Brocade 6520 introduction, In this chapter, Brocade 6520 overview – Brocade 6520 Hardware Reference Manual User Manual
Page 13: Brocade 6520 features and capabilities, Chapter 1, Chapter 1, “brocade 6520 introduction, Brocade 6520, Overview
Brocade 6520 Hardware Reference Manual
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Chapter
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Brocade 6520 Introduction
In this chapter
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Brocade 6520
overview
The Brocade 6520 is a 96-port auto-sensing 2, 4, 8, or 16 Gbps, as well as 10 Gbps, Fibre Channel
(FC) switch that delivers the latest Brocade multi-chip architecture for Fibre Channel Storage Area
Networks (SANs). The Brocade 6520 is an enterprise-class switch that is designed to handle the
large-scale SAN requirements of an enterprise, and can also be used to address the SAN
requirements of a small to medium-sized workgroup.
The Brocade 6520 provides up to 96 ports in a double height (2U) switch that enables the creation
of very dense fabrics in a relatively small space.
The Brocade 6520 offers Ports on Demand (POD) licensing as well. “Base” models of the switch
contain 48 ports, and up to two additional 24-port POD licenses can be purchased to fill all 96
ports.
Port activation works through a process called Dynamic Ports on Demand (DPOD). With DPOD,
ports are licensed as they come online. For instance, if you have a base model with 48 port
licenses, the first 48 ports to come online, regardless of their numbering, are licensed. Once all the
licenses have been assigned, you can manually move those licenses from one port to another if
you choose.
The first eight ports can be configured to run at 10 Gbps with the appropriate licensing.
The Brocade 6520 supplies Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability (RAS) performance and
scalability requirements of an enterprise switch along with interoperability and ease-of-use
advantages.
The Brocade 6520 is only 24 inches deep and has airflow direction options. You can order either
port side exhaust (the default configuration) or non-port side exhaust airflow to accommodate
specific installations.
Brocade 6520 features and capabilities
The Brocade 6520 offers the following features and capabilities:
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Up to 96 auto-sensing ports of high-performance 16 Gbps technology in a single domain.
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Ports on Demand scaling from 48 to 72 or 96 ports.
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Port licensing via DPOD