Today's storage environments are more complex than ever before—including a mix of protocols, speeds and vendor equipment. A fabric switch must unify this complexity while assuring the availability, reliability and affordability that you need. The newest generation of Sphereon™ Fabric Switches delivers unprecedented flexibility to meet the technical requirements of your data center and the demands of your business. They feature enhanced performance with 4 Gb/s port speeds, lower total cost of ownership and improved ease of use with installation wizards.

For flexible connectivity on demand, McDATA Sphereon™ Fabric Switches are the ideal solution.

• Industry's leading performance with 4, 2 or 1Gb/s speeds
• High value, cost-effective switches with more standard features
• Connectivity on demand with FlexPort technology
• Non-disruptive management and upgrade capabilities
• Superior scalability
• Unique functionality
• Best-in-class availability

The 32-port Sphereon™ 3232 offers high performance with 2Gb/s non-blocking bandwidth for every port. The Sphereon™ 3232 is the only 32-port switch offering McDATA's exclusive FlexPort Technology for connectivity on demand.

• 2Gb/s non-blocking connectivity
• 120 km distance support
• Hot-plug redundant power and cooling
• High port density
• Flexport technology
• Exclusive HotCAT® technology
  

The 12-port Sphereon™ 4300 extends the advantages of the award-winning Sphereon™ 4500 to the entry level with premium functionality priced right for first-time SAN installations or at the edge of the enterprise. The Sphereon™ 4300 is the only entry fabric switch to provide unique features such as HotCAT® online code activation and FlexPort Technology capacity on demand.

• Pay-as-you-grow connectivity
• Exceptional reliability
• Exclusive HotCAT™ technology
• Non-disruptive installation
• FlexPort technology
  

The 8- to 16-port Sphereon™ 4400 offers the industry's highest performance Fibre Channel connectivity in a tiny package. In only a half a rack width, the 4 Gb/s Sphereon 4400 delivers enterprise-level features with an entry-level price. And it offers unmatched flexibility of deployment.

• 8/12/16 port connectivity with FlexPort technology
• Exclusive HotCAT® code load and activation
• Non-blocking architecture and ISL capability on each port
• EFCM Basic management tool
• Loop Fibre Channel support
• Standard install wizard and full fabric services
• Hot swappable, redundant power supplies (optional)

The 24-port Sphereon™ 4500 offers unprecedented connectivity on demand with McDATA's exclusive FlexPort Technology. Minimize your initial SAN investment by purchasing only the ports you need today, while having standby capacity for tomorrow. Additional connectivity can be added quickly and non-disruptively to any Sphereon™ 4500 in your storage network.

• Pay-as-you-grow connectivity
• Exceptional reliability
• Exclusive HotCAT™ technology
• SANpilot™ management tool
• Loop Fibre Channel support
• Non-disruptive installation
• FlexPort technology

The 32-port Sphereon™ 4700 lets you scale from 16 ports to 32 ports in 8 port increments. This top-of-the-line Sphereon family member comes with an install wizard and full fabric services standard. The Sphereon 4700 is perfect for mid-size to large fabrics that demand the highest availability from its switches.

• 16/24/32 port connectivity with FlexPort technology
• Exclusive HotCAT® code load and activation
• Non-blocking architecture and ISL capability on each port
  EFCM Basic management tool
  Hot swappable, redundant power and cooling
  Standard install wizards

Bladed Architecture for Modular Scalability to 64 Ports

The SANbox2-64 modular fabric switch is a new class of switch that makes deploying and scaling your SAN much easier and more cost-effective. Its dense, bladed architecture allows you to easily scale from 16 ports to 64 ports in just 4U (7") of rack space. And the SANbox2-64 modular fabric switch offers redundancy and hot-swap capabilities typically found only in much more expensive Director switches.

Applications

• SAN core/backbone
• SAN consolidation
• Expandable SAN island

Modular Scalability

• Add 8-port I/O blade modules only when you need them
• 640 ports in a 42U rack software included at no charge
• Compact 4U chassis saves expensive rack space

Superior Performance

• Full cross bar, non-blocking architecture
• 2Gb frame Latency: 316 ns typical, < 1000 ns worst case
  Simple Management
• Single SANsurfer Management Suite for all QLogic switches and HBAs
• Graphical User Interface for point and click management
• Integrated with popular SAN Management packages from CA, IBM, McData, VERITAS and others

High Fabric Availability

• Dual redundant power supply and fan modules
• I/O StreamGuard suppresses RSCNs to reduce fabric disruptions
• Dual SANbox2-64 switches form a fabric with 99.999% availability

Low Cost Per Port

• All 64 ports in a single chassis reduces the cost of multiple switches and software licenses
• SANsurfer Management Suite™ software included at no charge
• Compact 4U chassis saves expensive rack space

Broad Interoperability

• Interoperable with fabric switches from Brocade, Cisco, McData and INRANGE
• FCIA SANmark™ certified for interoperability

Easy Serviceability

• Hot swap 8-port blades, power supply modules and fan modules
• Non-disruptive Code Load and Activation (NDCLA)

The Industry's First 4Gb Fibre Channel Stackable Switch

Now available in cost-optimized single-power supply model!

Now the benefits of stackable IP switches are available for high performance 4Gb SANs. The SANbox 5600 stackable switch delivers the seamless scalability and performance of a chassis switch, in an easy-to-manage, pay-as-you-grow solution. With sixteen 4Gb ports plus a four-pack of high-speed 10Gb ISL ports, and entry as low as 8 ports with 4-port software-keyed increments and included graphical user interface (GUI) wizards, each SANbox 5600 stackable switch provides maximum flexibility for configuring, managing and scaling SANs.

Start small, then expand as your needs grow.

• Entry as low as eight ports, then scale in four-port software-keyed increments
• Each chassis includes sixteen 4Gb ports, plus a four-pack of high-speed 10Gb ISL ports.
• Built-in graphical user interface (GUI) with installation/configuration wizards.

Available in two power supply configurations: single integrated (SB5600) and dual hot-swappable (SB5602).

Key Features

• 8, 12 or 16 auto detecting 4Gb/2Gb /1Gb device ports
• 4 10Gb ports for high speed stacking links
• 4-port 2Gb/1Gb and/or 10Gb field upgrade licenses available
• Stacking of up to 4 units for 64 available user ports
• Non-Disruptive Code Load and Activation (NDCLA)
• Single and dual hot-swap power supply configurations available.
• Configuration, Zoning and Extended Distance wizards to simplify switch installation and fabric scaling
• Interoperable with all FC-SW-2 compliant Fibre Channel switches
• Full-fabric, public-loop or switch-to-switch connectivity on 2Gb/1Gb ports
• Full-fabric or switch-to-switch connectivity on 10Gb ports
• Auto-sensing, self-configuring ports
• Fabric Tracker tool for fabric-wide snapshots and detection of configuration changes
• Non-blocking full-bandwidth architecture
• I/O StreamGuard for RSCN suppression
• "No-Wait" routing – guaranteed maximum performance independent of data traffic
• Industry's lowest latency for maximum performance
• SFP (small form-factor pluggable) connectivity – 16 front ports in a 1U full-width rack form-factor
• SANsurfer® Switch Manager open management system – designed for seamless operation with higher-level third-party management applications
• In-band, out-of-band, Telnet and SNMP management access
• ASIC-embedded memory – faster, more scalable and more reliable than shared memory architecture

Breakthrough Ease of Use

The first Fibre Channel stackable switches to be configured and zoned with simple wizards. Plus, SANsurfer Management Suite™ makes stack management easy throughout your SAN lifecycle by helping you install, configure, monitor, diagnose and upgrade your QLogic HBAs and switches – all from ONE application!

Incredibly Low Cost

Starting at 8 ports, SANbox 5600 stackable switches offer an entry point affordable to the smallest business. And with an easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI), you won't have to hire a SAN expert to manage your stack. In addition, QLogic management software is always shipped free with every switch sold.

Modular Scalability

Start with 8 ports and then grow your SAN in 4-port increments up to 64 ports in a single stack. A key benefit is the ability to add, change or delete switches without disrupting your storage network.

Pervasive Interoperability

Interoperable with popular servers, storage and networking products from major manufacturers, including ADIC, Brocade, Cisco, Computer Associates, Dell, EMC, Emulex, HDS, HP, IBM, LSI, McDATA, Microsoft, Quantum, StorageTek, Sun, VERITAS, and many others.

Blazing 10Gb Performance

The first SAN product to support traffic between switches, servers and storage at up to 10Gb per second-six times faster than 2Gb networks being deployed today. A single, 10Gb inter-switch link (ISL) ensures low latency between switches and eliminates the cost and complexity of trunking up to six 2Gb ports.

The Industry's First Fibre Channel Stackable Switch

Now with dual, hot-swappable power supply option!

The benefits of stackable IP switches are now available for SANs. The SANbox® 5200 stackable switch delivers the seamless scalability and performance of a chassis switch in an easy-to-manage, pay-as-you-grow solution.

Start small, then expand as your needs grow.

• Entry as low as eight ports, then scale in four-port software-keyed increments
• Each chassis includes sixteen 2Gb ports, plus a four-pack of high-speed 10Gb ISL ports.
• Built-in graphical user interface (GUI) with installation/configuration wizards

Available in two power supply configurations: single integrated (SB5200) and dual hot-swappable (SB5202).

Key Features

• 8, 12 or 16 auto-detecting 2Gb/1Gb device ports
  (4-port 2Gb/1Gb and/or 10Gb field upgrade licenses available)
• 4 10Gb ports for high-speed stacking links.
• Stacking of up to 4 units for 64 available user ports
• Non-Disruptive Code Load and Activation (NDCLA)
• Single and dual hot-swap power supply configurations available.
• Configuration, zoning and extended distance wizards to simplify switch installation and fabric scaling.
• Interoperable with all FC-SW-2 compliant Fibre Channel switches
• Full-fabric, public-loop or switch-to-switch connectivity on 2Gb/1Gb ports
• Full-fabric or switch-to-switch connectivity on 10Gb ports
• Auto-sensing, self-configuring ports
• Fabric Tracker tool for fabric-wide snapshots and detection of configuration changes.
• Non-blocking full-bandwidth architecture
• I/O StreamGuard for RSCN suppression
• "No-Wait" routing - guaranteed maximum performance independent of data traffic
• Industry's lowest latency for maximum performance
• SFP (small form pluggable) connectivity - 16 front ports in a 1U full-width rack form-factor
• SANsurfer® Switch Manager open management system – designed for seamless operation with higher-level third-party management applications
• In-band, out-of-band, Telnet and SNMP management access
• ASIC-embedded memory - faster, more scalable and more reliable than shared memory architecture.

Breakthrough Ease of Use

The first Fibre Channel stackable switches to be configured and zoned with simple wizards. Plus, SANsurfer Management Suite – makes stack management easy throughout your SAN lifecycle by helping you install, configure, monitor, diagnose and upgrade your QLogic HBAs and switches – all from ONE application.

Incredibly Low Cost

Starting at 8 ports, SANbox 5200 stackable switches offer an easy entry point affordable to the smallest business. And with an easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI), you won't have to hire a SAN expert to manage your stack.

Modular Scalability

Of course you can add, change or delete switches without disrupting your storage network.

Pervasive Interoperability

Interoperable with popular servers, storage and networking products from major manufacturers including ADIC, Apple, Brocade, Cisco, Computer Associates, Dell, EMC, Emulex, HDS, HP, IBM, LSI, McData Microsoft, Quantum, StorageTek, Sun, VERITAS and many others.

Blazing 10 Gb Performance

The first SAN product to support traffic between switches, servers and storage at up to 10Gb per second, six times faster than 2Gb networks being deployed today. A single, 10Gb inter-switch link (ISL) ensures low latency between switches and eliminates the cost and complexity of trunking up to six 2 Gb ports.

Plug and Play Installation

Simple software wizards lead you through the installation and configuration of a SAN. The included SANsurfer Express management application provides convenient access to all your QLogic switches and HBAs – and lets you provision your Microsoft VDS-compliant storage from the same tool!

Incredibly Low Cost

Affordable and extremely easy to use, the entry-level SANbox Express 1400 allows the smallest business to enjoy the benefits of networked storage without having to hire a SAN expert.

Small, Powerful Package

At only 2lbs and 6” deep, the SANbox Express 1400 is a space-saver, requiring just half a rack slot. Two units can be placed in a single slot for a total of 20 ports in 1U – maximum port density and power with minimum investment!

Key Features

• 10 2Gb device ports
• Auto-sensing, self-configuring ports
• SANsurfer Express support
• Configuration Wizard software tool to simplify switch installation and fabric scaling
• Track configuration changes with Fabric Tracker
• Zoning Wizard for device security
• In-band, out-of-band, Telnet and SNMP management access
• 1U half-width rack form-factor
• Non-Disruptive Code Load and Activation (NDCLA)
• Interoperable with all FC-SW-2 compliant Fibre Channel switches
• I/O StreamGuard for RSCN Suppression
• "No-Wait" routing – guaranteed maximum performance independent of data traffic

Pervasive Interoperability

Interoperable with popular servers, storage and networking products from major manufacturers including: ADIC, Brocade, Cisco, Computer Associates, Dell, EMC, Emulex, HDS, HP, IBM, LSI, McData, Microsoft, Quantum, StorageTek, Sun, VERITAS, and many others.