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Datacom switches, leaders in innovation and quality in the networking market, continually evolve to meet the growing demands of ISPs and data centers. The port breakout functionality, available from version 10.0 of DmOS, stands out as a solution that offers flexibility, efficiency and scalability, allowing the adaptation of network infrastructures in a simple and economical way.

With this technology, a single high-speed port (100GE or 40GE) can be configured to operate as multiple lower-speed ports, such as 4x25GE or 4x10GE. This capacity, combined with the reliability of the DmOS system, opens up a universe of possibilities for high-performance networks, reducing operational costs and maximizing available resources.

Technical Flexibility and Strategic Benefits

Port breakout redefines how networks are designed and managed. Imagine a data center where, instead of adding new switches to meet capacity demands, you simply reconfigure existing ports. This is possible thanks to the native flexibility of DmOS.

Furthermore, this functionality eliminates the need to purchase additional equipment, reducing direct and indirect costs, such as energy consumption and physical space. Another advantage is the simplification of the topology, which facilitates the maintenance and management of the network infrastructure.

Compatible Connections: Cable and Module Options

The versatility of port breakout on Datacom switches is expanded by supporting a wide range of cables and modules for different needs and distances:

• DAC cable (Direct Attach Copper):
  Passive copper cables connected directly to the QSFP+ or QSFP28 ports, ideal for short distances (1.5m and 3m), allowing an efficient connection within the same rack.
  Example: 4xSFP10G or 4xSFP28 25G.

• AOC cable (Active Optical Cable):
  Active optical cables for longer distances, available in standard lengths of 5m (with the possibility of custom sizes). Great for 10GE and 25GE connections in different racks.

• PLR4 Optical Modules:
  Solution for long distance services (up to 10km), with MPO connectorization that allows breakout in configurations such as 4x10GE or 4x25GE, offering range and flexibility for rack interconnection or customer service.
  Example: DM-QSFP-PLR4-10 and DM-QSFP28-PLR4-10.

Practical Use Cases: Port Breakout in Action

The port breakout functionality offers practical solutions for different application scenarios. See how it can transform networks in everyday life:

1- Data Centers and Top of Rack:
The DM4770 series switches, for example, can be configured to maximize the use of ports on a single device. Imagine configuring up to 64 25GE ports for servers, 8 10GE ports for other switches, and still keeping 14 100GE ports available for critical uplinks or interconnections.
This level of flexibility eliminates the need for new switches, reducing rack space and simplifying management.

2- Customer Service at ISPs:

In provider networks, functionality is essential to serve customers with different bandwidth demands. For example, using MPO cables to divide a 100GE port into 4x25GE, it is possible to connect multiple corporate clients or smaller ISPs efficiently and reliably.

These applications not only show the versatility of port breakout, but also highlight how it becomes a strategic ally in high-density network projects.

The Datacom Experience: More than Technology

The port breakout functionality, enabled by DmOS, is just one of the features that make Datacom a reference in network solutions. Our commitment to quality, performance and technical support ensures customers have the right tools to meet current and future market challenges.

Whether for ISPs, data centers or enterprise networks, Datacom switches offer more than connectivity: they provide the confidence of a solid, future-proof network infrastructure.

Want to know how port breakout functionality can transform your network? Contact Datacom today and speak to one of our experts. We're ready to help you plan the ideal network infrastructure for today and the future.