or 56 ports, higher-density 64-port platforms, and extension switches for long-distance FCIP connectivity. Models support auto-sensing port speeds, Ports on Demand licensing for incremental capacity, ISL trunking, zoning, and Fabric Vision monitoring. Gen 6 platforms support up to 32 Gbps, Gen 7 platforms support up to 64 Gbps, and Gen 8 platforms support up to 128 Gbps. All switches use Brocade Fabric OS for management through the CLI, Web Tools, or Network Advisor. Dual power supplies and hot-swappable components are available on most models for high availability.

    Features

    • Fibre Channel port speeds from 16 Gbps to 128 Gbps with auto-negotiation
    • Ports on Demand scalability on supported models
    • ISL trunking and load balancing
    • Fabric Vision monitoring and diagnostic tools
    • Support for E_Port, F_Port, EX_Port, and related port types
    • FC-NVMe readiness on Gen 6 and later platforms
    • Dual redundant power supplies and fans on most models
    • Compact 1U form factors for fixed switches
    • Extension models for FCIP long-distance replication

    Technical Specifications

    • Port Speeds: 16 Gbps, 32 Gbps, 64 Gbps, or 128 Gbps depending on generation and model
    • Port Counts: 24 ports on entry models; up to 56 or 64 ports on mid-range models
    • Form Factor: 1U for fixed switches; larger for directors
    • Management: Brocade Fabric OS, Web Tools, Network Advisor
    • Interfaces: SFP+, SFP-DD, and QSFP optics depending on model
    • High Availability: Dual power supplies and hot-swappable components on most models
    • Latency: Sub-microsecond on Gen 6 and later platforms

    Compatibility

    IBM B-type SAN switches are compatible with:

    • Storage systems: IBM FlashSystem, SAN Volume Controller, DS8000, and other Fibre Channel storage arrays
    • Servers: IBM Power Systems, System x, and other platforms with Fibre Channel HBAs
    • Protocols: Fibre Channel, FC-NVMe on supported generations, and FICON on selected models
    • Operating systems: IBM i, AIX, Linux, Windows, and VMware at supported levels
    • Optics and cables: Shortwave, longwave, and extended longwave SFP+ or SFP-DD transceivers with matching multimode or single-mode fiber
    • Limitations: Confirm generation compatibility, firmware levels, zoning requirements, and optics before deployment. Backward compatible with prior speeds through auto-negotiation. Extension models have specific tunnel compatibility rules

    Available Models

    • IBM 8634-F56 SAN56B-8: Gen 8, up to 56 ports of 128 Gbps
    • IBM 8969-P64 SAN64B-7: Gen 7, up to 64 ports of 64 Gbps
    • IBM 8969-P24 SAN24B-7: Gen 7, 24 ports of 64 Gbps
    • IBM 8969-F24 SAN24B-6: Gen 6, 24 ports of 32 Gbps
    • IBM 8969-R42 SAN42B-R7: Gen 7 extension switch for FCIP
    • IBM 2498-F24 SAN24B-5: 16 Gbps, 24 ports
    • IBM 2498-F48 SAN48B-5: 16 Gbps, 48 ports
    • IBM 8960-F24 SAN24B-6: Gen 6, 24 ports

    Warranty

    These products come with a 60-day warranty covering parts and functionality.

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