IBM Has Chosen QLogic Quad Date Rate IB Switches

Clusters from IBM Corp. with Quad Date Rate InfiniBand Switches from QLogic Corp. are designed for high availability and can also deliver the scalability required by distributed database processing.

New quad data rate server switches enable to form performance clusters and grids that deliver the performance required to realize the potential of applications and systems.

InfiniBand is an industry-standard interconnect for clusters and enterprise grids. This fabric creates clusters that address requirements such as those found in scientific, technical, and financial applications. InfiniBand solutions are designed for high availability and can also deliver the scalability required by distributed database processing.

The IBM Power Systems machine type 7874 enables the ordering and service of specific QLogic 4X Quad Data Rate InfiniBand switches that are available in three models of up to 36-port, 72-port, and 324-port capability:

• The IBM 7874-036 is a QLogic 12200 36-port, 40 Gbps InfiniBand switch that cost-effectively links workgroup resources into a cluster. This compact 1U solution is used for building small node count fabrics. Included in the 7874-036 are redundant power supplies, power cords, rack mount kit, and QLogic InfiniBand Fabric Suite.
• The IBM 7874-072 is a QLogic 12800-040 72-port, 40 Gbps InfiniBand switch that links resources using a scalable, low-latency fabric. The 7874-072 supports up to four 18-port QDR Leaf Modules. Included in the 7874-072 is a QDR Managed Spine Module, redundant power supplies, redundant fans, power cords, rack mount kit, and QLogic InfiniBand Fabric Suite.
• The IBM 7874-324 is a QLogic 12800-180 324-port 40 Gbps InfiniBand switch designed to maintain larger clusters, supporting up to eighteen 18-port QDR Leaf Modules. Included in the 7874-324 are redundant QDR Managed Spine Modules, a full complement of Spine Modules to provide a 100% nonblocking fabric for all ports, redundant power supplies, redundant fans, power cords, rack mount kit, and QLogic InfiniBand Fabric Suite.

Key prerequisites

• IBM Power Systems servers (8202-E4B and 8205-E6B) are supported for attachment to the QLogic QDR InfiniBand switches.

Planned availability date

• May 20, 2011