IBM m-series Ethernet/IP routers

Highlights

• 4, 8, 16, and 32-slot high-capacity modular routers ideal for a wide range of advanced applications in the high-security data center core, Internet edge/aggregation routing, large-enterprise backbone, high-performance computing (HPC), and Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN)
• High-performance, wire-speed, non-oversubscribed port density featuring up to 128 10 GbE, 1,536 1 GbE, 256 OC-12/48, or 64 OC-192 ports in a single 32-slot chassis
• Wire-speed IPv4, IPv6, and MPLS routing featuring full Forwarding Information Base (FIB) programming in hardware
• Exceptional 320 Gbps cross-module link aggregation supports up to 32 10 GbE or OC-192 links enabling high-bandwidth inter-switch trunking in the backbone
• Fully distributed, non-blocking architecture with up to 3.2 Tbps data capacity (~2 billion pps) per system
• High-availability design offering redundant management modules, switch fabric modules, power supplies, fans, hitless failover, and hitless software upgrades including graceful OSPF and BGP restart
• Advanced non-blocking Clos fabric features adaptive self-routing with graceful system degradation in the event of two or more module failures
• Scalable hardware-based IP routing to 512,000 IPv4 and 112,000 IPv6 routes in hardware, 2 million IPv4 BGP routes and up to 256 BGP peers
• Carrier-grade Quality of Service (QoS) for enabling converged multi-play networks
• Virtual Routing in non-MPLS environments via Multi-VRF
• Advanced Metro Ethernet Layer 2 services
• Embedded sFlow per port supports scalable hardware-based traffic monitoring across all switch ports without impacting performance

The role of data networks in our daily lives continues to expand and grow exponentially. Emerging needs such as server, storage and network consolidation, virtualization and integration of management software combined with application convergence, non-stop operation, scalability and IPv6 readiness place new demands on enterprise data center networks. Next-generation data networks for a dynamic infrastructure must provide the highest possible level of performance, reliability, scalability, quality of service, security and total cost of ownership (TCO).

The IBM b-type m-series Ethernet/IP router family is designed to provide improved service with industry-leading levels of performance; reduced cost with a high density and energy-efficient design; and a commonly used management interface, which can leverage existing staff training and experience to help manage risk when integrating new technology. In addition, a future-proof design provides peace of mind that features can be enabled without the need to purchase additional hardware or software.

Built with state-of-the-art, fifth-generation, network-processor-based architecture and Terabit-scale switch fabrics, these routers offer network planners a rich set of high-performance IPv4, IPv6, MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching), and Multi-VRF (Virtual Routing and Forwarding) capabilities as well as advanced Layer 2 switching capabilities. These advanced switching routers offer a wide range of capabilities that address the diverse needs of environments ranging from the demanding data center core, large enterprise backbone, government networks, education/research, and high performance computing (HPC).