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In today’s rapidly evolving network landscape, the need for flexible, scalable, and cost-effective infrastructure is paramount. Organizations are constantly seeking solutions that can not only meet their current demands but also adapt seamlessly to future growth and technological advancements. The RUCKUS ICX 7450 stackable switch emerges as a powerful contender in this space, offering a blend of performance, modularity, and enterprise-class features designed to address the complex requirements of modern campus and data center environments. This document delves into the capabilities and specifications of the RUCKUS ICX 7450, highlighting its key features and benefits for diverse network deployments, from access layers to Top-of-Rack applications.
The RUCKUS ICX 7450 switch is a versatile enterprise-class stackable access switch engineered to provide the performance, flexibility, and scalability essential for enterprise Gigabit Ethernet deployments. At its core, the ICX 7450 functions as a robust switching platform, capable of handling significant network traffic with efficiency and reliability. Its design emphasizes adaptability, making it suitable for roles ranging from access layer connectivity in campus networks to serving as a Top-of-Rack switch in data centers.
A defining characteristic of the ICX 7450 is its modular architecture. The switch features three modular slots, allowing for customizable uplink and stacking configurations. These slots can accommodate various modules, providing flexibility to scale as network needs evolve. This modularity is key to its cost-effectiveness, enabling organizations to invest in the capacity and port types they need initially and easily upgrade later without a full hardware replacement. This “pay as you grow” model is a significant advantage in managing network infrastructure budgets effectively.
The RUCKUS ICX 7450 series offers a range of base models tailored to different port density and power requirements. All models share the fundamental modular design with three slots for expansion, dual power supply slots for redundancy, and dual fan trays. They also feature essential management ports including RJ-45 network management, mini USB serial management, and a USB storage port for convenient access and configuration.
Model | Description | Fixed Ports | PoE+ Ports (incl. PoH) |
---|---|---|---|
RUCKUS ICX 7450-24 | 24-port 1 GbE Switch | 24×10/100/1000 Mbps RJ-45 | None |
RUCKUS ICX 7450-24P | 24-port 1 GbE PoE+ Switch | 24×10/100/1000 Mbps RJ-45 | 24 PoE+ (8 PoH/802.3bt ready) |
RUCKUS ICX 7450-48 | 48-port 1 GbE Switch | 48×10/100/1000 Mbps RJ-45 | None |
RUCKUS ICX 7450-48P | 48-port 1 GbE PoE+ Switch | 48×10/100/1000 Mbps RJ-45 | 48 PoE+ (8 PoH/802.3bt ready) |
RUCKUS ICX 7450-48F | 48-port 1 GbE SFP Fiber Switch | 48×100/1000 Mbps SFP | None |
In addition to these base configurations, the modular slots allow for significant customization with various optional modules. These modules offer flexibility in deploying different types of uplink or stacking ports:
Five different optional modules are offered for the RUCKUS ICX 7450. These modules are interchangeable and can be inserted in the three modular slots within the RUCKUS ICX 7450.
- RUCKUS ICX7400-4X1GF Module: 4-port 100 Mbps/1 GbE SFP
- RUCKUS ICX7400-4X10GF Module: 4-port 1/10 GbE SFP/SFP+ for uplink or stacking
- RUCKUS ICX7400-4X10GC Module: 4-port 1/10 GbE 10GBASE-T copper
- RUCKUS ICX7400-1X40GQ Module: 1-port 40 GbE QSFP+ for uplink or stacking
- RUCKUS ICX7400-SERVICE-MOD Module: Service module for IPsec VPN encryption
This modularity is a key differentiator, allowing organizations to tailor the switch configuration precisely to their needs and easily adapt to changing bandwidth requirements or the deployment of new technologies. The availability of 40 GbE uplinks, a feature not commonly found in this class of stackable switches, is particularly noteworthy, providing a significant boost in network capacity and enabling faster connectivity to aggregation or core layers.
Understanding the technical specifications of a network switch is crucial for assessing its suitability for specific deployments. The RUCKUS ICX 7450 boasts impressive capabilities across several key areas, from switching and forwarding capacity to advanced Layer 3 routing and robust security features. These specifications collectively paint a picture of a high-performance switch ready to meet the demands of modern enterprise networks.
The RUCKUS ICX 7450 is built on a solid hardware foundation designed for reliable and high-speed data transfer. Its architecture supports substantial switching and forwarding capacities, ensuring that even in demanding environments, traffic is handled efficiently. The modular slots allow for flexible port configurations, supporting a mix of 1 GbE, 10 GbE, and 40 GbE connections to meet diverse connectivity needs. Dual, hot-swappable, load-sharing power supplies and hot-swappable fan trays contribute significantly to system-level availability, minimizing downtime and ensuring continuous network operation.
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Switching capacity (data rate, full duplex) | 288 Gbps (24-port models), 336 Gbps (48-port models) |
Forwarding capacity (data rate, full duplex) | 214 Mpps (24-port models), 250 Mpps (48-port models) |
Fixed ports (RJ45) | 24 or 48 x 10/100/1000 Mbps |
Fixed ports (SFP) | 48 x 100/1000 Mbps (ICX 7450-48F) |
Modular slots | 3 |
Modular ports (max.) | 4x 1 Gbps SFP, 12x 1/10 GbE SFP/SFP+, 12x 1/10GBASE-T RJ45, or 3x/2x 40 GbE QSFP+ |
Aggregated stacking bandwidth | 960 Gbps |
Maximum stacking density | Up to 12 switches per stack |
Maximum MAC addresses | 32,768 |
Maximum VLANs | 4,096 |
Maximum routes (hardware) | 15,168 (IPv4), 5,120 (IPv6) |
The inclusion of a high-power PoE/PoE+ and PoH budget is another significant technical aspect, particularly for access layer deployments. With up to 1,500 watts of PoE power (with two AC power supplies), the PoE models can provide sufficient power to a wide range of connected devices, including demanding applications like high-definition displays and VDI terminals, simplifying cabling and power infrastructure at the network edge.
The RUCKUS ICX 7450 runs on the RUCKUS FastIron® software platform, which provides a comprehensive suite of enterprise-class features for Layer 2 switching, Layer 3 routing, security, and management. The software is designed to deliver both foundational networking capabilities and advanced functionalities required for complex network designs.
Key Layer 2 switching features include support for various spanning tree protocols (802.1s MST, 802.1w RSTP, PVST/PVST+), VLAN capabilities (802.1Q, MAC-based VLANs, Dynamic VLAN Assignment, Q-in-Q), link aggregation (802.1AX LACP), and robust multicast handling (IGMP Snooping, MLD Snooping). These features ensure efficient and resilient Layer 2 connectivity.
For Layer 3 routing, the ICX 7450 offers both base and premium capabilities. The base feature set includes static routing and RIP v1/v2/RIPng. With an optional software license, the switch unlocks advanced routing protocols such as OSPF v2/v3, BGP4/BGP4+, PIM-SM/SSM/DM/passive for multicast routing, PBR (Policy-Based Routing), and VRRP/VRRP-E for routing redundancy. The support for VRF (Virtual Routing and Forwarding) instances further enhances network design flexibility by allowing for network segmentation and isolation.
Security is a critical component of the ICX 7450’s software. Beyond standard authentication methods like 802.1X, MAC authentication, and web authentication, the switch supports advanced security features. Notably, with the optional IPsec VPN service module, the ICX 7450 can provide integrated, hardware-accelerated IPsec VPN encryption. This allows organizations to secure traffic directly from the switch, removing the need for dedicated encryption appliances and simplifying security deployments in campus environments and branch offices.
The RUCKUS ICX 7450 switch with the integrated IPsec VPN service module consolidates network switching and encryption to provide unprecedented VPN deployment flexibility and cost savings.
Additional software features include robust QoS capabilities with support for multiple priority queues, traffic shaping, and rate limiting to ensure performance for latency-sensitive applications. Comprehensive management options, including CLI, web UI, SNMPv1/v2c/v3, and integration with RUCKUS SmartZone and Unleashed management platforms, simplify network operations and monitoring.
The combination of modular design, high performance, robust features, and advanced capabilities like integrated IPsec and high-power PoE positions the RUCKUS ICX 7450 as a compelling solution for several key network applications. Its flexibility and scalability make it a valuable asset for organizations seeking a future-proof network infrastructure.
The modular nature of the ICX 7450 is directly tied to its scalability and flexibility. The ability to add or upgrade uplink and stacking ports through interchangeable modules means that organizations can adapt their network capacity as their needs grow without replacing the entire switch. This protects initial investments and lowers the total cost of ownership over time. The market-leading stacking density, allowing up to 12 switches in a stack, provides a high-density, flexible alternative to traditional chassis-based systems, particularly when leveraging RUCKUS Campus Fabric technology.
Campus Fabric Reduces Cost of Operations, Increases Flexibility. Delivers the benefits of a chassis with the flexibility of distributed stacking. Scales to over 1800 ports.
This approach allows for the creation of a single logical switch with a large number of ports (up to 576x 1 GbE and 144x 1/10 GbE ports per stack), simplifying management and reducing operational complexity compared to managing multiple standalone switches. Long-distance stacking capabilities (up to 10 km) further enhance deployment flexibility, allowing for stacked switches to be located across extended distances using standard optical links.
The modular design facilitates a “pay-as-you-grow” investment model. Instead of over-provisioning network infrastructure from the start, organizations can begin with the necessary ports and easily upgrade as bandwidth demands increase. For instance, deploying with 1 GbE or 10 GbE uplinks and later adding a 40 GbE module as needed is a cost-effective strategy for managing network evolution. This modular upgrade path ensures that the initial investment in the ICX 7450 platform remains valuable over a longer lifecycle.
Furthermore, features like redundant power supplies and hot-swappable components minimize downtime during maintenance or component failures, contributing to high availability and protecting the investment through improved network resilience. The inclusion of advanced features like Layer 3 routing and integrated IPsec security, available through licenses or modules, allows organizations to enable these capabilities as needed, providing additional value and avoiding the cost of dedicated appliances in many scenarios.
The ICX 7450’s comprehensive Power over Ethernet capabilities, including support for PoE+, PoH, and IEEE 802.3bt ready ports (up to 90 watts per port on specific ports), make it an excellent choice for powering a wide range of modern network edge devices. This includes not only traditional IP phones and wireless access points but also more power-hungry devices like VDI thin clients, advanced surveillance cameras, and large interactive displays. This capability simplifies wiring and reduces the need for scattered power outlets, streamlining deployments in campus access layers.
The integrated IPsec VPN service (with the optional module) provides a cost-effective and convenient method to ensure data confidentiality and integrity. By offering site-to-site encryption directly from the wiring closet switch, organizations can secure sensitive traffic traversing the network without deploying dedicated VPN appliances or installing software on endpoints. This is particularly beneficial for distributed environments, ensuring secure communication between different locations or network segments.
Detailing the technical specifications provides a clear understanding of the RUCKUS ICX 7450’s capabilities and limits. This section consolidates key technical data, offering a comprehensive view of the switch’s performance, capacity, and environmental characteristics.
The ICX 7450 platform is designed for high throughput to support demanding network applications. The switching and forwarding capacities vary slightly based on the 24-port or 48-port base configuration, reflecting the differing port densities. The stacking architecture provides a significant increase in overall bandwidth capacity, enhancing the ability to handle aggregated traffic from multiple stacked units.
Feature | ICX 7450-24/-24P | ICX 7450-48/-48P/-48F |
---|---|---|
Switching Capacity (Gbps) | 288 | 336 |
Forwarding Capacity (Mpps) | 214 | 250 |
Maximum Stack Members | 12 | |
Aggregated Stacking Bandwidth (Gbps) | 960 | |
Maximum MAC Addresses | 32,768 | |
Maximum VLANs | 4,096 | |
Maximum Routes (IPv4/IPv6) | 15,168 / 5,120 | |
Packet Buffer Size | 4 MB | 8 MB |
The substantial packet buffer size contributes to the switch’s ability to handle bursts of traffic efficiently, reducing packet loss and improving overall network performance, particularly for latency-sensitive applications. The capacity for a significant number of MAC addresses, VLANs, and routes highlights its suitability for large and complex network environments.
The physical form factor and environmental specifications are important for deployment planning. The ICX 7450 is designed for standard rack mounting and includes power and fan redundancy options to ensure operational continuity. Airflow options (front-to-back or back-to-front) provide flexibility to match data center or wiring closet cooling strategies.
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Dimensions (W x D x H) | 440 mm x 393.7 mm x 43.7 mm (17.323 in. x 15.5 in. x 1.720 in.); 1U |
Weight (approx.) | 6.4 kg – 7.2 kg (14.11 lb – 15.87 lb) depending on model |
Power Options | Dual Hot-swappable AC or DC Power Supplies |
Fan Trays | Dual Hot-swappable Fan Trays |
Airflow | Reversible: Front-to-back or Back-to-front |
Operating Temperature | -5°C to 50°C (23°F to 122°F) |
Operating Humidity | 10% to 90% RH at 50°C, non-condensing |
The broad operating temperature range makes the ICX 7450 suitable for deployment in a variety of environments, including those without tightly controlled climate conditions, such as wiring closets in older buildings or remote locations. The redundant and hot-swappable nature of the power supplies and fan trays is a key feature for ensuring high availability, allowing components to be replaced without disrupting network services.
Beyond basic switching, the RUCKUS ICX 7450 offers advanced Layer 3 routing and sophisticated security features, providing a robust platform for complex network architectures and data protection needs. These capabilities are particularly important for enterprise and data center deployments where efficient traffic routing and strong security are paramount.
With the optional premium software license, the ICX 7450 unlocks a full suite of dynamic Layer 3 routing protocols. Support for OSPF, BGP, and PIM enables the switch to participate effectively in complex routed networks, facilitating efficient traffic distribution and network segmentation. VRRP and VRRP-E provide crucial routing redundancy, ensuring network uptime by allowing router failover in case of a primary router failure.
Advanced L3 Routing Delivers Network Design Flexibility. BGP, OSPF, VRRP, PIM, PBR.
The inclusion of PBR allows network administrators to define customized routing policies based on criteria beyond destination IP address, providing granular control over traffic flow. VRF capabilities enable the creation of multiple virtual routing tables within a single switch instance, which is invaluable for isolating different network segments or customers in multi-tenant environments or for creating secure zones within an enterprise network.
Security remains a top priority for organizations, and the ICX 7450 addresses this with integrated IPsec VPN capabilities via a dedicated service module. This feature allows for hardware-accelerated encryption of network traffic, ensuring end-to-end data integrity and confidentiality without relying on external encryption devices or software-based solutions on endpoints.
IPSec VPN Security Ensures Compliance and Data Confidentiality. Integrated High-Performance IPsec Service. RUCKUS offers an industry-first stackable switching solution that delivers encryption from the wiring closet…
The service module supports robust encryption standards like AES 128/256 with GCM and complies with several relevant RFCs related to IPsec and key exchange. The support for redundant service modules within a stack ensures that even if one module fails, encryption services can continue uninterrupted, a critical feature for maintaining secure communications in demanding environments. This built-in security feature provides a convenient and cost-effective way to secure data in transit, particularly for sensitive traffic originating from or terminating at the network edge.
The RUCKUS ICX 7450 is designed to integrate seamlessly with the broader RUCKUS ICX switch family through Campus Fabric technology, enabling a chassis-like experience with the flexibility of stackable switches. This advanced stacking and fabric capability offers significant operational advantages and simplifies network management for enterprise campus deployments.
RUCKUS Campus Fabric technology allows for multiple ICX switches, including the 7450, to be managed as a single logical device, regardless of their physical location. This simplifies network administration by providing a unified control plane and management interface for the entire fabric. It eliminates the need to configure and manage each switch individually, significantly reducing operational overhead and potential for configuration errors.
RUCKUS Campus Fabric technology delivers unmatched flexibility, scalability and simplified management for campus network deployments. Incorporating all of the ICX 7000 switch families with up to 1800 ports in a single logical domain, Campus Fabric allows customers the benefits of a chassis, with the flexibility of stackable switches at a dramatically reduced Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
By effectively creating a large, distributed chassis, Campus Fabric enhances scalability, allowing networks to easily grow by adding more switches to the fabric. This approach provides the port density and centralized management benefits of a traditional chassis switch but with greater deployment flexibility and often at a lower cost. The ability to scale to over 1800 ports within a single logical domain is a significant advantage for large campus networks.
The stacking capabilities of the ICX 7450 go beyond simple stacking. The support for stacking over standard Ethernet ports (including 10 GbE and 40 GbE modular ports) provides flexibility in how switches are connected within a stack or fabric. Long-distance stacking allows stacked units to be separated by up to 10 km, enabling distributed deployments across buildings or even within a large data center environment.
Features like In Service Software Upgrade (ISSU) minimize downtime during software updates for stacked switches, ensuring continuous operation. Hitless stack failover and hot-insertion/removal of stack members further enhance the availability and resilience of the stacked environment. These advanced stacking features, combined with Campus Fabric, provide a robust and manageable network infrastructure that can adapt to changing requirements and minimize service interruptions.
In addition to performance and features, the RUCKUS ICX 7450 incorporates design elements aimed at improving energy efficiency and complying with environmental regulations. These considerations are increasingly important for organizations looking to reduce their operational costs and environmental footprint.
The ICX 7450 supports the IEEE 802.3az standard for Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE). This standard allows network ports to enter a low-power idle mode when no data is being transmitted, significantly reducing power consumption during periods of low network utilization. As network traffic patterns often fluctuate throughout the day and night, EEE can contribute to substantial energy savings over time, lowering electricity costs and reducing heat dissipation within the network infrastructure.
While specific power consumption figures vary based on model, traffic load, and PoE utilization, the design incorporates features to optimize power usage. The ability to use redundant, load-sharing power supplies ensures that power is utilized efficiently and provides backup in case of failure without requiring continuous maximum power draw from both supplies.
The RUCKUS ICX 7450 is designed to meet various environmental regulations, including RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directives. Compliance with these standards indicates a commitment to reducing the use of hazardous materials in electronic equipment and facilitating responsible disposal and recycling at the end of the product lifecycle.
Furthermore, the switch adheres to numerous IEEE and IETF RFC standards, ensuring interoperability with equipment from other vendors and compliance with widely accepted networking protocols and practices. Compliance with safety standards such as UL, IEC, and EN also ensures that the product is designed and manufactured to minimize potential safety risks during installation and operation.
While well-suited for campus access layers, the RUCKUS ICX 7450 also serves effectively as a Top-of-Rack (ToR) switch in data center environments, particularly in deployments with a mix of 1 GbE and 10 GbE server connectivity requirements. Its compact 1RU form factor and flexible uplink options make it a viable solution for connecting servers within a rack to the data center aggregation layer.
The 1RU form factor of the ICX 7450 means it occupies minimal space within a server rack, a critical consideration in space-constrained data center environments. The availability of 24 or 48 1 GbE or 10 GbE fixed ports, along with modular slots for additional 10 GbE or 40 GbE uplinks, provides the necessary port density and bandwidth to connect multiple servers within a rack. In data centers where many servers still utilize 1 GbE interfaces but a growing number require 10 GbE, the ICX 7450 offers a cost-effective platform to support this mix of connectivity.
With class-leading 10 GbE and 40 GbE port count, the RUCKUS ICX 7450 is a great solution as a Top-of-Rack (ToR) switch in a mixed 1 GbE/10 GbE server connectivity environment.
Dual integrated power supplies and fan assemblies with reversible airflow (front-to-back or back-to-front) are essential features for data center deployments. They provide the reliability and cooling flexibility required to integrate the switch seamlessly into various data center rack and cooling architectures. The redundant components enhance availability, a critical factor in maintaining continuous operations within the data center.
The modular 10 GbE SFP+ and 40 GbE QSFP+ ports on the ICX 7450 are instrumental for establishing high-speed connections from the ToR switch to the data center aggregation or core layers. These uplink options provide sufficient bandwidth to aggregate traffic from multiple servers within the rack and forward it efficiently to the rest of the data center network. The ability to utilize 40 GbE uplinks can significantly increase the north-south bandwidth capacity of the rack, supporting higher-density server deployments and more demanding applications.
Furthermore, the Layer 3 routing capabilities, especially with the premium license, can enable the ICX 7450 to participate in routed data center architectures, allowing for efficient inter-rack communication and connectivity to external networks. The support for protocols like BGP and OSPF is valuable in complex data center routing designs.
The RUCKUS ICX 7450 is available in various configurations, including pre-bundled units and bare switches that can be customized with separately ordered components. This flexibility allows organizations to procure the exact switch configuration needed for their specific deployment requirements.
Customers have the option to select from several pre-configured switch bundles that include essential components or to build a custom unit by ordering a bare switch along with desired power supplies, fans, and modular port or service modules. Ordering information typically includes specific part numbers for each component.
Examples of switch bundles include models with varying fixed port densities (24 or 48 ports, with or without PoE+) and pre-selected uplink/stacking modular configurations. These bundles often include standard accessories like a power cord, rack mounting brackets, and a console cable.
Part Number | Description |
---|---|
ICX7450-24-E | 24-port 1 GbE switch bundle (includes uplinks, power, fan) |
ICX7450-48P-E | 48-port 1 GbE PoE+ switch bundle (includes uplinks, power, fan) |
ICX7450-24 | 24-port 1 GbE bare switch (modules, power, fans separate) |
ICX7450-SERVICE-MOD | ICX 7450 Service Module for IPsec VPN encryption |
RPS16-E | ICX 7450/6610 PoE 1,000 W AC power supply, front-to-back airflow |
Modular port options, feature licenses (like the Layer 3 Premium software license and MACsec license), and mounting kits are typically ordered separately to allow for tailored configurations and feature enablement. Stacking cables, necessary for connecting switches in a stack, also need to be acquired separately to match the specific stacking port requirements (e.g., SFP+ or QSFP+ cables).
For detailed ordering information, including a comprehensive list of all available part numbers for bare switches, bundles, modules, power supplies, fans, licenses, and accessories, customers should refer to the official RUCKUS ICX 7450 ordering documentation or consult with a RUCKUS authorized partner.
Customers looking for competitive pricing and global discounts on the RUCKUS ICX 7450 and related components can visit https://itmall.sale. This platform offers opportunities to acquire networking equipment at potentially significant savings, providing a cost-effective path to deploying or upgrading network infrastructure with the RUCKUS ICX 7450.
When placing an order, it is essential to verify the exact part numbers and quantities required for all components, including the base switch, power supplies, fans (ensuring correct airflow direction), and any necessary port modules or service modules to achieve the desired configuration and functionality.
Investing in network infrastructure is a long-term decision, and understanding the available warranty and support options is crucial. RUCKUS provides comprehensive coverage and support services for the ICX 7450 switch to ensure reliable operation and assistance when needed.
The RUCKUS ICX 7450 switches are backed by the RUCKUS Assurance Limited Lifetime Warranty. This warranty typically covers the product for as long as the original end user owns it, providing protection against defects in materials and workmanship. Specific terms and conditions of the warranty, including any limitations or exclusions, are detailed in the official RUCKUS Warranty statement.
It is important for customers to review the full warranty details available on the RUCKUS website to understand the scope of coverage and the procedures for obtaining warranty service. This lifetime warranty underscores RUCKUS’s confidence in the durability and reliability of the ICX 7450 platform.
Beyond the hardware warranty, access to technical support is vital for troubleshooting issues, receiving assistance with configuration, and obtaining software updates. New RUCKUS ICX 7450 switches typically include a period of complimentary technical support from the RUCKUS Technical Assistance Center (TAC).
Best-in-Class Support. RUCKUS ICX 7450 switches come with 90 days of free technical support from the RUCKUS Technical Assistance Center (TAC). For continued access to the TAC past the initial 90 days, customers must purchase a RUCKUS Technical Support contract.
To ensure continued access to expert technical assistance beyond the initial complimentary period, customers have the option to purchase RUCKUS Technical Support contracts. These contracts provide access to the TAC for support inquiries, as well as access to software updates and other support resources. Customers should consider purchasing a support contract based on their operational needs and desired level of support responsiveness.
Information regarding available support programs and how to purchase them is typically available through the RUCKUS support website or by contacting a RUCKUS sales representative or authorized partner. Having an active support contract ensures that organizations can leverage the full expertise of the RUCKUS support team to maximize the performance and availability of their ICX 7450 network infrastructure.
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