RUCKUS ICX7450 Series End of Sale

In the rapidly evolving landscape of network infrastructure, product lifecycle management is a critical aspect for both manufacturers and consumers. This document serves as an official notification regarding the End of Sale (EOS) for the RUCKUS ICX7450 series switches and associated components and support services. Understanding these crucial dates and available replacement options is vital for maintaining continuity and planning future network upgrades.

The ICX7450 series has been a reliable workhorse in enterprise and campus networks, providing robust 1 GbE connectivity with ample uplink and stacking flexibility through its modular design. These switches offered configurations catering to various needs, including standard data, Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+), and SFP fiber deployments. The announced End of Sale marks a significant point in the product’s lifecycle, prompting users to consider alternative solutions for new deployments and understand the future support horizon for existing installations.

Product Overview: RUCKUS ICX7450 Switches

The RUCKUS ICX 7450 switch series represents a versatile line of stackable Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches designed for enterprise and campus networks. Their primary function is to provide reliable 1 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity to endpoint devices, while offering modular uplink and stacking options to accommodate diverse network architectures and future expansion requirements. These switches were notable for their flexibility, achieved through three modular slots that could be populated with various uplink and stacking modules, offering up to 40 GbE connectivity.

The series includes several models, differentiated primarily by port count and Power over Ethernet capabilities. The ICX7450-24 and ICX7450-48 models provide 24 and 48 ports of 1 GbE respectively, requiring separate orders for power supplies, fans, and modular uplink/stacking cards. For scenarios requiring power delivery over Ethernet, the ICX7450-24P and ICX7450-48P variants offer PoE+ capabilities on their 24 and 48 1 GbE ports, similarly necessitating separate orders for essential components. The ICX7450-48F model caters to fiber-optic deployments with 48 SFP 1 GbE ports. Beyond the base models, RUCKUS also offered bundles that included common configurations of uplink modules, power supplies, and fans, simplifying ordering and deployment for typical use cases. These bundles, such as the ICX7450-24-E or ICX7450-48P-E2, provided out-of-the-box solutions with integrated uplink and stacking capabilities, as well as necessary power and cooling components. Some bundles also included remote support services for a specified duration, adding further value for customers seeking comprehensive support packages.

The modular nature of the ICX7450 series was a key differentiating factor. The three modular slots could accept different types of modules, including 4-port 100 Mbps/1 GbE SFP, 4-port 1/10 GbE SFP/SFP+, 4-port 1/10 GbE 10GBASE-T copper, and 1-port 40 GbE QSFP+ modules. This allowed network administrators to customize the uplink and stacking connectivity to meet specific network requirements, providing flexibility and investment protection. The availability of both AC and DC power supplies with different airflow options (front-to-back and back-to-front) further enhanced the deployment flexibility of these switches, allowing them to be integrated into various rack and cooling environments. The line also featured a service module for IPsec VPN encryption, adding a security layer to the platform’s capabilities.

Product Technical Specifications

The RUCKUS ICX7450 series switches offered a range of technical specifications to meet the demands of enterprise and campus networks. While precise per-model throughput and performance figures were dependent on configuration and modules, the base platforms provided solid Layer 2 and Layer 3 forwarding capabilities. Key technical attributes included various port densities (24 and 48 x 1 GbE), support for PoE+, and the pivotal three modular slots for uplink and stacking flexibility. The modular slots supported speeds up to 40 GbE, allowing for high-bandwidth connectivity to aggregation or core layers, or for building high-speed resilient stacks.

The hardware architecture of the ICX7450 series was centered around a 1RU chassis designed for standard rack deployment. The fixed 1 GbE ports provided the primary connectivity interfaces for connected devices. The three modular bays offered significant flexibility, allowing customers to tailor the switch’s capabilities to their specific needs. Different power supply options, both AC and DC, and redundant fan modules with configurable airflow directions (front-to-back or back-to-front) ensured deployment versatility and enhanced availability. This modular design allowed for easier upgrades and maintenance of power and cooling components.

On the software side, the ICX7450 switches ran RUCKUS’s network operating system. While the base models provided robust Layer 2 functionality, advanced Layer 3 routing capabilities required the purchase and activation of the ICX7450 Layer 3 Premium Software License. This allowed the switches to participate in complex routed networks. Additionally, for enhanced security, hardware-based MACsec encryption was supported with the purchase of the ICX-MACSEC-LIC. The software platform supported a wide range of features typical of enterprise-class switches, including various spanning tree protocols, link aggregation, VLANs, QoSmechanisms, and security features. Management of the switches could be performed through standard CLI, web-based interfaces, and network management systems, providing flexibility in how administrators interacted with the devices. Certain bundled configurations also included specific remote support entitlements, indicating the potential for integration with RUCKUS’s support infrastructure for proactive monitoring and assistance.

Ordering Information

This section details the product and support SKUs affected by the End of Sale announcement. Please note that the ability to order these items is subject to the specified End of Sale date and remaining inventory levels. Orders will be fulfilled on a while supplies last basis until the Last Ship Date.

A wide array of support SKUs are also affected by this End of Sale announcement. These SKUs cover various levels and durations of software maintenance and technical support. Customers with existing ICX7450 deployments should carefully review the End of Sale dates associated with these support contracts to ensure continuity of service. New support contracts for these products must be purchased within six months of the Last Ship Date.

Please be advised that effective November 14th, 2024, the ICX7450 switches and their specified components and support services will reach their End of Sale date. While RUCKUS will make efforts to fulfill orders based on available stock, it is important to note that quantities are limited and fulfillment is not guaranteed beyond this date. The Last Ship Date for these products is set for February 14th, 2025. Customers planning new deployments or requiring additional units should finalize their purchase orders well in advance of the End of Sale date to maximize the likelihood of obtaining the desired equipment. It is also crucial for existing users to review their current and future support needs, as the End of Software Maintenance is scheduled for November 14th, 2025, and the End of Support for November 14th, 2029. These dates signify the cessation of regular software updates and the final cutoff for receiving support under an active entitlement, respectively. Planning for migration or upgrade paths is highly recommended to avoid potential service disruptions or lack of support for critical network infrastructure.
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Replacement Products

To assist customers in transitioning from the ICX7450 series, RUCKUS has identified replacement products that offer equivalent or enhanced functionality. These suggested replacements are based on common use cases for the ICX7450 switches. However, it is always advisable to consult with a networking professional or RUCKUS partner to determine the most suitable replacement for a specific network environment and requirements.

The primary suggested replacement series is the RUCKUS ICX7550. This successor series provides updated technology and improved performance compared to the ICX7450 line. The ICX7550 series offers similar port densities and configurations, including standard 1 GbE, PoE+, and fiber options, ensuring a relatively straightforward migration path for most deployments. The modularity concept, a key feature of the ICX7450, is continued in the ICX7550 series, allowing for flexible uplink and stacking options, often with higher bandwidth capabilities than the previous generation. This ensures that customers can maintain or even improve their network’s performance and scalability.

Below is a mapping of the discontinued ICX7450 SKUs to their suggested ICX7550 replacement SKUs:

The replacement products are designed to provide backward compatibility and seamless integration where possible, minimizing disruption during the migration process. Customers are encouraged to explore the technical specifications and capabilities of the ICX7550 series to ensure they meet current and future networking demands. This End of Sale announcement provides a clear timeline for the ICX7450 series, allowing customers ample time to plan for necessary hardware and support transitions to the recommended replacement platforms or other suitable RUCKUS networking solutions.