Wired & Wireless Networking Solutions
High performance server and storage systems need an equally high-performance network infrastructure to support them and ensure there are no bottlenecks that affect data throughput. Whether located within a datacentre or at the edge of the network, connectivity is key to keep systems functioning optimally. The Scan networking solutions portfolio includes Ethernet, Infiniband, wireless and 4G / 5G options to deliver best in class performance.
Network Interface Cards
Although only a small component in a server build, the network interface card (NIC) can contribute to a huge uplift in performance. From simply providing Gigabit (1GbE) connectivity from the server to the switch the modern NIC now deliver speeds up to 100GbE as well as offering many other functions such as Remote Memory Direct Access (RDMA or iWARP) and RDMA over converged Ethernet (RoCE) to provide the ability to communicate without involving the CPU, cache or operating system thus delivering much shorter latency times across the network. Our system build teams are able to upgrade NICs within a server build from a large range of Intel and NVIDIA Networking (formerly Mellanox) options.
Intel NICs
Intel’s ever evolving NIC range offers consistent reliable performance from 1GbE up to 100GbE with proven interoperability. They are optimised for use in wider Intel architecture environments, and deliver improved application efficiency and network performance when used with complex high-demand server workloads such as AI, HPC and hybrid cloud.
| NIC Name | Protocol | Interfaces | Maximum Speed | Ports | Host Bus | RDMA (iWARP or RoCE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 800 Series | Ethernet | SFP28 / QSFP28 | 100GbE | 2 / 4 | PCIe 4.0 | Yes |
| 700 Series | Ethernet | RJ45 / SFP+ / QSFP+ / QSFP28 | 40GbE | 1 / 2 / 4 | PCIe 3.0 | Yes |
| 500 Series | Ethernet | RJ45 / LC Fibre / SFP28 | 10GbE | 1 / 2 | PCIe 3.0 | No |
| GbE NIC Series | Ethernet | RJ45 / LC Fibre | 1GbE | 1 / 2 / 4 | PCIe 3.0 | No |
NVIDIA Networking NICs
The industry-leading NVIDIA Networking (Mellanox) ConnectX family of intelligent datacentre NICs offers the broadest and most advanced hardware offloads, which enable the high throughput and the low latency for hyper-scale computing, storage, machine learning, artificial intelligence and big data platforms. Available in both Ethernet and Infiniband versions, they offer speeds of up 200GbE.
| NIC Name | Protocol | Interfaces | Maximum Speed | Ports | Host Bus | RDMA (iWARP or RoCE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ConnectX-6 | Ethernet / Infiniband | QSFP56 | 200GbE | 1 / 2 | PCIe 4.0 | Yes |
| ConnectX-5 | Ethernet / Infiniband | SFP28 / QSFP28 | 100GbE | 1 / 2 | PCIe 3.0 | Yes |
| ConnectX-4 | Ethernet / Infiniband | SFP28 / QSFP28 | 50GbE | 1 / 2 | PCIe 3.0 | Yes |
To learn more about Ethernet and Infiniband NIC technologies click here to read our Network Card Buyers Guide.
Find out moreNetwork Switches
NVIDIA Networking provides the highest performing Ethernet and Infiniband switch families delivering speeds of up to 400GbE – designed to partner seamlessly with ConnectX NICs to ensure maximum through and eliminate bottlenecks across your network. The complete connectivity solution enables deep learning & AI, HPC, datacentre, cloud computing, and storage applications to operate at maximum functionality at any scale.
| Switch Name | Protocol | Interfaces | Maximum Speed | Maximum Ports | Data Throughput |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SN4000 | Ethernet | QSFP56 / QSFP-DD | 400GbE | 128 | 25.6Tb/s |
| SN3000 | Ethernet | SFP28 / QSFP28 / QSFP56 | 200GbE | 128 | 12.8Tb/s |
| SN2000 | Ethernet | SFP28 / QSFP28 | 100GbE | 64 | 6.4Tb/s |
| QM8700 | Infiniband | QSFP56 | 200GbE | 40 | 16Tb/s |
| SB7800 | Infiniband | QSFP28 | 100GbE | 32 | 7.2Tb/s |
Wireless Access Points
Wireless network connectivity seems to be the norm these days, but when used to support critical elements of your business, it must also be reliable, consistent and fast. To guarantee this performance businesses are turning increasingly to managed solutions whereby the various access points that cover any given area are controlled by either a master wireless access point (WAP) or an external controller, thus enabling greater control. Benefits of a solution like this include improved seamless hand-off as users roam between access points, better load balancing of user access across the wireless network and enhanced security - increasing the ability to monitor and detect rogue users - either with non-compliant devices or unauthorised access.
Ubiquiti WAPs
Ubiquiti Networks provides a variety of high-performance wireless networking technology solutions for small offices, medium size business all the way up to enterprises, offering an outstanding price to performance ratio. The Unifi range of access points and controllers deliver not only scalable wireless solutions delivering the latest 802.11ac Wave2 performance, but ultimate visibility as to your environment through graphical dashboards and status updates via almost any mobile device.
| Unifi WAP Name | Wireless Protocol | Ports | Antennas |
|---|---|---|---|
| nanoHD | 802.11ac Wave2 | 1x GbE (PoE+) | 2.4GHz / 5GHz MIMO |
| In-wall HD | 802.11ac Wave2 | 5x 1GbE (PoE+) | 2.4GHz / 5GHz MIMO |
| FlexHD | 802.11ac Wave2 | 1x GbE (PoE+) | 2.4GHz / 5GHz MIMO |
| BaseStation XG | 802.11ac Wave2 | 1x GbE (PoE+) | 5GHz MIMO |
Airtime & Connectivity Services
To complement our range of business hardware and software portfolio Scan has added a comprehensive range of airtime connectivity offerings to deliver a complete end-to-end solution for your organisation. Including cellular, leased line and wide area network (WAN) options, we believe we can address all your business requirements.
Find out moreNetwork Security
As connected devices grow in number and the diversity of areas we call a workplace increases, ensuring the network remains secure has never been more important. True network security combines multiple layers of defences at the edge and within the network. Each network security layer implements policies and controls, so authorised users gain access to network resources, but malicious actors are blocked from carrying out exploits and threats. The Scan network security portfolio includes firewalls, email security, anti-virus and anti-malware applications, access control platforms and intrusion prevention systems.
Find out moreNetwork Services
The Scan Professional Services team have many years’ experience in the fields of Secure Network Architecture and Design, working on networks of all sizes and complexity. Our consultants are able to use their expertise to help your company deploy or design your network in a secure way to ensure the highest levels of business continuity. Our services include disaster recovery and business continuity, adaptive multi-layer network survivability, content control solutions, system monitoring and wireless architecture design.
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