The more sophisticated networks become, the more specialized equipment they’ll require to function optimally. There are switches for basic network connectivity, enterprise switches for faster data transfers, and data center switches for high-density bandwidth. A managed data center switch is designed to connect servers and IP storage within data centers.

Data center switches incorporate technologies to support larger buffers and rapid response times. They should prevent packet loss and allow precise control capabilities. They facilitate the seamless transfer of large data volumes at high speeds. The DCS-7342-32C2X Managed Data Center Switch offers 32 100/40G QSFP28 and 2 10G SFP+ ports and Layer 2, 3, and 4 functionality to meet the bandwidth-intensive requirements of modern data centers.

Connectivity

The DCS-7342-32C2X offers two types of small-form, hot-swappable transceivers. These compact devices connect switches to fiber or copper cables. 

DCS-7342-32C2X Front Panel

Small Form Factor Pluggable (SFP)

SFP supports 100/1000 Mbps Ethernet, SONET, and fiber connectivity standards. The SFP+ allows up to 10 gigabits of data to be transferred per second. SFP+ ports will accept SFP optics at a minimum speed of 1 Gbps. The two SFP+ ports offered on this model adhere to both IEEE 802.3 and SFF-8472 standards.

Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable (QSFP)

QSFP supports Ethernet, fiber, InfiniBand, and SONET/SDH standards with different data rate options. QSFP28 ports support 4x25Gbps, 2x50Gbps, or 1x100Gbps, depending on the transceiver used. The specifications for QSFP are based on SFF-8436. With support for 32 QSFP28 ports, the DCS-7342-32C2CX managed data center switch can grow with the network.

These hot-swappable transceivers allow data centers to expand their connectivity capacity without requiring costly network downtimes. 

Layer 2, 3, 4 Support

The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model is a network framework that stipulates the functionality of network layers. The DCS-7342-32C2CX supports layers 2, 3, and 4 functionality.

Layer 2 (The Data-Link Layer)

Layer 2 switches recognize connected devices using their MAC addresses. These switches are very good at identifying which devices require faster transmission rates but provide minimal additional functionalities.

Layer 3 (The Network Layer)

Layer 3 switches use IP addresses to identify locations on a network instead of the physical addresses used in Layer 2. Because network addresses are hierarchical, the more information in the address, the easier it is to determine a location, such as a specific workstation or computer memory. Layer 3 calculates the best route to send packets to their destination based on IP address.

Layer 4 (The Transport Layer)

Layer 4 coordinates communications between systems by identifying the application protocols in each packet. This information helps determine the appropriate higher-level software to send a data packet. Because Layer 4 routing decisions are based on more than physical and network addresses, Layer 4 switches enable data centers to prioritize traffic based on the device’s intended application.

Data center switches allow network administrators to manage traffic for optimized performance and priority routing.

Essential Data Center Switch Capabilities

Data centers are responsible for storing, sharing, and managing large volumes of data. They may hold data for a single organization or manage data for multiple organizations. Whether it’s one or one hundred companies, data centers must always be available and reliable. Data center infrastructure must be flexible and scalable to meet fluctuations in demand.

The DCS-7342-32C2CX managed data center switch delivers successful results in various domains.

Scalable

Data centers add new devices, applications, and users on an ongoing basis. They regularly adjust connectivity for improved performance. The DCS-7342-32C2CX allows administrators to select QSFP transceivers for network expansion. It enables data centers to mix optical and Ethernet cables, increasing a network’s ability to handle vast data volumes. With greater bandwidth, data center switches can scale to support video streaming and voice-over IP (VoIP) systems. Stacking technology adds virtualization capabilities for greater scalability.

Reliable

The DCS-7342-32C2CX switch has redundant power supplies and smart fans to control heating. It also has built-in command-line (CLI) management tools to simplify monitoring, managing, and configuring a network. The data center switch enhances network reliability with integrated Multi-chassis Link Aggregation Group (MLAG) technology.

MLAG allows multiple switches to function as a single switch for seamless failover. MLAG technology synchronizes configuration and state information between paired switches, reducing downtime and maximizing resilience. It combines reliability and scalability for uninterrupted connectivity.

DCS-7342-32C2X MLAG

DCS-7342-32C2X MLAG

Flexible

Planet’s managed data center switch supports VLAN and VXLAN technology for greater flexibility. With support for up to 4,000 VLAN IDs, data centers can segment networks for secure operations. VLAN functionality resides at Layer 2, while VXLAN creates logical tunnels between systems. VXLAN technology with Layer 2 and 3 switching capabilities extends IPv6 application capabilities over IPv4 infrastructure.

The DCS-7342-32C2CX also supports Q-in-Q, which enables IT departments to add VLAN tags to traffic operating at Layer 2. These Q-in-Q inner and outer tags help identify and separate traffic for dynamic segmentation. Adding tags to Layer 2 functionality optimizes transmission speed.

Stacking technology allows administrators to virtualize multiple switches into a single logical device, simplifying network management and expansion. This process enhances availability through port sharing and added management functions.

DCS-7342-32C2X VXLAN Routing

Available

Hot-swappable SFP and QSFP transceivers allow network engineers to add capacity without disrupting service. Redundant power supplies minimize equipment failures for increased reliability. Virtualization creates flexibility in the way networks are segmented and made redundant. Supporting MLAG and stacking technology simplifies management while enabling data centers to optimize performance.

Downtime is costly for data centers. A recent survey found that 54% of respondents said their downtime cost more than $100,000, while 16% said it cost more than $1 million. Deploying the DCS-7342-32C2CX managed data center switch can optimize performance and minimize downtime, saving businesses thousands, if not millions, of dollars.

With comprehensive capabilities, data center switches maximize availability, increase reliability, deliver flexible connectivity, and scale quickly.

Why Use a Managed Data Center Switch?

Data center switches are designed to move vast amounts of data across a network as quickly as possible. They provide flexible connectivity options, allowing IT departments to select the most cost-effective options for their needs. The most critical benefit is that data center switches increase availability.

Network-related issues were the most-cited single cause of service outages in 2023. With better processes, configurations, and management, data centers can prevent most outages. Adding a full-featured data center switch like the DCS-7342-32C2CX can minimize the risk of a data center outage. Visit Planet’s website to learn more about managed data center switches.