Port Breakout (100G and 400G) on Qumran Series Platforms

Overview

Port breakout divides high-speed Ethernet ports into multiple lower-speed ports, ensuring efficient network connectivity and seamless scalability. Modern networks require various Ethernet interface speeds, including 10GbE, 25GbE, 40GbE, 50GbE, 100GbE, and 400GbE. To meet evolving speed and density demands, networks rely on cost-effective cabling solutions that support flexible connectivity.

The port breakout functionality is supported only for QSFP28 100G ports explicitly designated for breakout configurations. Ports such as 10GbE SFP+ and 25GbE SFP28 do not support this functionality.

400G Port Breakout

Each 400GbE port (QSFP-DDClosed QSFP-DD stands for Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable Double Density. QSFP-DD modules provide a scalable, high-bandwidth solution for data center networking, enabling efficient data transmission and network performance in modern computing environments.) supports up to eight serdes, with each serdes delivering 50G of bandwidth. This capability enables multiple breakout configurations, including:

  • 8x50G

  • 4x100G

  • 2x200G

  • 8X50g

  • 8X25g

  • 8X10g

Port breakout allows networks to allocate bandwidth efficiently and optimize connectivity while maintaining full Layer 2 (L2) and Layer 3 (L3) support. The default SERDES mode operates at 50G.

100G Port Breakout

100GbE ports break out into multiple lower-speed interfaces through a secure and reliable breakout cabling solution. Supported configurations include:

  • 4x1G

  • 4x10G

  • 4x25G

  • 2x50G

Control ports manage breakout functionality, while the newly created lower-speed ports function as subsidiary ports. When breaking out a 100GbE port (for example: ce3) into four 10GbE ports, the system removes the original port (ce3) and creates four new ports (ce3/1, ce3/2, ce3/3, and ce3/4). These breakout ports support all standard L2 and L3 features, just like regular ports.

When removing the breakout configuration, the system deletes the subsidiary ports and restores the original 100GbE port.

Port breakout maximizes hardware efficiency, adapts to changing bandwidth demands, and enables a seamless transition between different Ethernet speeds.

Feature Characteristics

• Port Speed Adaptability: Breakout configurations enable connection to devices with different port speeds, enhancing network flexibility and bandwidth optimization.
• Enhanced Port Utilization: Improves available faceplate capacity and facilitates easier upgrades to higher-speed networks.

Benefits

Utilizing a 100G and 400G port breakout offers several advantages:

• Increased Port Density: Maximizes equipment utilization and conserves rack space.
• Energy Efficiency: Reduces power consumption per port.
• Future-Ready Networks: Simplifies transitions to higher-speed interfaces, ensuring scalability.