Dedicated Switching for Scalable Storage Area Networks

SAN (Storage Area Network) switches are foundational to enterprise data infrastructures, providing dedicated, high-speed connections between servers and storage arrays. EMC SAN switches are purpose-built for reliability, performance, and scalability, enabling organizations to build secure, high-throughput storage networks that meet the demands of modern IT environments.

Optimized for Storage Traffic

Unlike standard Ethernet switches, SAN switches use Fibre Channel protocols specifically optimized for storage traffic. This design ensures predictable performance, low latency, and high data integrity—essential for applications like databases, virtualization, and transactional systems.

EMC-branded switches, often developed in partnership with Brocade, support Fibre Channel speeds up to 8Gb/s or 16Gb/s. These switches manage data flow across fabric topologies, enabling efficient communication between storage components like EMC HDDs, Controllers, and Rack Servers.

Enterprise-Class Features and Management

EMC SAN switches come equipped with enterprise-grade features, including zoning for traffic segmentation, redundant cooling and power options, and non-blocking architecture. These capabilities support consistent performance under load and reduce the risk of service interruption due to hardware failures.

Advanced diagnostic and fabric services also allow IT teams to monitor switch health, manage throughput, and troubleshoot issues efficiently. Integration with centralized management platforms ensures visibility across the entire SAN fabric.

Scalability for Growing Infrastructures

With 16 or more active ports, EMC SAN switches offer the scalability required to connect multiple devices within a growing storage environment. Modular configurations support future expansion without requiring major infrastructure overhauls. This makes SAN switches ideal for businesses anticipating increased data volumes or planning phased upgrades of their storage architecture.

These switches also support backward compatibility with older Fibre Channel speeds, simplifying integration with existing equipment and extending the life of legacy infrastructure.

Refurbished SAN Switches: Cost-Effective Reliability

Refurbished EMC SAN switches provide significant cost advantages while maintaining the performance and features required for enterprise deployment. Each unit is tested for port functionality, fabric services, and firmware compatibility before being recertified. For organizations managing legacy systems or deploying new SAN environments on a budget, refurbished switches are a strategic choice.

When used alongside Network Adapters, Expansion Units, or EMC Memory, these switches form the backbone of a powerful and cost-efficient storage network.

Browse the complete EMC category to discover additional components that support your storage architecture goals.