Brocade 100 GbE core routers provide high-performance network to advance global research

Brocade and the University of Florida have announced significant performance upgrades to the core network connecting the institution?s HiPerGator supercomputer and external research networks, such as Internet2. The deployment of Brocade MLXe Core Routers with 100 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) blades and Brocade ICX Switches enables the university?s faculty, students and researchers to transfer large amounts of data at high speeds across the campus and globally to a wide range of research partners.

The network upgrades support the university?s research initiatives and contributions to the Internet2 Innovation Platform, a nationwide high-performance Internet backbone. With these upgrades, the University of Florida is improving access to the HiPerGator supercomputer that aids in positioning local and worldwide researchers at the forefront of their fields, including particle physics and medical research.

In the newly opened data center, the University of Florida consolidated three primary Campus Research Network (CRN) sites to two, resulting in a 200 GbE triangle configuration connection between the two sites and the gateway to Internet2.

Residing next to the Brocade MLXe routers, the HiPerGator supercomputer provides 200 gigabits-per-second (Gbps) of aggregate bandwidth to the Internet2 Innovation Platform. Among the common uses of the enhanced connection is high-energy physics research from the likes of Fermilab and CERN?s Large Hadron Collider. Faculty, students and researchers gain high-speed access to the Brocade MLXe routers and supercomputer through low-latency, high-performance Brocade ICX 6650 Switches.

The 100 GbE network that Brocade supports is instrumental in providing opportunities for research, but it?s also an important asset to promote when the university is recruiting talented students and faculty. In addition to the 100 GbE network, the University of Florida is participating in an early field trial of the recently announced Brocade MLXe 40 GbE module and connecting the Brocade MLXe Core Routers with high-density Brocade ICX 6650 Switches that provide 40/10 GbE performance. The resulting solution positions the university as a leading example of a campus deploying an SDN-ready 100 GbE network core with 40 GbE connectivity to the aggregation layer.