Description
Product Details of the Cisco UCS-FI-6248UP 32 Ports Managed Switch
The Cisco UCS-FI-6248UP Fabric Interconnect is a managed switch that is used as part of the Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) for data center networking. It provides a unified management interface for all the server, storage, and network resources in the data center. The “UP” in the model number indicates that the switch has built-in uplink ports for connecting to external networks. The 6248UP has 48 fixed
10 Gigabit Ethernet and Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) ports and 6 built-in uplink ports. It also supports virtualization and automation features, such as virtual NICs (vNICs) and virtual HBAs (vHBAs). The switch can be managed using the Cisco UCS Manager software, which provides a centralized management interface for all the components of the UCS system.
SFP+ Technology
The Cisco UCS-FI-6248UP comes with 32 ports, providing a versatile and scalable solution for various networking needs. These ports support 1/10 Gigabit Ethernet and FCoE, ensuring high-speed data transmission. The use of Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus (SFP+) technology allows for flexibility and interchangeability of transceivers based on specific connectivity requirements.
Managed Switch Capabilities
As a managed switch, the UCS 6248UP offers advanced control and configuration options. This enables administrators to optimize network performance, manage bandwidth efficiently, and implement security measures. The switch’s management capabilities contribute to the overall stability and reliability of the network infrastructure.
Fabric Interconnect Design
The term “Fabric Interconnect” refers to the switch’s role in connecting various elements within a data center fabric. In the case of the Cisco UCS 6248UP, its design facilitates communication between servers, storage devices, and other network components. This design promotes a unified and integrated data center architecture, enhancing overall efficiency.
Scalability and Modular Design
The UCS 6248UP is built with scalability in mind, allowing organizations to expand their network infrastructure as needed. Its modular design accommodates additional modules and expansion cards, providing a future-proof solution for evolving network requirements. This scalability is crucial for businesses experiencing growth and increased data demands.
Optimized Performance
The switch’s support for 1/10 Gigabit Ethernet ensures high-speed data transfer, reducing latency and enhancing overall network performance. This is particularly beneficial for data-intensive applications and workloads commonly found in modern data centers.
Unified Connectivity with FCoE
The integration of Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) in the UCS 6248UP simplifies connectivity by consolidating data and storage traffic over a single network. This convergence reduces the need for separate networks for data and storage, leading to a more streamlined and cost-effective infrastructure.
Reliability and Redundancy
Cisco is renowned for its commitment to reliability, and the UCS 6248UP is no exception. The switch incorporates features such as redundant power supplies and hot-swappable components, minimizing the risk of downtime. This reliability is crucial for mission-critical applications that demand continuous availability.
Applications of Cisco UCS 6248UP Fabric Interconnect
- Data Center Networking: The Cisco UCS-FI-6248UP is well-suited for data center environments where high-performance networking is essential. Its 1/10 Gigabit Ethernet support makes it an ideal choice for connecting servers, storage devices, and other critical components within the data center fabric.
- Virtualization: In virtualized environments, the UCS 6248UP plays a crucial role in facilitating communication between virtual machines (VMs), servers, and storage resources. Its ability to handle high-speed data transfers is particularly beneficial in virtualized setups where resource sharing and dynamic workloads are common.
- Storage Area Networks (SANs): The switch’s support for Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) makes it suitable for Storage Area Networks (SANs). FCoE enables the consolidation of storage and data traffic, simplifying SAN architectures and reducing the overall cost of storage networking.
- Cloud Infrastructure: As organizations transition to cloud-based infrastructure, the Cisco UCS 6248UP provides the necessary connectivity and performance for cloud environments. Its scalability allows businesses to adapt to changing workloads and demands in cloud-based applications and services.
Features and Benefits
The Cisco UCS 6248UP Fabric Interconnect is a high-performance and reliable managed switch that is designed for use in data center environments. It provides high-bandwidth, low-latency connectivity for servers, storage, and networking devices, which helps to ensure that applications run smoothly and quickly.
The switch supports a number of features that help to improve performance and reliability. For example, it uses a non-blocking architecture to ensure that all ports can operate at full speed simultaneously, and it supports Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize traffic and ensure that critical applications receive the bandwidth they need. Additionally, the switch supports virtualization features, such as virtual NICs (vNICs) and virtual HBAs (vHBAs), which can help to improve resource utilization and reduce the number of physical devices that need to be managed.
In terms of reliability, the Cisco UCS 6248UP Fabric Interconnect is designed for high availability, which helps to ensure that the switch is always available to support the needs of the data center. This is achieved through a number of features, such as redundant power supplies and fans, which help to ensure that the switch can continue to operate even in the event of a failure. Additionally, the switch supports advanced network management features, such as Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) and Virtual Port Channel (vPC), which help to improve resiliency and eliminate potential single points of failure in the network.
Compliant Standards
The Cisco UCS 6248UP Fabric Interconnect is a managed switch that is designed to comply with a number of industry standards. These standards help to ensure that the switch is compatible with other devices and systems and that it provides a consistent level of performance and functionality. Some of the standards that the Cisco UCS 6248UP Fabric Interconnect is compliant with include:
- IEEE 802.3: This is the standard for Ethernet, which is the most widely used local area network (LAN) technology. The Cisco UCS 6248UP Fabric Interconnect supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 GbE), which is a high-speed version of Ethernet that is commonly used in data center environments.
- Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE): This is a technology that allows Fibre Channel (FC) storage traffic to be carried over Ethernet networks. The Cisco UCS 6248UP Fabric Interconnect supports FCoE, which helps to simplify the data center network by converging storage and LAN traffic onto a single, unified network.
- Data Center Bridging (DCB): This is a set of standards that help to ensure that Ethernet networks can support lossless traffic, such as storage and Fibre Channel traffic. The Cisco UCS 6248UP Fabric Interconnect supports DCB, which helps to improve the performance and reliability of storage and other lossless traffic in the data center.
- Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) and Virtual Port Channel (vPC): These are Cisco proprietary protocols that enable link aggregation between switches. This provides higher availability and bandwidth by allowing multiple physical links to work together as a single logical link.
- IPv6: This is the next-generation version of the Internet Protocol (IP), which is the protocol that is used to route data across the Internet. The Cisco UCS 6248UP Fabric Interconnect supports IPv6, which helps to ensure that the switch is compatible with the latest networking technologies and can support the growing number of devices that are connected to the internet.
General Information about this Cisco UCS-FI-6248UP Managed Switch
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU# UCS-FI-6248UP
- Product Type: Managed Switch
Technical Information
- Total Number of Ports: 32
- Enclosure Type Rack-mountable 1U
- Subtype 10 Gigabit Ethernet
- Ports 12 x 10 Gigabit / FCoE SFP+
Performance
- Throughput: 960 Gbps
- MAC Address Table Size: 32,000 entries
- Jumbo Frame Support: 9,216 bytes
Management & Protocols
- Remote Management Protocol: RMON
Expansion / Connectivity
- Interfaces: 1 x 1000Base-T RJ-45 management, 32 x SFP+
- Expansion Slots: 1 (total) / 1 (free) x expansion slot
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature: 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature: 104 °F
- Humidity Range Operating: 5 – 95% (non-condensing)
- Min Storage Temperature: -40 °F
- Max Storage Temperature: 158 °F
- Humidity Range Storage: 5 – 95% (non-condensing)
Power
- Power Device: Internal power supply – hot-plug
- Power Redundancy: Optional
- Power Redundancy Scheme: 1+1 (with optional power supply)
Outline, the Cisco UCS-FI-6248UP stands as a powerful and versatile component within the Cisco Unified Computing System. Its form factor, port density, support for unified fabric, and comprehensive management capabilities position it as a reliable solution for modern data centers facing the challenges of high-performance computing, virtualization, and converged infrastructure. The benefits of enhanced performance, simplified management, cost efficiency, and flexibility make the UCS-FI-6248UP a compelling choice for organizations seeking a robust networking solution to meet their evolving needs. As data centers continue to evolve, the Cisco UCS-FI-6248UP remains a cornerstone in the quest for efficiency, scalability, and streamlined operations.
