Chapter 1. Introduction to IBM System Networking 10Gb Ethernet products 13
With support for 1G or 10G, this switch is designed for those clients that are using 10G
Ethernet today or plan to do so in the future. This switch was the first Top-of-Rack 10Gb
switch for IBM System x designed to support IBM Virtual Fabric, which helps clients reduce
cost and complexity when it comes to the I/O requirements of most virtualization deployments
today. Virtual Fabric can help clients reduce the number of multiple I/O adapters down to a
single dual-port 10G adapter, in addition to reducing the number of cables and upstream
switch ports required. Virtual Fabric allows clients to carve up a dual-port 10G adapter into
eight virtual NICs (vNICs) and create dedicated virtual pipes between the adapter and the
switch for optimal performance, plus higher availability and better security. This functionality
provides the ability to dynamically allocate bandwidth per vNIC in increments of 100 Mb,
while being able to adjust over time without downtime.
With the flexibility of the G8124 switch, clients can take advantage of the technologies that
they require for multiple environments. For 10 Gb uplinks, they have a choice of either SFP+
transceivers (SR or LR) for longer distances, or more cost-effective and
lower-power-consuming options, such as SFP+ direct-attached cables (DAC or Twinax
cables), which can be 1 - 7 meters in length and are ideal for connecting chassis together,
connecting to a Top-of-Rack switch, or even connecting to an adjacent rack. These
technologies are covered in more detail in 1.7, “Connectors, cables, and options” on page 48.
Table 1-5 shows the part numbers used to order the IBM System Networking
RackSwitch G8124.
Table 1-5 IBM System Networking RackSwitch G8124 part numbers
1.4.1 Switch inclusions
The RackSwitch G8124 module part numbers include the following items:
򐂰 One IBM System Networking RackSwitch G8124
򐂰 Generic Rail Mount Kit (2-post)
򐂰 Mini-USB to DB9 serial cable (3 m)
򐂰 Publication Group
򐂰 An IBM limited 3-year hardware warranty
Description IBM Part No. Power Systems MTM/FC
IBM System Networking RackSwitch G8124R
(Rear-to-Front)
0446017
IBM System Networking RackSwitch G8124F
(Front-to-Rear)
7309BF9
IBM System Networking G8124DC (DC Power) 7309BD5
Enhanced models
IBM System Networking RackSwitch G8124E-R
(Rear-to-Front)
7309BR6 1455-24E
IBM System Networking RackSwitch G8124E-F
(Front-to-Rear)
7309BF7
Transceivers: Small form-factor pluggable plus (SFP+) transceivers are not included in
the purchase of the switch. All 1/10 Gb transceivers require LC-to-LC cables.

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