IBM Storage Networking SAN256B-6 and SAN512B-6

IBM Storage Networking SAN256B-6 and SAN512B-6 offer a high-density 32 Gbps 64-port blade for greater scalability, efficiency, and flexibility

Designed to support storage growth, demanding workloads, and data center consolidation, the 32Gb/s 64-port blade (feature number 3264) delivers 32Gb/s performance, port density, and multiprotocol flexibility.

It can effectively scale IBM Storage Networking SAN256B-6 and SAN512B-6 directors to build high-density SAN fabrics that maximize productivity and increase the efficiency of storage investments. By combining Gen 6 capabilities with multiprotocol flexibility and enhanced latency monitoring of NVMe over FC traffic, the Brocade 32Gb/s 64-port blade enables a seamless transition to the all-flash data center and drives IT innovation.

Increase scalability

Scale SAN256B-6 and SAN512B-6 directors up to 512 ports with 64 32Gb/s ports
Maximize space utilization with 33% more device connectivity
Handle more workloads with increased total SAN256B-6 and SAN512B-6 system bandwidth up to 20Tb/s

Simplify connectivity

Simplify core to edge switch connectivity with 75% fewer cables
Reduce failure points and improve reliability with an efficient, consolidated cabling solution
Integrate SAN256B-6 and SAN512B-6 directors seamlessly into an existing structured cabling infrastructure with Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP)

Enable flexibility

Design flexible architectures with concurrent FC, FCoE, or NVMe)connectivity options
Optimize performance with enhanced monitoring of both NVMe and FC traffic
Enable flexible connectivity for both device and ISLs between Gen 6 switches with Q-Flex ports

Key prerequisites
The IBM Storage Networking b-type SAN switch and director family supports FC connectivity for servers and storage. IBM Storage Networking SAN256B-6 (8961-F04) and SAN512B-6 (8961-F08) support all features and functions listed, and require Fabric OS level 8.2.0, or later.

Planned availability date: September 14, 2018