IBM Network Switches

RackSwitch top-of-rack hardware and BladeCenter embedded switch modules

About Network Switches

IBM's networking hardware came from the Blade Network Technologies acquisition in 2010, which is why so much of it carries the BNT lineage in its software and CLI. The line was later sold to Lenovo in 2014, so field hardware may carry IBM or Lenovo badging depending on when it shipped — the underlying platforms are the same.

What is in this range

RackSwitch G8052 — 1G top-of-rack access with 10G uplinks
RackSwitch G8124 — 24-port 10G ToR
RackSwitch G8264 — 64-port 10G with 40G uplinks, the workhorse of the range
BladeCenter and Flex System modules — embedded switches for IBM chassis

Embedded switch modules are chassis-specific

This is the part that catches people out. A switch module for a BladeCenter chassis is not the same as one for a Flex System chassis, and they are not interchangeable — the connector, form factor and midplane signalling all differ. Ordering by speed and port count alone will get you the wrong part.

These platforms also commonly run one of two firmware personalities with different CLIs. Send us the chassis model and, for embedded modules, the bay you are populating and we will confirm the correct part before anything ships.

Featured Network Switches Products

Browse all 55 Network Switches SKUs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IBM RackSwitch the same as Lenovo RackSwitch?

Effectively yes. IBM sold its System x and networking business to Lenovo in 2014, so the same hardware shipped under both badges depending on date. Platforms such as the G8052 and G8264 are the same product line either way.

What is BNT in relation to IBM switches?

Blade Network Technologies was a switching vendor IBM acquired in 2010. Its technology became IBM System Networking, and its software lineage is why IBM RackSwitch platforms behave differently from other vendors' CLIs.

Are BladeCenter switch modules compatible with Flex System chassis?

No. BladeCenter and Flex System are different chassis generations with different midplanes and module form factors. Switch modules are specific to one chassis family and cannot be moved between them.

What uplink speeds does the IBM G8264 support?

The G8264 is a 10 Gigabit top-of-rack platform with 40 Gigabit QSFP+ uplink capability. Exact port allocation and whether uplinks can be broken out depends on the unit's configuration and firmware, so confirm the specific unit before planning around it.