BlackDiamond X Series
Cloud-Scale Data Center Switch for Large Enterprise Networks

Features:

"Cloud-Scale" Switching

The BlackDiamond X8 provides either 10.24 or 20.48Tbps total switching capacity for traffic growth while supporting 384 1GbE / 768 10GbE / 192 40GbE, or 32 100GbE wire-speed ports in a single chassis. This translates into 1,152 1GbE / 2,304 10GbE / 576 40GbE, or 96 100GbE ports in a single rack or any combination of those. The BlackDiamond X8 design leverages an orthogonal direct mating system between the interface and switch fabric modules, eliminating the performance bottlenecks of backplane or mid-plane designs. The BlackDiamond X8 offers up to 1.28Tbps unidirectional capacity per slot with current switch fabric modules, with an architecture extensible to support even higher capacity switch fabric modules in the future.

High-Density, High-Scale Server Virtualization

The BlackDiamond X8, powered by the ExtremeXOS® modular operating system, provides a scalable foundation for virtualized applications. By connecting up to 128000 (1 million in future) Virtual Machines (VMs) per system, spread across as many as 768 connected server ports per chassis, the BlackDiamond X8 enables a highly virtualized network infrastructure.

ExtremeXOS runs on a high-performance control plane and helps simplify network deployment and operation through VM-ready capabilities such as ExtremeXOS Network Virtualization (XNV™) and Extreme Networks Direct Attach™. XNV allows auto-configuration of Virtual Port Profiles (VPP) to automatically detect and provision network policies in a virtualized data center in a hypervisor agnostic manner, providing simplicity in managing VM mobility in data-centers. If a VM is moved from one physical server to the other, associated port policies on the connecting switch port are automatically moved. Direct Attach™ eliminates the virtual switch layer, simplifying the network and improving performance.

Several other virtualization features, such as Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation (M-LAG), Port Isolation and Transparent Interconnection of Lots of Links (TRILL), enable the design of flatter network fabrics for large scale virtualized and multi-tenant data centers, eliminating the need for dedicated networks and the complex Spanning Tree Protocol (STP).

Reliable Delivery of Converged Storage Traffic

The BlackDiamond X8 is an optimal solution for high-throughput storage applications, synchronous replication, and disaster recovery within data center and HPC environments. The BlackDiamond X8 supports IEEE Data Center Bridging (DCBx) for reliable delivery of IP storage (iSCSI, NFS, CIFS) traffic over a single converged network. With IEEE compliant lossless Ethernet implementation of Priority Flow Control (PFC) and Enhanced Transmission Selection (ETS), storage traffic can be prioritized, queued and bandwidth guaranteed.

The BlackDiamond X8 also supports transit Fiber Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) for carrying converged fiber channel storage traffic. In converged networks, TRILL enables the building of flat and efficient networks for storage traffic while eliminating complications resulting from STP. With BlackDiamond X8, storage nodes can be connected using wire-speed 10GbE or 40GbE to provide a highly reliable yet flexible and cost-effective network to provision reliable storage services.

Low Latency for Faster Response Time

For low-latency applications such as High Performance Computing (HPC) or High Frequency Trading (HFT), the BlackDiamond X8 provides only 2.3 microsecond port-to-port latency from any IO module to any IO module with a single-tier "fabric in a box" design, and under 3 microsecond latency with a two-tier "open fabric" architecture using Extreme Networks Summit® X770 series Top-of-Rack switch with the BlackDiamond X8. The latency is sub-microsecond between the ports on the same IO module.

With the growth of mobile devices, an increasing number of applications are hosted in data centers, resulting in increased east-west and north-south traffic. Though total latency is a result of the compute, storage and transmission latencies, the BlackDiamond X8 can deliver the benefits of lower network latency to improve customer experiences and overall application response time.

Orchestration Through Software Defined Networking

Software Defined Networking (SDN) is revolutionizing the way networks are designed and operated. SDN helps in virtualization, visibility, optimization and orchestration for better handling of the network, compute and storage from a single and granular command and control perspective.

The BlackDiamond X8 supports standards-based Open Flow to work with third party and open source SDN controllers and provides a complete SDN solution. The BlackDiamond X8 enables SDN by providing a programmable control path and a scalable fabric that can be programmed in an efficient manner. Additionally, the BlackDiamond X8 supports the Open Stack Neutron plugin for cloud level orchestration.

The BlackDiamond X8 can be leveraged in hybrid networks for simultaneous SDN and non-SDN based deployments. Off-theshelf or home-grown SDN based applications can be used for network control, traffic engineering, quality of service, SLA management, monitoring, analytics, virtualization and other advanced implementations.

High Scale Enterprise Routing

With future availability, the BlackDiamond X8 will support two types of interface modules: the existing Non-XL modules for high-density, low-latency moderate-scale edge and core applications, and the future XL modules for the high-scale core or border applications. By supporting up to one million Layer 2/ Layer 3 entries on its 40GbE and 100GbE XL-series interface modules (future availability), the BlackDiamond X8 eliminates the need for high cost traditional routers in the data center core. The XL and non-XL modules can be deployed together within the same core switch without impacting one another - not only collapsing tiers to simplify the network, but also reducing build-out and maintenance costs.

XL-series modules can also be deployed for the high-scale edge applications where a large number of host routes or access control lists (ACL) are required, such as managed hosting and cloud. The 40GbE and 100GbE module can also be used to break down the ports into multiple 10GbE ports for high-density, highscale edge connectivity.

Inter-Data Center Connectivity

The BlackDiamond X8 is designed with combined data center core and border connectivity in mind. For this reason, BlackDiamond X8 10GbE SFP+ and 100GbE CFP2 modules provide long-range connectivity for up to 80 and 10 kilometers respectively using a range of optics. In future when supported, the BlackDiamond X8 XL-series modules will offer more capacity to store large scale internet routing tables and MPLS forwarding entries, eliminating the need for expensive routers.

The BlackDiamond X8 can provide VM mobility between the active/active data centers using MPLS Virtual Private LAN System (VPLS). The Virtual Router (VR) support enables logical partitioning of the BlackDiamond X8 core into multiple instances that can be mapped into multiple VPLS pseudo-wires for complete isolation and integrity of tenant traffic end-to-end.

High Availability for Service Assurance

Today's mission critical data centers and service provider networks cannot afford service blackouts and upset customers. Designed for Tier-3 and 4 data centers and service providers, the BlackDiamond X8 prevents any single point of failure at the hardware level through isolated control and data planes, fully redundant 1+1 management modules, N+1 redundant switching fabric, and N+1 redundant fans. For the power system, the BlackDiamond X8 offers N+1 power supply level and N+N power grid level redundancy.

At the software level, modular ExtremeXOS software increases network availability by monitoring independent processes in real time. If any of these processes become unresponsive or stop running they can be automatically restarted without impacting other processes. The BlackDiamond X8 supports a set of high availability features, including In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU), Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation (M-LAG) and Ethernet.

Lower Operating Costs, Better Business Margins

The BlackDiamond X8 is designed for power cooling and space efficiency. Power consumption as low as 5.6 Watts per 10GbE port is enabled through an obstruction-less orthogonal design, and variable speed fans that assist in lower heat dissipation and more efficient use of data center cooling resources. This results in lower utility bills to operate the network. The very high density design of the BlackDiamond reduces space and rack requirements, providing fast return on investment per RU. By leveraging CFP2 optical technology, the 100GbE module is not only denser than legacy CFP-based solutions, but also uses less than half as much power. The BlackDiamond X8 also supports CLI migration utilities to reduce the learning curve of technical personnel and save cost. Overall, the BlackDiamond X8 results in lower TCO compared to other switches in its class.

Network Diagram:

Data Center and High Performance Cluster Computing

Extreme Networks BlackDiamond X series switch, powered by the ExtremeXOS modular operating system, helps provide the foundation for highly virtualized data centers. The BlackDiamond X series switch features superior scalability, supporting 128,000 VMs per system, and connecting up to 768 physical servers over 10 GbE ports. This industry first scalability enables next-generation network cores and cloud-based data centers where significantly higher computing power and storage volumes are required.

For 768 ports of 10 Gigabit Ethernet connections to servers, a pair of BlackDiamond X8 system provides simplicity to the data center network with significantly reduced number of switches, power consumption and lower latency between servers.

For higher scale server deployment, 2 tier network design can support up to 4,500 10GbE servers, and 9,000 servers by adding another pair of BlackDiamond X8 chassis and associated Summit X670 top-of-rack switches

High-Performance Enterprise Core

BlackDiamond X series switches provide the ideal core switch resources for a medium to large-sized network with high-performance and high density 10 GbE and 40 GbE interfaces.

Product Comparison:

Features	BlackDiamond X8*	BlackDiamond 8810	BlackDiamond 8806
Max Auto-Negotiating 10/100/1000BASE-T Ports	N/A	784	400
Max Gigabit Ethernet Ports (GBIC or SFP)	384	440	248
Max 10 Gigabit Ethernet Ports	768	194	98
Max 40 Gigabit Ethernet Ports	192	48	24
Form Factor/Footprint	Chassis/14.5RU	Chassis/14RU	Chassis/10RU
Total Switching Capacity	20.48 Tbps	1.28 Tbps	1.28 Tbps
Redundant Power	Yes	Yes	Yes
Power over Ethernet	No	802.3af	802.3af
Wire-Speed Layer 2/Layer 3 Switching	Yes	Yes	Yes
Routing - IPv4	BGP4, IS-IS, OSPF, RIP v1/v2, PIM, MSDP	BGP4, IS-IS, OSPF, RIP v1/v2, PIM, MSDP	BGP4, IS-IS, OSPF, RIP v1/v2, PIM, MSDP
Routing - IPv6	RIPng, OSPFv3, IS-IS	RIPng, OSPFv3, IS-IS	RIPng, OSPFv3, IS-IS
MPLS/H-VPLS	Optional Feature Pack	Optional Feature Pack (with selected modules)	Optional Feature Pack (with selected modules)
Direct Attach	Optional Feature Pack	Optional Feature Pack	Optional Feature Pack
Policy-Based Routing/Switching	Yes	Yes	Yes
Policy-Based Quality of Service (QoS)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Network Login	Yes	Yes	Yes
Identity Manager	Yes	Yes	Yes
Access Control Lists Yes, Ingress	Yes, Ingress and Egress	Yes, Ingress and Egress	Yes, Ingress and Egress
Universal Port	Yes	Yes	Yes
CLI Scripting	Yes	Yes	Yes
Widgets	Yes	Yes	Yes
Layer 3 Virtual Switching	Yes	Yes	Yes
vMANs (802.1ad)	Yes	Yes	Yes
CLEAR-Flow	Yes	Yes	Yes
sFlow®	Yes	Yes	Yes
IPFIX	Yes	Yes	Yes
EAPS	Yes	Yes	Yes
Advanced Spanning Tree (802.1w, 802.1s, PVST+)	Yes	Yes	Yes
LAG/M-LAG	LAG/M-LAG	LAG/M-LAG	LAG/M-LAG
Switch Management Capabilities	SNMP, XML, Web, CLI, 4 RMON groups	SNMP, XML, Web, CLI, 4 RMON groups	SNMP, XML, Web, CLI, 4 RMON groups
License - Upgrades	Core, MPLS, Direct Attach	Core, MPLS, Direct Attach	Core, MPLS, Direct Attach
License - Default	Advanced Edge	Advanced Edge	Advanced Edge

Specifications:

Modules and Density
Component
	Management Module 2 Management Modules for 1+1 control plane redundancy Minimum 1 required
	48-Port 10GbE Copper Interface Module 8 Interface Modules maximum Maximum 384 10GbE wire-speed ports per system Supports 100/1000/10000 MbE(10GbE) RJ45 and negation overCat6a/7 cabling Suited for high-density edge applications
	48-Port 10GbE Fiber Interface Module 8 Interface Modules maximum Maximum 384 10GbE wire-speed ports per system Supports 1/10GbE SFP/SFP+ with SR/LR/ER/ZR optics and cables Suited for high-density, low-latency edge/core applications
	12-Port 40GbE Interface Module 8 Interface Modules maximum Maximum 96 40GbE or 384 10GbE wire-speed ports per system Supports 40GbE QSFP+ with SR/LR optics and cables Suited for high-density, low-latency edge and core applications
	24-Port 40GbE Interface Module 8 Interface Modules maximum Maximum 192 40GbE or 768 10GbE wire-speed ports per system Supports 40GbE QSFP+ with SR/LR optics and cables Suited for high-density, low-latency edge and core applications
	4-Port 100GbE Fiber Interface Module 8 Interface Modules maximum Maximum 32 100GbE or 320 10GbE wire-speed ports per system Supports 100GbE CFP2 with SR/LR optics and cables Suited for high-bandwidth core applications
	IO-Blank Panel 8 Blank Panels maximum Required for the IO and Switch Fabric Modules to maintain proper airflow for cooling. If not present, the modules may overheat and shut-down.
	2.56Tbps (10T) Switch Fabric Module 4 SFM total for 10.24Tbps capacity and N+1 redundancy Minimum 3 required for wire-speed across all ports 4th SFM required for N+1 redundancy Suited up to mid-point density (384 ports) applications
	5.12Tbps (20T) Switch Fabric Module 4 SFM total for 20.48Tbps capacity and N+1 redundancy Minimum 3 required for wire-speed cross all ports 4th SFM required for N+1 redundancy Suited up to full density (768 ports) applications
	Fan Tray Front to Back airflow 5 Fan Trays total All 5 required (included with the chassis)
	2500 Watt AC Power Supply 8 Power Supplies total split across 2 bays 2500 Watt with 220V, 1250 Watt with 110V N+1 and N+N level power redundancy (depending on the configuration)

BlackDiamond X8 Series Specification
General Specification
Performance	10.24 or 20.48 Tbps data switching capacity option 22.8 BPPS forwarding throughput (using existing modules) 30.5 BPPS forwarding throughput (using fabric capacity) Store-and-Forward and Cut-Through switching support 2.3 micro-second port-to-port latency(64-byte packet) across fabric, sub 1.5 micro-second within IO module
Density	100 MbE Port Density: 384 wire-speed 100MBASE-T RJ45 ports using 48-port 10 GbE I/O module 1 GbE Port Density: 384 wire-speed 1GBASE-T RJ45 or 1GBASE-X SFP ports using 48-port 10 GbE I/O modules 10 GbE Port Density: 768 wire-speed 10GBASE-X SFP+ ports using 24-port 40 GbE I/O module 384 wire-speed 10GBASE-X SFP+ ports using 48-port 10 GbE or 12-port 40 GbE I/O modules 320 wire-speed 10GBASE-X SFP+ ports using 4-port 100 GbE I/O module 384 wire-speed 10GBASE-T RJ45 ports using 48-port 10 GbE modules 40 GbE Port Density: 192 wire-speed 40GBASE-X QSFP+ ports using 24-port 40 GbE I/O module 96 wire-speed 40GBASE-X QSFP+ ports using 12-port 40 GbE I/O module 100 GbE Port Density: 32 wire-speed 100GBASE-X CFP2 ports using 4-port 100 GbE I/O module (future availability)
CPU, Memory	Intel i7 Dual Core 2GHz 2GB ECC DDR3 SDRAM 1GB Compact Flash
LED Indicators	Per port status LED for link/packet activity Per port status LED for link/packet activity for breakout (40/100GbE) System Status LEDs: management, fan, fabric and interface modules and power supplies
Operating Specifications
Operating Temperature Range	0° C to 40° C (32° F to 104° F)
Operating Humidity	10% to 95% relative humidity, noncondensing
Operational Altitude	up to 2000m (6561 feet)
Operational Shock	30 m/s2 (3g), 11ms, 60 Shocks
Operational Random Vibration	3-500MHz @ 1.5g rms
Package and Storage Specifications
Storage/Transportation Temperature	-40° C to 70° C (-40° F to 158° F)
Storage and Transportation Humidity	10% to 93% RH
Packaged Shock (Half Sine)	< 50 kg 180 m/s2 (10 g), 6 ms, 600 shocks, modules > 50 kg 100 m/s2 (6 g), 11 ms, 600 shocks, chassis
Packaged Sine Vibration	5-62 Hz @ Velocity 5mm/s, 62-500 Hz @ 0.2G
Packaged Random Vibration	20Hz @ ASD=1.0 & 20-200Hz @-3dB/octave
Packaged drop height	@ 39.5" <22 lb (10 kg) modules @ 11.8" <110 lb (50 kg) chassis
Regulatory/Safety
North American Safety	cULus 60950-1:2007 2nd Ed., Listed Device (U.S.) CSA 22.2#60950-1-03 1st Ed. 2006-07(Canada) Complies with FCC 21CFR Chapter1, Subchapter J (U.S. Laser Safety) CDRH Letter of Approval (U.S. FDA Approval)
European Safety	CB Scheme, IEC 60950-1:2005+National Deviations EN 60825-1:2007 (Lasers Safety) 206/95/EC Low Voltage Directive
International Safety	GS Mark, EN 60950-1:2006+A11:2009+A1:200+A12:2011 Taiwan CNS 14336-1(2010) (BSMI) AS/NZX 60950-1 (Australia/New Zealand
EMI/EMC Standards
North American EMC Standards	FCC CFR 47 part 15 Class A (U.S.) ICES-003 Class A (Canada)
European EMC Standards	EN 55022:2010 Class A EN 55024:2010 Class A EN 55011:2009+A1:2011 EN 61000-3-2:2006+A2:2009 (Harmonics) EN 61000-3-3:2008 (Flicker) EN 61000-6-4:2007+A1:2011 (Emissions for Industrial, Scientific & Medical) EN 61000-6-2:2005 (Immunity for Industrial, Scientific & Medical) ETSI EN 300 386 v1.6.1 (2012-09) EMC Telecommunications 2004/108/EC EMC Directive
International EMC Certifications	CISPR 22:2010), Class A (International Emissions) CISPR 24:2010 Class A (International Immunity) IEC 61000-4-2:2008 Electrostatic Discharge, 8kV Contact, 15kV Air, Criteria A IEC 61000-4-3:2010 Radiated Immunity 20V/m, Criteria A IEC 61000-4-4:2012 Transient Burst, 1kV, Criteria A IEC 61000-4-5 2005 Surge, 2kV, 4kV, Criteria A IEC 61000-4-6:2008 Conducted Immunity, 0.15-80MHz, 10V/m unmod. RMS, Criteria A IEC 61000-4-11:2004 Power Dips & Interruptions, >30%, 25 periods, Criteria C
Country Specific	Japan Class A (VCCI) Australia/New Zealand, RCM Taiwan EMC CNS 13438(95) Class A, Safety CNS 14336-1(2010) (BSMI) Brazil (ANATEL) China, complex equipment exemption (CCC) Mexico (via NRTL Listing) South Korea KN22, KN24 (KCC)
Telecommunication Standards	ETSI EN 300 386 v1.6.1 (2012-09) EMC Telecommunications) ETSI EN 300 019 (Environmental for Telecommunications)
IEEE 802.3 Media Access Standards	IEEE 802.3z 1000BASE-X IEEE 802.3ae 10GBASE-X IEEE 802.3ba 40GBASE-X IEEE 802.3ac VLAN Tag IEEE 802.3ad Link Aggregation
Operational/Transportation Standards	EN/ETSI 300 019-2-1 v2.1.2 – Class 1.2 Storage EN/ETSI 300 019-2-2 v2.2.1 – Class 2.3 Transportation EN/ETSI 300 019-2-3 v2.2.2 – Class 3.1e Operational EN/ETSI 300 753 v1.2.1 (2009-7) – Acoustic Noise ASTM D3580 Random Vibration Unpackaged 1.5G
Fan and Acoustic Noise	Sound pressure for comparison to legacy standards per ISO 7779:2010(E) Low Speed: 60.3 dB(A) (LpA) Medium Speed: 66.0 dB(A) (LpA) High Speed: 82.3 dB(A) (LpA) Sound power per ISO 7779:2010(E), ISO 3744:2010(E), ETSI/ EN 300 753:2007(E) Low Speed: 72.0 dB(A) (LWAm) Medium Speed: 78.0 dB(A) (LWAm) High Speed: 94.4 dB(A) (LWAm) Declared sound power per 300 753 :2011-11) via ISO 9296:2010 & Low Speed: 7.5 bels (LWAd) Medium Speed: 8.1 bels (LWAd) High Speed: 9.7 bels (LWAd)
Warranty	Ltd. 1-year on Hardware 90-days on Software For warranty details, visit www.extremenetworks.com/go/warranty
Power Specifications
Power Supply	Rated Inputs: Low Range: 100-120VAC, 60/50 Hz, 13 A max each power supply High Range: 200-240VAC , 60/50 Hz, 13 A max each power supply Input Ranges: Low Range: 90 -132VAC, 47 - 63 Hz High Range: 185 - 264VAC, 47 - 63 Hz Power supply input socket IEC 320 C20 Power cord input plug IEC 320 C19 Power cord-sets up to 2m (6.5ft) length require minimum 16 AWG (1.0 mm2) copper stranded wire Power cord-sets greater than 2m (6.5ft) length require minimum 14 AWG (1.25 mm2) copper stranded wire (The power supply cordset wall plug must be appropriately rated and approved for the country of installation) Efficiency 90% typical at full load DC voltage output range: 47.5 to 48.5 Vdc Nominal DC output: Low Range: 48 Vdc , 25 A maximum each PSU High Range: 48 Vdc , 50 A maximum each PSU DC output power: 2500W @ high range for one PSU (See manual for more than one PS) 1250W @ low range for one PSU (See manual for more than one PS)
Power Consumption	Worst case power consumption and heat load (With 10Tbps SFM): 4,436 W at output of power supplies 4,929 W at input of power supplies 16,817 BTU/Hour total heat load Worst case power consumption and thermal (With 20Tbps SFM): 6,532 W at output of power supplies 7,258 W at input of power supplies 24,764 BTU/Hour total heat load

Physical Specification
Chassis	Rack Units: 14.5 Height: 25 in (63.5 cm) Width: 18 in (45.7 cm) Depth: 30 in (76.2 cm) Weight (loaded): 420.6 lb / 190.7 kg Weight (regular): 187.4 lb / 85.0 kg
Management Module	Height: 3 in (7.6 cm) Width: 8 in (20.3 cm) Depth: 18 in (45.7 cm) Weight (regular): 5.5 lb / 2.5 kg
Switch Fabric	Height: 20 in (50.8 cm) Width: 3 in (7.6 cm) Depth: 10 in (25.4 cm) Weight (10T SFM): 9.2 lb / 4.1 kg Weight (20T SFM): 9.2 lb / 4.1 kg
Interface Module	Height: 3 in (7.6 cm) Width: 17 in (43.1 cm) Depth: 18 in (45.7 cm) Weight (48-Port 10GbE): 10.9 lb / 4.9 kg Weight (12-Port 40GbE): 11.0 lb / 5.0 kg Weight (24-Port 40GbE): 14.0 lb / 6.3 kg Weight (4-Port 100Gbe): 14.6 lb / 6.6 kg
Fan Tray	Height: 24 in (60.9 cm) Width: 4 in (10.1 cm) Depth: 3 in (7.6 cm) Weight (regular): 6.2 lb / 2.8 kg
Power Supply	Height: 1.5 in (3.8 cm) Width: 4.2 in (10.6 cm) Depth: 14.5 in (36.8 cm) Weight (regular): 5.3 lb / 2.4 kg

Scale:

Using non-XL (and *XL with future availability) modules:

Parameters	10/40GBE Modules	100GBE Modules
	NON-XL	NON-XL	XL*
Largest Frame	9216 Bytes
VLAN	4,094
MAC Forwarding	128K	384K	1032K
IPv4 Host	16K	130K	268K
IPv4 LPM	16K	16K	1024K
IPv6 Host	6K		32K
IPv6 LPM	8K	8K	512K
IPv4 Multicast	6K	64K	64K
IPv6 Multicast	3K	8K	8K
MPLS Forwarding	8K	16K	64K
ACL	8K	16K	128K
LAG Groups	384	384	384
LAG Members	64	64	64
QoS Queues/Port	8	8	8
Rate Limiting Granularity	8Kbps-1Mbps Ingress and egress bandwidth policing/rate limiting per flow/ACL Egress bandwidth rate shaping per egress queue and per port

Documentation:

Download the Extreme Networks BlackDiamond X Series Product Brief (.PDF)