Mellanox Technologies has launched Spectrum-2, a highly scalable 200 Gb and 400 Gb open Ethernet switch solution. The data centre scalability of Spectrum-2 is over 10 times higher than its competitors, and it is nearly 1.3 times more power efficient, which helps it reduce data centre operation costs. Moreover, the solution provides new levels of programmability and optimises routing capabilities for building the most efficient Ethernet-based computing and storage infrastructures.
Spectrum-2 provides industry-leading Ethernet connectivity and offers enhancements including increased flexibility and port density to build a variety of switch platforms. It also provides information technology managers the capability to fully optimise their network for specific customer requirements and maximise their data centre return on investment. The solution implements a complete set of network protocols within the switch application specific integrated circuit, providing users with all the functionalities. In addition, Spectrum-2 can be programmed to process new types of future protocols, thereby future-proofing the data centre.
According to the company, Spectrum-2 is the first 400G and 200G Ethernet switch that provides adaptive routing and load balancing while guaranteeing zero packet loss and unconditional port performance. The solution also doubles data capacity while providing the lowest latency (300 nanoseconds), which is 1.4 times lower than that of other competing products. Further, Spectrum-2 is the ideal foundation for Ethernet storage fabrics to connect the next generation of high performance flash-based storage platforms.
