Brocade ICX Models Deciphered

Brocade has delivered another solid offering for users looking for both scalability and options at their access layer. While similar initially to the FCX product line, the ICX comes in a number of differing flavors to suit most any need and budget. Rather than get lost in the matrix of models and options, I thought it might be helpful to put in clear, concise terms the features of each model:

ICX6430:

• Suits more basic users requirements
• Comes in 24 or 48 GbE ports, PoE+ capable models
• 4x GbE uplink/stack ports enabled
• No 10G scalability

ICX6450:

• Meets midlevel user requirements, up to 4x 10G ports with optional license (see below)
• Comes in 24 or 48 GbE ports, PoE+ capable models
• 2x 1G/10GbE SFP+ (10G enabled with optional license)
• 2x1G/10G SFP+ Uplink/Stacking Ports enabled
• Brocade ICX 6430 and 6450 DataSheet.pdf

ICX6610:

• Designed for high-density 10G access users, up to 8x 10G ports with optional license (see below)
• Comes in 24 or 48 GbE ports, PoE+ capable models
• 8x 1G/10GbE SFP+ (10G enabled with optional license, 4x at a time)
• 4x 40G QSFP stack ports enabled
• Brocade ICX 6610DataSheet.pdf

The way I frame it for my customers is based on how many 10G ports you require on day zero, and how many you foresee requiring down the road. If you need more than 2x, the only option is the 6610 and that gives you the scalability to license 4x at a time (up to 8x). You also the option for intake or exhaust airflow as well as software (base, PREM, or ADV). Advanced allows for BGP with a RIB capacity of 16K routes in IPv4. If you'd like a quote on any of the ICX models, or have any technical questions feel free to contact me directly! Charles Hurbert Terabit Systems 415-483-1190 Direct AIM: chazfilez75