F5 Networks Adds Resiliency and Long-Term Scalability to Campus Network

Force10 Networks(R) today announced that F5 Networks, the global leader in application delivery networking, is increasing the scalability and performance of its 10 Gigabit Ethernet campus network with the TeraScale E-Series family of switch/routers. The Force10 TeraScale E-Series combines the high density and unmatched resiliency that will allow F5 to seamlessly expand its network as traffic increases in the future. "As we upgraded our network, it was essential that we build into our infrastructure a high level of resiliency essential for high performance applications and scalability that would allow us to continue to expand well into the future," said John Matthews, vice president of information technology at F5 Networks. "The E-Series provides us with a long-term solution for our network core that will grow as we do." As the anchor of F5's campus network, the Force10 TeraScale E600 interconnects nearly 300 servers and provides the 10 Gigabit Ethernet backbone, delivering the predictability and reliability required to guarantee maximum network uptime. Supporting 336 line-rate Gigabit and 28 line-rate 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports per system, the Force10 TeraScale E-Series provides F5 with the long-term scalability that enables seamless network expansion without the cost of a forklift upgrade. Built upon a unique three CPU architecture that distributes switching, routing and management functionality between distinct processors, the Force10 TeraScale E-Series delivers unmatched resiliency that provides F5 with a high level of network stability. Additionally, fully redundant components and robust Layer 2 and Layer 3 functionality eliminate unplanned network downtime. To further provide F5 with the scalability it requires to rely upon its network for nearly a decade, the Force10 TeraScale E-Series leverages a patent-protected five Terabit backplane. Currently using 1.68 Terabits, the Force10 backplane provides significant capacity for future Gigabit, 10 Gigabit and 100 Gigabit Ethernet density increases without the cost of a full chassis replacement. "The Force10 TeraScale E-Series is unique in combining the high density and resiliency that provide years of scalability to efficiently and cost effectively accommodate growth in network traffic and high performance applications," said Mark Cooper, senior vice president of worldwide sales at Force10 Networks. "For fast growing companies like F5, the TeraScale E-Series is an ideal solution that will grow with their networking demands." Enterprises worldwide, including SEGA, NCsoft, Baidu.com, Veritas DGC and Petroleum Geo-Services, are leveraging the seamless scalability of the Force10 TeraScale E-Series to increase the longevity of their data center and campus networks.