The IBM 45W0412 Ethernet Switch for XIV is a dedicated enterprise storage networking switch designed specifically for the IBM XIV Storage System. It is not a general-purpose LAN switch—instead, it is used inside or alongside XIV storage environments to provide high-speed, redundant Ethernet connectivity between storage modules and hosts.

This switch plays a critical role in ensuring stable and high-throughput communication for IBM XIV systems, especially in iSCSI-based or internal storage network configurations, where multiple paths and redundancy are required for high availability.

Specifications:

• Brand: IBM
• Part Number: 45W0412
• Product Type: Ethernet Switch (Storage System Switch)
• System Compatibility: IBM XIV Storage System
• Port Configuration: Typically 48x Gigabit Ethernet + 4x SFP uplinks (varies by configuration)
• Network Type: Layer 3 Managed Ethernet Switch
• Application: Enterprise storage networking (SAN / iSCSI support)
• Form Factor: Rack-mounted switch module
• Usage Environment: Data centers / IBM XIV storage arrays

Features:

• Designed specifically for IBM XIV storage architecture
• Provides redundant and high-speed Ethernet connectivity
• Supports storage traffic between hosts and XIV storage nodes
• Layer 3 managed switching capabilities for enterprise networking
• Optimized for low-latency, high-throughput storage workloads
• Supports SFP uplinks for flexible fiber connectivity
• Built for continuous 24/7 data center operation
• Ensures high availability and network redundancy
• Enterprise-grade reliability for mission-critical storage systems
• Ideal replacement or spare switch for XIV environments