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Data center-class switches: A buyer's guide

Last updated:August 2015

Editor's note

Data center-class switches have emerged over the past few years as a result of design changes in the data center. Going beyond the traditional three-tiered network model, these high-performance switches support technologies like storage area networks (SANs) and increasing traffic flows in both north-south and east-west directions.

This new class of switches also supports high-bandwidth interconnects like Fibre Channel and Fibre Channel over Ethernet, which are required for SAN connectivity. Finally, they can be deployed in both top-of-rack and end-of-row configurations.

In this buyer's guide, readers will learn more depth what a data center-class switch is, as well as how to identify optimal use case scenarios for its deployment. The guide will also cover important criteria to consider when purchasing a data center-class switch and will provide a head-to-head comparison of the leading data center-class switches. It also has product overviews of some of the top data center-class switches on the market today.

1The business case for data center-class switches

Data center-class switch use cases shed light on the benefits for your organization.

2How to buy a data center-class switch

Explore key features to look for when purchasing a data center-class switch for your organization.

3Which data center-class switch should I buy?

Which data center-class should you buy for your organization's infrastructure? Take a look at our comparison of the top vendors in the market and review the pros and cons of their products.

4A glance at the leading data center-class switch vendors

Data center-class switches have become integral to large and complex IT infrastructures. Take a look at the leading data center-class switch vendors on the market.

5Archive of previous releases

Here you can find information about earlier iterations of data center-class switches.

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