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Extreme Networks Data Sheet:
BlackDiamond X8
Applications
Data Center Core
The BlackDiamond X8 is designed for enterprise, multi-tenant and cloud data
center core and border deployments. In these applications, the BlackDiamond
X8 can be used with XL and non-XL series modules to provide a mix of
high- and modest- scale connectivity. The non-XL series modules provide 10GbE
and 40GbE downlink connectivity for top of rack switches such as the Extreme
Network Summit X670, while the XL series modules provide a high-scale 10GbE,
40GbE and 100GbE solution for inter-DC, disaster recovery, or cloud
connectivity. A pair of BlackDiamond X8 switches connected through M-LAG
provides a robust and scalable core solution.
Data Center Edge
For high-density, high-throughput environments such as hosted data centers
and digital media, the BlackDiamond X8 provides wire-speed 1GbE, 10Gb and
40 GbE server and storage connectivity as an end-of-row/middle-of-row
aggregation solution. This enables seamless 1GbE to 10GbE server migration
using BlackDiamond X8 10GbE copper or fiber modules with regular or LAN on
Motherboard (LoM) based servers. The BlackDiamond X8 is connected to the
core using 40GbE or 100GbE uplinks. Features such as VEPA, Port Isolation and
TRILL can play key role in building a scalable flat network.
High Performance Compute Cluster
In High Performance Computing and Super Computing, where large numbers of
compute nodes and storage need to be connected using low-latency 10 and
40GbE, the BlackDiamond X8 provides high-density, low-latency access and
back-end connectivity. On the access side, BlackDiamond X8 or Summit X670
series switches can provide 10GbE fiber or copper connectivity to connect
compute nodes within the cluster. On the back-end, the BlackDiamond X8 can
provide a 2-way or 4-way ECMP high-performance, low-latency HPC core for
future cluster expansions.
Internet Exchange Point
The BlackDiamond X8 offers a great solution for Internet Exchange Points (IXP)
due to its density and performance. The IXP can use BlackDiamond X8 to
provision 10GbE and 100GbE ports on the customer edge and can use the same
10GbE or 100GbE in the core as well. The BlackDiamond X8 supports long-range
optics on both 10GbE and 100GbE to provide flexible customer connectivity
options. In addition, features such as MPLS VPLS, LSP load sharing, Selective
VLAN, VLAN Bridging and TRILL (future availability) provide capabilities to
virtualize the IXP network for better service delivery.
