Broadcom has announced the availability of the Brocade X8 Directors and Brocade G820 56-port switch, which it claims are the first 128G Fibre Channel platforms engineered for mission-critical workloads and enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) applications. The new Brocade Gen 8 Fibre Channel lineup introduces embedded storage area network (SAN) AI management and quantum-safe security features, targeting data centers facing complex threat environments and expanding performance requirements.
The Brocade X8 director is a modular, highly scalable Gen 8 platform that supports up to 384 128G ports, designed for large-scale storage networks. It features up to 128 UltraScale inter-chassis links, high bandwidth, and ultra-low latency to reduce input/output bottlenecks. Its multiprotocol support and flexible deployment allow for workload consolidation and support evolving storage and server demands. Broadcom claims its design enables organizations to optimize rack space, maximize device port connectivity, and adapt to next-generation devices.
The Brocade G820 switch is a 1U Fibre Channel switch featuring 56 128G SFP+ ports with low latency, aimed at top-of-rack or edge deployments in modern data centers. Broadcom highlights the switch’s support for high bandwidth, compact design for efficient rack use, and scalability for future data growth.
The Brocade Gen 8 platforms incorporate quantum-resistant, 256-bit encryption and post-quantum cryptography algorithms. Access controls based on the principle of least privilege are used to minimize the attack surface. Broadcom also introduces AI-powered SAN Fabric Intelligence for automated management, end-to-end device visibility, and accelerated troubleshooting. The Adaptive Traffic Optimizer feature dynamically balances and isolates application traffic to maintain consistent performance.
Substantive quotes from technology partners also highlight technical features. Sam Werner, General Manager, IBM Storage, said, “Our FlashSystem storage arrays, paired with the new Brocade Gen 8 platforms, deliver enterprise-class performance, cyber protection, and policy-based high availability to safeguard our clients’ data.” He added, “Together, these solutions provide quantum-safe encrypted connections that operate at speeds up to 128G over long distances, giving clients a seamless, resilient foundation to keep their operations running through any disruption.”
Both the Brocade X8 Directors and Brocade G820 switch are available immediately, with OEM partner shipments expected in the coming quarters. For more technical information, visit Broadcom’s Fibre Channel networking solutions page.
Source: Broadcom
