So what's the deal with 10Gbase-T

Hey guys,

Does anyone here have experience running copper 10Gbase-T networks? It
seems like the standard just died out. For us it would make a lot of sense
for our applications -- even if throughput and latency aren't as great. If
anyone out there knows of any *copper* 10 gig-t switches (48 port?), I'd be
interested to hear your experiences. I can't seem to find any high-density
ones from major vendors.

Thanks,
Andreas

Check out the Force 10 S4810 switch.

Does anyone here have experience running copper 10Gbase-T networks? It
seems like the standard just died out. For us it would make a lot of sense
for our applications -- even if throughput and latency aren't as great. If
anyone out there knows of any *copper* 10 gig-t switches (48 port?), I'd
be
interested to hear your experiences. I can't seem to find any high-density
ones from major vendors.

Is there something unique about your environment that wouldn't allow you
to use 10gbit SFP+-based switches with DAC (Direct Attach Copper) cables?
Those seem fairly well supported.

     Jima

Mostly backwards compatibility; simplicity. We're planning for some
super-high-density virtualization/storage projects mixed in with lower
bandwidth gear, and sticking to one type of cable for everything would be
convenient. I thought DAC had some distance limitations as well.

This is all speculation though, I don't have any personal experience with
the 10Gbase-T stuff either. I have no idea what to expect performance-wise.

-A

Gotcha. With SFP+ I think the only nod to backward compatibility would
be 1gbit RJ-45 SFPs, which can get a little spendy in large numbers
(although so can DACs).

As for distance, I admit I haven't encountered any DACs longer than 15
meters (~49 feet) -- not that I'm positive they don't exist.

     Jima

10Gbase-T doesn't make much sense for a new virtual environment. Once you factor in the cost of the cabling and power, you probably would have been better off with DAC or FET interconnects. Also 10Gbase-T does not necessarily work with Legacy wiring, depending upon how it was run. Large bundles of wire cause crosstalk issues on legacy cabling, this is the reason for large jackets on 6A. http://www.siemon.com/us/learning/alien-crosstalk-guide.asp

I'm not saying it won't work for your scenario as I am not familiar with your environment, just keep it in mind that with most environments, DAC is a cheaper and provides better latency for your storage traffic.

In article <CAJ0Nkqgy2x9pUg26CcjcHwDQSMY24f1U0RWmhF2PoH2eHih2zg@mail.gmail.com>,

Does anyone here have experience running copper 10Gbase-T networks? It
seems like the standard just died out.

Well, our new supermicro servers come with 10Gbase-T standard on
the motherboard.

For us it would make a lot of sense
for our applications -- even if throughput and latency aren't as great. If
anyone out there knows of any *copper* 10 gig-t switches (48 port?)

Arista, http://www.aristanetworks.com/

Mike.

Also, IBM G8364 (uses Broadcom Trident merchant silicon).

I believe the Force10 S4810 (also Broadcom Trident) is only SFP+?

Intel will force 10GBASE-T on all of us since they can make it backwards
compatible with 1000BASE-T. I think this will make the technology take off
over the next year or so.

Been very happy running SFP+ twinax but sometimes I do wish I could go
further than 5/7/8.5 meters.

Sorry, that is IBM G8264T. G8316 is the 16x40G version.

Andreas Echavez wrote:

Hey guys,

Does anyone here have experience running copper 10Gbase-T networks?

Yes.

> It

seems like the standard just died out. For us it would make a lot of sense
for our applications -- even if throughput and latency aren't as great. If
anyone out there knows of any *copper* 10 gig-t switches (48 port?), I'd be
interested to hear your experiences. I can't seem to find any high-density
ones from major vendors.

Well, I'm not sure about 48 port. I have several of these:

http://www.extremenetworks.com/products/summit-x650.aspx

which are 24 port 10Gbase-T switches. I got them in.. late 2008?
2009? Not sure offhand.

From the same manufacturer there's the more recent

http://www.extremenetworks.com/products/summit-x670.aspx

also 1U, which appears to be 48 port or more and to have a copper version but I've not actually seen one.

And both models are stackable.

It was really unfortunate of Intel to release Romley with 10G copper only support at launch, I hear though that soon there will be motherboards with the SFP+ ports integrated.

Odd wording on the timing; I'm aware of at least one manufactured 1U
system with onboard SFP+ that's been available since Q1-Q2 of this year.

(I don't work for the manufacturer, just for a fairly happy customer.)

     Jima