IBM - 26K6526 - NORTEL LAYER 2-3 GB SWITCH FOR BLADECENTER

IBM 26K6526 Nortel Layer 2/3 Gigabit Switch for BladeCenter

The IBM 26K6526 is a Nortel Layer 2/3 Gigabit Ethernet switch module designed for IBM BladeCenter environments, providing integrated chassis networking for blade servers. It supports enterprise switching features such as VLAN segmentation and QoS prioritisation, helping you control broadcast domains and protect latency-sensitive traffic like voice or storage-related flows.

For BladeCenter builds where you need flexible uplinks and optics, this module is commonly deployed alongside compatible TRANSCEIVER options (model-dependent) and can be part of a wider chassis I/O strategy with additional NETWORK MODULE components. It is a practical fit for data centers and service providers standardising on modular BladeCenter switching while keeping cabling and management centralised.

As part of the broader IBM ecosystem, the 26K6526 helps extend the service life of existing BladeCenter installations where consistent port profiles and predictable in-chassis switching are required. It also pairs well with server-side connectivity such as HBA adapters (use case dependent) when designing end-to-end network and storage access paths.

Key Features

Key technical highlights for BladeCenter deployments include:

• BladeCenter-compatible switch module form factor to integrate Ethernet switching directly into supported IBM BladeCenter chassis I/O bays.
• Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching capabilities to support both access switching and basic inter-VLAN routing in modular blade environments.
• Gigabit Ethernet switching architecture to provide 1GbE connectivity suitable for many blade server access-layer designs.
• VLAN support to segment tenant, application, or management traffic within BladeCenter-based infrastructures.
• Quality of Service (QoS) features to prioritise critical traffic classes and help maintain predictable application performance.
• Enterprise security controls to help enforce port/network access policies and reduce the risk of unauthorised connectivity.
• Designed for 24/7 operation in data center environments to support continuous workloads on BladeCenter platforms.
• Compatibility focus: intended for IBM BladeCenter chassis using Nortel-branded Ethernet switch modules, including common BladeCenter families such as BladeCenter H and BladeCenter T (verify chassis/module support before deployment).

Refurbished Quality and Warranty

This unit is refurbished hardware, cleaned and tested by technicians before entering stock to help reduce the risk of hardware defects. Refurbished switching modules are a practical way to extend the lifecycle of existing BladeCenter environments, reduce electronic waste, and control budgets compared to buying new.

Direct Hardware Supply includes a one-year warranty from the date of purchase (three-month warranty applies to batteries, tape drives and tape libraries). Extended warranty options are available on request. Direct Hardware Supply is an international supplier of refurbished IT hardware, shipping worldwide from Denmark.