TLDR
- Broadcom introduced the Brocade X8 Directors and G820 56-port switch, the industry’s first 128G Fibre Channel platforms for AI workloads.
- Both platforms include quantum-resistant 256-bit encryption with post-quantum cryptography algorithms to protect against future threats.
- The X8 Directors support up to 384 ports at 128G speeds, while the G820 delivers 56 128G SFP+ ports in a 1U form factor.
- Products are available now through OEM partners like Dell, HPE, IBM, and NetApp over the coming quarters.
- Broadcom shares rose 2.8% Wednesday following the announcement and anticipation of Nvidia’s earnings report.
Broadcom introduced two new data center platforms Wednesday designed for AI infrastructure demands. The Brocade X8 Directors and Brocade G820 56-port switch represent the first 128G Fibre Channel platforms available commercially.
The Gen 8 Fibre Channel portfolio prioritizes both speed and security. Each platform features quantum-resistant 256-bit encryption with post-quantum cryptography algorithms. These security layers prepare infrastructure for threats from quantum computers still in development.
The products target organizations managing mission-critical AI workloads and data-intensive applications. Dennis Makishima, vice president and general manager of Brocade Storage Networking at Broadcom, described the platforms as establishing a robust foundation for enterprise AI needs.
The Brocade X8 Directors can accommodate up to 384 ports running at 128G speeds. The Brocade G820 switch provides 56 128G SFP+ ports in a space-saving 1U design. Both integrate embedded SAN AI technology for automated infrastructure management without manual intervention.
Key Technology Features
The platforms come equipped with AI-powered autonomy that responds to changing network environments in real time. SAN Fabric Intelligence offers end-to-end visibility across entire storage networks. The Adaptive Traffic Optimizer handles dynamic load balancing to maintain optimal performance levels.
Industry partners have embraced the new technology. Dell Technologies, H3C, Hitachi Vantara, HPE, IBM, Lenovo, NetApp, and TG Stor provided support for the launch. These OEM partners will distribute the platforms to their customer bases throughout the next few quarters.
Market Response and Analyst Coverage
Broadcom stock increased 2.8% Wednesday afternoon after peaking at 5.6% earlier in trading. The gains came from the product launch combined with investor expectations for Nvidia’s quarterly earnings announcement.
The relationship between Broadcom and Nvidia creates linked market performance. Broadcom supplies connectivity chips enabling multiple processors to function together in server environments. Nvidia manufactures the GPU hardware driving AI data centers. Strong results from Nvidia typically boost Broadcom’s stock price.
The company maintains a market valuation of $1.61 trillion. Revenue grew 28.01% to $59.93 billion in the past twelve months. Broadcom operates with gross profit margins of 77.19%.
Analysts have upgraded their price projections for Broadcom recently. Jefferies set a price target of $480 citing growth in the ASIC business segment. Mizuho raised its target to $435 following a deal with Anthropic projected to generate $10 billion. Evercore ISI established a target of $403 after the OpenAI partnership announcement.
Broadcom previously launched the Thor Ultra, the industry’s first 800G AI Ethernet Network Interface Card. The new 128G Fibre Channel platforms are available immediately from Broadcom and approved OEM partners for deployment in enterprise data centers.
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