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Delivering reliable IT hardware solutions since 2009.
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Part Number: BR-6520-48-16G-F
Description: Brocade 6520 48-Port Fibre Channel SFP+ Switch with 48x 16 Gbps SFP+ transceiver, Front-to-Back Airflow
Category: Switches
and more
15+ Years of Proven Excellence
Delivering reliable IT hardware solutions since 2009.
Same-Day Shipping
On all on-hand orders placed before 2 pm CST.
Limited Lifetime Warranty
You’ll find warranty coverage on the majority of our hardware.*
Terms & Conditions*
The BR-6520-48-16G-F delivers exceptional 16 Gbps performance through advanced Gen 5 Fibre Channel technology, providing 48 active ports with aggregate bandwidth capabilities that ensure seamless data transfer for mission-critical applications. This brocade 6520 series switch offers 700 nanosecond frame latency, making it ideal for latency-sensitive workloads in enterprise environments. The switch supports automatic speed negotiation from 2 Gbps to 16 Gbps, ensuring backward compatibility with existing infrastructure while providing a clear upgrade path for future growth.
With 96 total SFP+ ports and 48 active ports in the base configuration, the BR-6520-48-16G-F maximizes rack space efficiency while providing exceptional scalability for growing data center requirements. The high port density design allows organizations to consolidate multiple smaller switches into a single 2U form factor solution, reducing power consumption, cooling requirements, and management overhead. This brocade 6520 switch can be seamlessly expanded to support up to 96 active ports, providing investment protection and flexible growth options as business needs evolve.
The BR-6520-48-16G-F incorporates comprehensive Fabric Vision technology with integrated monitoring, diagnostics, and advanced analytics capabilities that proactively identify and resolve potential issues before they impact operations. Features include Fabric Performance Impact (FPI) monitoring for automatic detection of slow drain devices, ClearLink Diagnostics for advanced troubleshooting, and Dynamic Fabric Provisioning (DFP) for streamlined deployment and configuration. These intelligent capabilities reduce operational complexity and minimize downtime while improving overall fabric reliability and performance.
Built for mission-critical environments, the BR-6520-48-16G-F features dual hot-swappable power supplies, redundant cooling systems, and comprehensive fault tolerance mechanisms that ensure continuous operation. The switch includes integrated in-flight encryption and data compression capabilities for secure data transmission over distance, supporting up to 10 Gbps DWDM connectivity for metro extension to private or hybrid cloud environments. Enterprise-grade security features protect against unauthorized access while maintaining optimal performance for business-critical applications.
| Component | Specification |
| Form Factor | 2U rack-mountable |
| Total Ports | 96 x SFP+ ports (48 active) |
| Port Speed | Auto-sensing 2/4/8/16 Gbps |
| Switching Capacity | 1,536 Gbps (full configuration) |
| Frame Latency | 700 nanoseconds |
| Buffer Memory | 8,192 dynamically allocated frame buffers |
| Maximum Frame Size | 2,112 bytes payload |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 429.25 x 86.74 x 609.75 mm |
| Weight | 16.92 kg (with dual PSUs, no optics) |
| Power Consumption | 464W (fully populated), 183W (empty chassis) |
| Power Supplies | Dual hot-swappable 1100W AC units |
| Airflow | Back-to-front (port-side exhaust) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 40°C |
| Storage Temperature | -25°C to 70°C |
The BR-6520-48-16G-F operates on Brocade Fabric OS (FOS), providing comprehensive fabric management, zoning, and security features. The switch supports advanced fabric services including ISL trunking with frame-based load balancing, Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities, and integrated SAN extension for metro connectivity up to 100 kilometers. Management options include web-based interface, command-line interface (CLI), SNMP v1/v2c/v3, and integration with Brocade Network Advisor for centralized fabric management across multiple switches.
This brocade 6520 model supports industry-standard Fibre Channel protocols including FC-BB-5, FC-FS-3, and FC-GS-6, ensuring broad compatibility with existing SAN infrastructure components. The switch provides native support for virtualization technologies, storage replication protocols, and can accommodate various SFP+ transceiver types including short-wave, long-wave, and extended-wave optics. Advanced features include Buffer Credit Recovery for enhanced distance connectivity and Dynamic Path Selection (DPS) for optimized multi-path routing across fabric topologies.
The BR-6520-48-16G-F represents the mid-range option in the brocade 6520 series, positioned between the 24-port 6510 models and the full 96-port active configurations. Compared to the 6510 series, this switch offers double the port density and enhanced encryption capabilities, while providing a cost-effective alternative to fully populated 96-port configurations. The “F” designation indicates front-to-back airflow configuration, making it suitable for standard data center cooling architectures where cold air intake occurs at the front of the rack.
The BR-6520-48-16G-F combines Gen 5 Fibre Channel technology with industry-leading port density in a compact 2U form factor, delivering 48 active 16 Gbps ports with room for expansion to 96 ports. Its advanced Fabric Vision technology provides proactive monitoring and diagnostics capabilities that exceed those found in competing switches. The integrated in-flight encryption and compression features eliminate the need for separate appliances, reducing total cost of ownership while maintaining enterprise-grade security.
Yes, the switch can be upgraded from 48 to 72 or 96 active ports through software licensing, providing exceptional investment protection and scalability. The hardware platform supports all 96 physical ports, with activation controlled through Fabric OS licensing. This approach allows organizations to start with a smaller configuration and expand capacity as business requirements grow without requiring hardware replacement.
The BR-6520-48-16G-F requires dual 1100W hot-swappable AC power supplies and consumes 464W when fully populated with 96 16 Gbps SFP+ transceivers or 183W with an empty chassis. The switch features back-to-front airflow design with integrated cooling fans in the power supplies, requiring proper data center airflow management. Heat dissipation is 1,582 BTU/hr at full capacity, and the switch operates reliably in temperatures from 0°C to 40°C.
The switch provides seamless integration with existing Fibre Channel fabrics through auto-sensing capabilities that support 2, 4, 8, and 16 Gbps speeds, ensuring compatibility with legacy devices while enabling migration to higher performance tiers. Standard Fabric OS features including zoning, aliases, and fabric-wide configuration management ensure consistent operation across mixed-vendor environments. The switch supports industry-standard management protocols and can be integrated with existing SAN management tools.
Brocade provides comprehensive warranty coverage and multiple support tiers for the BR-6520-48-16G-F, including hardware replacement, software updates, and technical support services. Support options range from basic warranty coverage to premium services including resident consultant programs and 24×7 support with guaranteed response times. Extended warranty programs and professional services for design, implementation, and optimization are available to ensure maximum return on investment and optimal fabric performance.
At Network Republic, our end-user accounts are covered by a 1-Year Warranty on all hardware—whether New, New Open Box, New Pull, Refurbished, or Refurbished by Manufacturer —from the date of delivery. This warranty covers hardware defects under normal use and allows for repair, replacement, or in-house credit at our discretion.
For resellers and wholesale purchases, we offer a 30-Day Warranty limited strictly to functional issues or defects upon arrival, including dead-on-arrival (DOA) items; it does not apply to problems arising after prolonged use. Resellers are responsible for inspecting and testing products within the 30-day window. This warranty excludes accidental damage, misuse, cosmetic wear, third-party modifications, and software-related issues unrelated to hardware failure. Check out our full warranty policy here.
Software licenses are not covered under the standard return and warranty policies and need to be activated on the hardware within 7 days of receipt. Any issues need to be reported immediately, within 10 days, so we can issue an exchange. Under no circumstances will refunds be issued for software licenses.
Our team of professionals are experts in networking hardware configurations and can assist you at any time during your purchasing process. We always recommend great price-performance alternatives based on current market price and availability. In need of assistance or looking for a specific part number? Request a quote today or chat with one of our IT specialists.
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