Dell recently announced expansions to its networking portfolio to address growing complexities in campus networking and skyrocketing bandwidth demands in the data centre. For the campus, Dell introduced a new unified-campus architecture powered by the new Dell Networking C9010 Network Director switch and companion C1048P Rapid Access Node. In the data centre, Dell debuted the Dell Networking S6100-ON, combining multi-rate connectivity, modularity, and open networking to deliver unparalleled in-rack networking flexibility.

“At Dell, we’re taking a holistic, end-to-end approach to networking from connecting server storage and workloads together in the data centre to connecting desktops and mobile devices in the campus,” said Francois Smith, Dell Enterprise Lead for South Africa. “We’re excited about these new products and capabilities and the new levels of simplicity and flexibility to help our customers become future ready.

New campus network architecture: powered by the new Dell networking C9010 network director and c1048p rapid access nodes

Designed for mid- to large-scale campus environments seeking improved scalability combined with simplified management, the new Dell unified-campus architecture provides a single management view for the entire campus from access to core. This provides a single point of control for quality of service, policy provisioning and software upgrades, as well as for programming software-defined attributes. Additionally, through the use of industry-standard protocols, the new Dell campus architecture can be jumpstarted using existing Dell campus investments by re-deploying Dell Networking N-series switches as access nodes.

The new Dell Networking C9010 Network Director is a next-generation multi-rate capable modular switch and is the first platform based on the new Dell campus network architecture. It delivers optimum scalability for up to 4,000 virtual ports managed centrally, a lifetime of flexibility with support for 10Gb and 40Gb Ethernet today, and a tool-free upgrade to 100GbE in the future to meet the growing bandwidth requirements of a diverse campus of end-users and end-points. For initial deployments, the C9010 can be deployed as a traditional campus switching platform without the Dell Networking C1048P Rapid Access Node, serving to aggregate legacy switching platforms in wiring closets.

The real power of the C9010, however, comes when paired with the C1048P Rapid Access Node to deliver new levels of simplicity and scalability in the campus. The Dell Networking C1048P extends the capabilities of the C9010 Network Director by providing enhanced power over Ethernet well as user access and connectivity back to the C9010. The C1048P can be deployed either stand-alone or in a stacked configuration, and can be introduced at any time to the new architecture, greatly simplifying ongoing maintenance and operation. For enhanced investment protection, Dell N-series switches within current customer environments can also become access nodes via a software download shortly after launch.

New Dell networking S6100-ON multi-rate modular in-rack switch

As the latest addition to the S-Series family of data centre switches, the Dell Networking S6100-ON combines multi-rate connectivity with chassis-level modularity and open networking perfect for data center operators seeking maximum flexibility and control in the rack. Through multiple expansion modules, customers have the flexibility to deliver various combinations of port speeds ranging from 10 – 100 GbE with both QSFP28 and CXP port choices for flexibility in deployment. With its increased density, performance, flexibility and simplified management, the Dell S6100-ON is ideal for virtualization, cloud and big data analytics environments—all foundational elements for the Future-Ready Enterprise.

Availability

Dell Networking C9010 and C1048P will be available in October, 2015.

 Dell Networking S6100-ON will be available in the first quarter of 2016.

“We’re impressed with Dell’s ability to understand our data centre’s requirements both for today and tomorrow. The high density and flexible multi-rate approach from 10GbE all the way to 100GbE is key to our networking needs.” – Charlie McMahon, CTO & CIO, Tulane University

“The University of Pisa has partnered closely with Dell over the past few years to deploy future-ready solutions. We believe that the new C9000 platform from Dell is very innovative and will help us better manage our evolving campus network and reduce administrative time significantly.” - Maurizio Davini, CTO, IT Centre, University of Pisa.

Additional Links

• Video: C9010 Network Director and C1048P Rapid Access Node
• Product page: C9010 Network Director and C1048P Rapid Access Node
• Video: S6100-ON
• Dell Networking home page
• Open Networking wiki, Dell TechCenter
• Follow us at @DellNetworking on Twitter and Dell Enterprise Group on LinkedIn

Dell Inc. listens to customers and delivers innovative technology and services that give them the power to do more. For more information, visit www.dell.co.uk.

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