Why the Modern Data Center Needs a 100G Ethernet Switch

It happened several times when I tried playing a high-resolution game online but faced continuous interruptions. My brother faced the same situation while watching movies online on Netflix. We have been in this situation multiple times, which was so annoying. This is due to an inconsistent network connection or slow internet speed. Now, imagine this problem on a macroscale, like data centers, where millions of users and data in terabytes pass through cables each second.

They cannot survive on a compromised network switch to do nonstop operations. To make this happen, a powerful network device like a 100G Ethernet switch is required for connecting devices efficiently. It offers strong signal coverage, making information handling easy. Also, it facilitates optimal network connectivity and faster data transfer speeds. That is the reason data centers need to upgrade to a 100G network switch to mitigate these connectivity problems.

This blog will walk you through the performance, features, and significance of 100G Ethernet switches in modern data centers.

Understanding 100G Ethernet Switch

A 100G Ethernet switch is a high-speed network switch that provides 100 gigabits per second data transfer rates. It is the network's central point to ensure efficient data flow and high-speed connectivity. This technology is part of the Ethernet family, which is the base of most local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs). We can differentiate it from other Ethernet switches based on performance and speed.

Although it uses Ethernet protocols similar to 10 and 40 GbE switches, it stands out with cutting-edge technologies. These technologies include multilayer switching, which combines the functions of a router and a switch.

It also features high-speed transceivers that convert electrical signals into optical ones and vice versa. These transceivers ensure fast data transmission over long distances without much delay.

Key Features of 100G Ethernet Switch

Hardware design plays an important role in the maintenance and reliability of a switch. For example, hot-swappable power supplies and fans are required to reduce downtime and increase heat dissipation capabilities to deal with heat loads. Apart from that, the number of ports affects scalability; high-density ports support stable connections.

In the same way, efficient software (operating system) is necessary for network switches in data centers to handle heavy workloads. It may include Layer 2/3 functionalities, advanced security features, and virtualization. We are going to discuss the software and hardware features of a 100 GbE switch in the tables given below:

Hardware features

Software features

100GbE data center switch selection?

Selecting the right 100GbE data center switch is not an easy task. It largely depends on the network operating system and port flexibility. Compatibility with existing cabling, chipsets, and power requirements is also an important parameter while choosing the switch. So, the selection of relevant hardware is necessary to make the process effective.

We will describe these characteristics one by one to make it easier to select.

1. Port Flexibility(QSFP28)

QSFP28 port flexibility supports not only 100GbE but also 50GbE, 25GbE, or 4x25G links. It provides multiple options to connect different devices by using the same port at one time. 

2. Performance (Chipset and CPU)

The chipsets and CPUs are driving forces behind switches to handle data processing and traffic management efficiently. Modern Ethernet switches use chips like Marvell Teralynx 7. These chips handle maximum data transfer and give better support for extensive routing tables. It makes them a great option for cloud networks due to high throughput and low latency.

3. Power and Cooling Requirements

100 GbE switches have an energy-efficient design. They are equipped with hot-swappable power supplies and cooling systems that use less power to minimize system outages.

4. Network Operating System (NOS)

A network operating system is the software on which your switch runs. It must be powerful enough to handle complex workloads. Due to this, open network operating systems are recommended,, as they best fit the specific network infrastructures of IT organizations.

Now the best part is that 100G Ethernet switches support open NOS options like SONiC or Cumulus Linux. Considering them is a smart move, as it enhances control and compatibility with the latest networking tools.

5. Compatibility with Existing Cabling and Fiber

Before installing a switch, validate whether your current cabling, like single-mode/multi-mode fiber, is compatible or not. Here, a 100G Ethernet switch provides you the best solution, as it supports both single-mode and multi-mode fiber. You can rely on this to avoid extra costs and make your data center upgrade easier.

Importance of 100G Ethernet Switch in Modern Data Centers

A reliable network switch acts as a central component in a data center to ensure that massive volumes of data flow smoothly and securely daily. Upgrading to a 100G Ethernet switch may bring numerous benefits to the data network infrastructure. We will break down the advantages of a 100G switch one by one.

1. High-Bandwidth

100GbE switches with 100 Gbps speeds offer maximum capacity to manage data loads and ensure fast information sharing. High bandwidth enables smooth streaming of ultra 4K and 8K videos, real-time analytics, and extensive data storage.

We will look into an example:

Each port supports 100 Gbps of bandwidth. Total switch bandwidth depends on the number of ports:

• A 32-port 100G switch = 3.2 Tbps (32 × 100 Gbps)

• A 64-port 100G switch = 6.4 Tbps

2. Low-Latency

Data-intensive applications, including online gaming, video conferencing, and financial trading systems, require low latency. Here, 100 GbE switches come to deliver low latency. We will take an example of the latency range of standard 100G data center switches, used in electronic trading.

Typical Latency Range for 100GbE Switches:

• Ultra-low-latency switches (used in trading, AI): ~300 ns to 1 µs

• Standard data center switches range from: 1 µs to 3 µs

3. Scalability

A 100 GbE switch is highly scalable and supports expansion of network infrastructure as needed. This scalability ensures that networks can grow to meet future requirements without major technical errors. We can determine scalability based on port density and modular design.

• High Port Density: Facilitates connection of  servers or other switches (e.g., 32 or 64 ports of 100G)

• Modular Design: QSFP28 ports can be divided into 4×25G or 2×50G, supporting flexible configurations

4. Energy-Efficient Design

100 GbE networks are created to be energy efficient. Despite high speed, they utilize less power per unit in the case of data transmission. This way, it decreases operating costs and environmental effects.

Wrapping Up

An incapable network switch can not handle optimal connectivity, data flow, and high transfer speed. It is due to increased workloads in data centers. That’s why many organizations turn to server tech for reliable solutions when choosing a switch to meet their network requirements. A 100G Ethernet switch is available as the best option to upgrade your network infrastructure.

With high bandwidth, low latency, energy efficiency, and advanced features, it can efficiently manage demanding tasks. Updating to a 100GbE switch will help you attain fast data processing and smart management of high-speed traffic. For fast data processing and management of high-speed traffic, updating to a 100GbE switch is a good decision. Suitable hardware helps businesses achieve high performance and economic efficiency.