IBM REDBOOKS B24X - Manual (Page 13)

IBM Ethernet Switch B24X 13
Top of Rack switch
An access or edge switch is a switch that connects directly to the end devices requiring network
connectivity, most commonly servers and storage arrays in the data center. A switch that is 1 or 2 RU in
height that acts as the access switch for devices within a rack is commonly called a Top of Rack switch.
The B24X is ideal for deployment as an all-purpose Top of Rack switch in demanding network
environments due to its high-performance, resilient hardware characteristics and comprehensive network
features support. The B24X can also be used to support NAS or iSCSI SAN storage in a shared or
dedicated network environment (Figure 6).
Figure 6. IBM Ethernet Switch B24X as Top of Rack switch with server and storage connections