IBM
IBM 32R1812 Brocade SAN Switch Module 20-port 4 Gbit/s
A 20-port Fibre Channel switch module delivering 4 Gbit/s SAN connectivity in a plug-in form factor
- 20 Fibre Channel ports deliver 4 Gbit/s SAN throughput
- Plug-in module fits blade chassis with 4.4" height
- Single expansion slot adds future connectivity options
- NPIV integration simplifies fabric deployment and management
- Compact 10.2" × 1.1" form factor saves rack space
20-Port Fibre Channel Switch Module
The IBM 32R1812 Brocade SAN Switch is a plug-in module designed for data centre storage area networks. It provides 20 Fibre Channel ports operating at 1, 2 and 4 Gbit/s speeds. The module targets small, medium and large enterprises needing affordable, high-performance fabric connectivity. NPIV integration simplifies deployment and ongoing management tasks.
Passive Module Thermals and Power
As a plug-in module, this unit relies entirely on the host chassis for cooling airflow and power delivery. It generates no independent fan noise and draws no standalone power outside the enclosure. Thermal performance and acoustic output are therefore determined by the specific chassis configuration used. The module adds minimal thermal load to the shared infrastructure.
Single Expansion Slot Constraint
The switch includes exactly one total expansion slot for future fabric growth or uplink requirements. Builds requiring multiple simultaneous expansion connections cannot use this module. Buyers needing more than one expansion slot should evaluate alternative switch modules with higher slot counts.
Highlights
- 20 Fibre Channel ports deliver 4 Gbit/s SAN throughput
- Plug-in module fits blade chassis with 4.4" height
- Single expansion slot adds future connectivity options
- NPIV integration simplifies fabric deployment and management
- Compact 10.2" × 1.1" form factor saves rack space
Specifications
| Brand | IBM |
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Questions about this item
How is the 20-port Fibre Channel switch module installed in a blade chassis, and what step is often missed?
Slide the module into the designated switch bay until the ejector levers latch, then secure both captive screws; the step often missed is tightening both screws to ensure proper electrical contact and airflow alignment.
What maintenance or replacement will the 20-port 4 Gbit/s switch module need over time?
The module has no user-serviceable parts; maintenance is limited to firmware updates via the management interface and occasional dust removal from the front vents using compressed air.
What limit appears first on the 20-port module when all ports run sustained 4 Gbit/s traffic?
The single expansion slot and fixed 20-port count cap aggregate bandwidth; once all 20 ports are active at line rate, no further ports or uplinks can be added without a larger switch module.
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