Force10 aims kit at the wiring closet

Switch vendor Force10 is to announce its C-Series of switches

Switch vendor Force10 Networks has announced the C-Series family of switches, a move that repurposes its high-end technology, currently used in large datacentres, for mid-sized datacentres and wiring closets.

“We’re known for high-end datacentre kit, but traffic patterns have changed and the wiring closet is becoming the new datacentre, especially since firms are adding more and more services onto their network infrastructures,” said Force10’s senior marketing director, Steve Garrison. He added that further models will be introduced later this year, with a choice of stackable variants also being planned.

The first and largest member of the C-Series family is the C300, which is a chassis-based model. It has line card slots for 48-port gigabit modules, with or without Power-over-Ethernet (PoE). If PoE is required, the C300 can deliver 15.4 Watts to a fully provisioned – 384 gigabit ports – system simultaneously. For 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) connectivity, Force10 uses 4-port 10GbE small form factor pluggable (XFP) transceivers. The C-300 has space for eight power supply units and the fan tray can take up to six modules.

“Remember, Uninterruptible Power Supplies and airflow into wiring closets are usually limited, so we think our intelligent power management system, modular switch firmware and online diagnostics will significantly help network admins deliver critical services over their network infrastructures,” added Garrison.

The C-300 bundle is available now, costing around £10,000 + VAT. A 48-port gigabit line card costs about £4,000 + VAT and adding PoE cost around £500 + VAT more. A 4-port 10GbE costs around £5,000 + VAT.