Recommendations for 56Gb switch

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Falloutboy

Member
Oct 23, 2011
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I am looking to get a fibre switch for my 40 and 56 gb connect X3's, only needs about 10 ports but more is O.K preferrably with as smaller footprint as possible, can I have a list of vendor switches and models to look out for. I already know to be careful about some 3rd party gear like EMC so I will come back and get you guys to check out what I am looking at going for.
One suggestion I have had for a 40Gb Switch thus far was a Dell Force 10 Z9000, I don't know if I like the idea of that one or not, I have found Dell stuff to be highly unfriendly and proprietary.
I would also like to avoid if possible having to pay out for licenses to use what I have just brought as that would be irritating to say the least.
I'm fine with a switch that will run 40Gb , 56Gb would be a bonus.
I would like the switch also to be on the extreme compatible end with Mellanox gear.

Thanks for your input.
 

i386

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Mar 18, 2016
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56GBE is not an official standard, there are different implementations by different vendors. Ciscos for example has an implementation that uses QSFP14 and it's not compatible with Mellanox 56GBE implementation...
For a 40GBE solution I would recomment the brocade ICX6650 (max 4 40GBE ports), arista (there are different models that come in 1 or 2u and support 4 to 64 QSFP14 ports, maybe the 7050q-16 will fit your requirements?) or the mellanox 6036* switch :D

*The 6036 requires licenses to be used as an ethernet/l3 switch
 

Falloutboy

Member
Oct 23, 2011
221
23
18
56GBE is not an official standard, there are different implementations by different vendors. Ciscos for example has an implementation that uses QSFP14 and it's not compatible with Mellanox 56GBE implementation...
For a 40GBE solution I would recomment the brocade ICX6650 (max 4 40GBE ports), arista (there are different models that come in 1 or 2u and support 4 to 64 QSFP14 ports, maybe the 7050q-16 will fit your requirements?) or the mellanox 6036* switch :D

*The 6036 requires licenses to be used as an ethernet/l3 switch
I'm just looking at the 6036 at the moment, also trying to figure out what the license cost is and if it's perpetual or 1 off, any ideas where I should be looking for this, it's not exactly been easy since nVidia mucked all the site up.
 

i386

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Mar 18, 2016
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The gateway license was lsited for 3k+ € in the mellanox store. But the switch is EOL and I'm not sure if mellanox still sells the license...
 

Falloutboy

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Oct 23, 2011
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It looks like the 6036 is a no go, Mellanox says they go by serial numbers and let the buyer beware you wont be able to purchase an OS for it, I found the link for the gateway license NVIDIA Mellanox UPGR-1012-GW L3 Ethernet + Gateway Upgrade for Mellanox 1012 Series Ethernet Switch but maybe that's why these are going for around $200 on ebay - you can't be sure that it's going to work because Mellanox is into forced obselecense.

If I was running a pair of 56Gb cards pair to pair on an appropriate OS would I be able to get flow control? and 40/56 Gb Ethernet, if so I have an idea.
 

i386

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Mar 18, 2016
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If you're looking for a homelab switch there are ways to get the proper licenses for free...
 

i386

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Mar 18, 2016
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MSX6036.JPG
 

Falloutboy

Member
Oct 23, 2011
221
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View attachment 15872
Unfortunately and I'm going to sound a bit of a dunce , I don't know what I should be downloading there, I run at the moment Ubuntu 20.04 on my server I don't know exactly what I would need, I know I'm a pain thin the ass but could you give me a bit of direction? also how do I obtain these licenses for the HomeLab I'm setting up?

I don't mind dropping $200USD on a switch but I wan't to make damn certain I won't end up with a boat anchor.
 

Falloutboy

Member
Oct 23, 2011
221
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Hi again, if you can let me know about " If you're looking for a homelab switch there are ways to get the proper licenses for free... " that would be great, then I can actually get on a buy one this weekend, my CC company is doing six months interest free so it would be a good time to buy and this is the final link in the puzzle.