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Introducing “6-pack”: the first open hardware modular switch

code.facebook.com

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Re: Introducing “6-pack”: the first open hardware modular switch

#3

Post by rsync »

I very much want to transition to open hardware models for networking gear - for both my own home use and for rsync.net.

However, at no single site (especially my home) do I need a 6U chassis full of switch ports.

Is there a 1U version of this on the horizon ?

Re: Introducing “6-pack”: the first open hardware modular switch

#4

Post by rustyconover »

I get the feeling this is a bit like Bugatti building the Veyron, its super cool and impressive but the vast majority of us will never be able to or have a need to drive it.

It is still fun watch this switch go around the proverbial track, but I'm happy knowing that I'll never have to configure, build and test a switch of this complexity unless I really absolutely have to, with my largest caveat being AWS disappearing from the face of the earth.

Re: Introducing “6-pack”: the first open hardware modular switch

#5

Post by aaronbee »

rsync wrote: post #3

I very much want to transition to open hardware models for networking gear - for both my own home use and for rsync.net. However, at no single site (especially my home) do I need a 6U chassis full of switch ports. Is there a 1U version of this on the horizon ?

Facebook's Wedge 1U switch is what this builds on. https://code.facebook.com/posts/681382905244727/introducing-...

Re: Introducing “6-pack”: the first open hardware modular switch

#7

Post by AceJohnny2 »

rustyconover wrote: post #4

I get the feeling this is a bit like Bugatti building the Veyron, its super cool and impressive but the vast majority of us will never be able to or have a need to drive it. It is still fun watch this switch go around the proverbial track, but I'm happy knowing that I'll never have to configure, build and test a switch of this complexity unless I really absolutely have to, with my largest caveat being AWS disappearin…

You're not the target market. You shouldn't be making an analogy with a Veyron, which remains a luxury car for an individual. You should rather be comparing it with a firetruck, a vehicle custom-built for a purpose you as an individual you will never need.

I currently work in the network hardware industry (think Cisco, Juniper, etc). Our boxes sell in the 6-figure price range, each [1]. We sell to your ISP, wireless carrier, datacenter constructor. We're the competition this kind of box is aiming at.

[1] it's highly specific hardware and software for a low-volume market. Individual chips used in the hardware can cost multiple thousands of dollars each.

Re: Introducing “6-pack”: the first open hardware modular switch

#8

Post by dsr_ »

rustyconover wrote: post #4

I get the feeling this is a bit like Bugatti building the Veyron, its super cool and impressive but the vast majority of us will never be able to or have a need to drive it. It is still fun watch this switch go around the proverbial track, but I'm happy knowing that I'll never have to configure, build and test a switch of this complexity unless I really absolutely have to, with my largest caveat being AWS disappearin…

One of the great things about computing is that stuff which was insanely high-end N years ago is high-end of affordable now and will be commodity in another N years.

And N years after that you get that functionality for free along with your new TV.

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