Gigabit switches form the cornerstone of enterprise networks, serving as essential access and aggregation layer devices in small to medium-sized network environments. In this article, we delve into the fundamentals of gigabit switches and their various applications. Moreover, we spotlight something extraordinary: Asterfusion’s unique gigabit switch models, all integrated with our robust enterprise version of SONiC. Discover how our enterprise SONiC switches can transform and elevate your campus network infrastructure, unlocking new levels of performance and efficiency.

Understanding SONiC

SONiC (Software for Open Networking in the Cloud) is an open-source network operating system developed by Microsoft and contributed to the Open Compute Project (OCP). It is based on Linux and designed to run on network switches, providing a robust, scalable, and flexible platform for managing network infrastructure.SONiC’s emergence as an open-source network operating system breaks the mold by offering a modular architecture and hardware-agnosticity. This allows for the separation of hardware from software, giving users the freedom to customize and extend the network fabric and choose vendors based on their specific needs.

Why Asterfusion Enterprise SONiC Distribution?

Since 2017, Asterfusion has been hard at work creating our enterprise SONiC operating system (AsterNOS) to deliver a turnkey open network solution. Our fantastic product lineup covers data centers and campus networks, offering network switches with port capacities of 1G to 800G. As industry pioneers, We’ve implemented the enterprise SONiC NOS in layer 2 campus access switches, reflecting our dedication to innovation. Ourr aim is to make the open, adaptable, and user-friendly SONiC NOS available for data centers and campus networks alike.

The Importance of Gigabit Switches in Today’s Networks

What is gigabit switch?

A gigabit switch is a network device with Gigabit Ethernet ports capable of transmitting data at speeds of up to 1,000 megabits per second (Gbps).

The role of gigabit switches in network infrastructure

Gigabit switch is mainly used to be an access layer and aggregation layer device for small and medium-sized network environments.

Main Functions

At the access layer, gigabit switch is used to connect end devices, such as computers, printers and wireless access points, the main functions include:

• User access: Provides Gigabit Ethernet interface to meet the network access needs of a large number of users in the office environment.
• Network management: supports VLAN division, PoE power supply, network security policy and other functions, which is convenient for network management and maintenance.
• Performance Requirements: Meet the basic requirements for bandwidth and data transmission speed in the office environment to ensure the smooth operation of daily business applications.

At the aggregation layer, Gigabit switches are used to aggregate data traffic from multiple access layer switches and forward it to the core layer. The main functions include

• Traffic aggregation: collects data traffic from multiple access layer switches, optimizes the transmission path of network traffic, and improves network efficiency.
• Network Redundancy: Supports technologies such as link aggregation to provide network redundancy and improve network performance, reliability and flexibility.
• Higher bandwidth: Although aggregation layer usually uses 10Gb/s or higher rate switches, in some small and medium-sized networks, Gigabit switches can still meet the aggregation demand.

Usage Scenarios

Common usage scenarios for Gigabit switches include:

Home and Small Business Networks: Provides high-performance network connectivity in home or small business environments, supporting access to multiple devices.

Office and corporate networks: Provide stable, high-speed network connectivity for employees to support daily office applications.

Educational Institutions: Connecting classrooms, offices and labs to meet the network needs of teaching and research.

Small data centers: In some small centers, it is used as an access layer switch to meet basic data transmission needs.

Introduction to Asterfusion Enterprise SONiC Gigabit Switches

For environments requiring high data transmission reliability, such as enterprise core networks; for critical business networks needing long-term stable operation, like enterprise production networks; and for networks requiring high customization and flexibility, such as research labs, educational institutions, and cloud service providers, SONiC Gigabit switches can deliver high-performance networking solutions.Choosing Asterfusion Campus switches,you can build high scalability and reliable campus network with 2-3 commodity single chip SKUs.

The CX-M series cloud campus switches are access and aggregation products designed for next generation cloud campus network. They run with the enterprise-ready SONiC version (AsterNOS). Based on Marvell ASIC, CX-M series switches provide large table entry size, wire-speed forwarding and low power consumption, and support comprehensive L2 and L3 functions, have rich security features.

Highlights of Asterfusion SONiC Gigabit Switches

SONiC gigabit switches have some significant advantages over traditional Gigabit switches. As the first vendor to offer an enterprise-grade SONiC distribution, Asterfusion applies the SONiC design concepts widely used in data center networks to campus switches.

1.Flexibility and Scalability

SONiC adopts a modular, containerized design, where each functional module (e.g., BGP, LLDP, QoS, etc.) can be updated and deployed independently without rebooting the entire system or affecting the operation of other modules.

The flexibility and openness of the SONiC operating system empower Asterfusion to cater to the unique needs of customers by swiftly integrating the desired functions. This agility sets SONiC apart from closed operating systems, significantly reducing the cycle for iterating new functions.The ability to tailor solutions to specific requirements ensures that businesses can adapt and evolve their networks with ease, staying ahead of the curve in an ever-changing technological landscape.

2.Pre-installed enterprise SONiC distribution

Asterfusion Gigibit switch comes pre-installed with our enhanced enterprise SONiC NOS, giving you more features and faster updates compared to the community version. Plus, it packs advanced virtualization features you won’t find in traditional layer 2 switches:

3.Flexible Port Combination Options

Asterfusion offers a range of SONiC gigabit switches with interface specifications such as 8/16x1GE(RJ45) + 2x10GE (SFP+) ，24/48x1GE (RJ45) + 4x25GE (SFP28) ，48x1GE/2.5GE (RJ45) + 6x25GE (SFP28).

Asterfusion SONiC Switches have up to 48 uplink interfaces to fully meet the user’s large-scale network requirements, and the uplink interfaces can be downward compatible up to 10G in 25GE specifications.

4.SONiC Basic Layer 3 POE++ Switch with Rich Interface Options

PoE is a technology that can transmit power and data to devices through twisted pair cables in Ethernet.

PoE Gigabit switches provide greater bandwidth and faster connection rates than standard Ethernet switches. Ideal solution for powering IP cameras, VoIP phones, wireless access points and other PoE-enabled network devices.

By using PoE technology, organizations save money by eliminating the need for separate power supplies and additional cables.

With only a limited number of Layer 3 PoE++ switches on the market, and even fewer adapted to SONiC, Asterfusion has developed its own Layer 3 POE++ switches with excellent performance.

Asterfusion now has 8-port Gigabit/16-port Gigabit/24-port Gigabit/48-port Gigabit PoE/PoE+/POE++ switches that follow the PoE standard for greater security and better functionality.

Asterfusion SONiC Gigabit Switches can meet various PoE requirements from 150W to 1440W, and not only support PoE+, but also PoE++, so that users can freely choose the switch they need according to different usage scenarios.

The following are the model numbers and specifications for Asterfusion gigabit switches:

5.Free Management Software, Asterfusion OpenWifi Compatible Controller-Asteria.

When it comes managing a large number of switches can be a real headache. Who wants to spend precious time on tedious manual configuration, ongoing management, and frequent upgrades? Certainly not the hardworking IT operation and maintenance personnel! But fear not! Asterfusion SONiC-based Gigabit switches come with free management software, Asterfusion OpenWifi controller-Asteria. Equipped with a user-friendly management interface, enables your wifi access and layer 2 and layer 3 switches can be managed and monitored without blind spots! It streamline the entire process, allowing you to focus on more strategic tasks while ensuring your network runs like a well-oiled machine.

6.Reducing CAPEX

While the Asterfusion SONiC gigabit switch is feature-rich, as an emerging white box vendor, Asterfusion is willing to offer the most cost-effective product.

Take the 24 1GR J45 interfaces switch for example, many of this model on the market are pure Layer 2 switches or with some simple Layer 3 functions, while Asterfusion in addition to the basic Layer 3 switch functions, but also to provide VXLAN, BGP-EVPN and other virtualization advanced features. However, our price is indeed the price of a layer 2 switch, offering a better price/performance ratio.

The following is the relevant comparison with a well know competitor:

Optional DPU for Multipurpose

CX102S-16GT-M-SWP has an option to add at most 2×4-core DPU. Customer can choose to pre-install OpenWRT to play the role as a router or a firewall, or OpenWiFi controller to manage WLAN. It can also be left blank as pure Linux, customer can run applications they need, such as management tools or radius server.

SFP vs RJ45 Gigabit Switch, Which one do I choose?

There are a wide variety of Gigabit switch ports, and choosing the right port type depends on factors such as network architecture, transmission distance, bandwidth requirements, and physical connection media. Common choices include RJ45 ports and SFP ports.

SFP ports support more types of communication cables, longer transmission distances, and higher speeds than RJ45 ports, which can only support short-distance links up to 100 meters on Gigabit Ethernet switches.

For short-distance links on a Gigabit switch, it makes no difference whether you use SFP ports or RJ45 ports for interconnection. If you do not intend to connect the servers over a fiber optic link, you do not need an SFP port switch and can continue to use standard 1000BASE-T.

Asterfusion 1G optical module choices :SFP & RJ-45 Packaging

Although Asterfusion enterprise SONiC Gigabit switches are all RJ45 ports, the supported 1000BASE-T Transceiver Module includes both SFP and RJ-45 ports，as following:

Elevate Your Network with Asterfusion Enterprise SONiC Gigabit Switch!

Experience the power of an open and flexible operating system, an abundance of Layer 2 and Layer 3 features, versatile port and POE options, and complimentary management software – all packed into the Asterfusion Enterprise SONiC Gigabit switch. Elevate your network’s performance and efficiency while enjoying a superior price/performance ratio. Make the smart choice with Asterfusion and unlock a new era of network management!

If you have the need to build a data center network or enterprise network, you can contact us via bd@cloudswit.ch.

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