Clarification/Explanation of top of rack switch

[SRussell]

I was reading about a Mellanox 100GbE switch. The info doc attributes it as a top of rack switch. Googling top of rack defines it as a design spec where servers connect to the switch in the rack. However, it also states that the switch can be located anywhere in the rack.

If I had to explain this like I am five... does it mean that this switch is designed so that cabling says within the rack and does not need to be run to a centrally located area of bulky switches? Or, is top of rack similar to a core switch?

 

[i386]

"Core switch" is cisco language/marketing for the "fastest" switches in a 3 tier network topology.
"Top of rack" switches I think was a concept from datacenters for making cabling (usage of short cables, <5 meter) and network upgrades easier.

 

[klui]

Look up Top of Rack vs End of Row. Like the first link from a websearch: Top of Rack vs End of Row Data Center Designs