IBM BNT RackSwitch G8124 — 24-Port SFP+ 10GbE Top-of-Rack Switch
Technical Identity
The IBM BNT RackSwitch G8124 is a 1U top-of-rack Ethernet switch with 24x SFP+ ports supporting 1GbE or 10GbE, plus dedicated management connectivity. Per the IBM data sheet, all ports are non-blocking 10GbE with 480 Gbps full-duplex switching throughput and deterministic latency of 680 nanoseconds. The chassis label on this unit reads BLADE RackSwitch G8124 — the platform originated at BLADE Network Technologies (BNT), which IBM acquired in 2010; the product line later passed to Lenovo. Condition: Refurbished.
Specifications
Brand: IBM (BLADE Network Technologies heritage; unit label reads BLADE RackSwitch G8124)
Model / MPN: G8124
Product type: Layer 2/3 Ethernet top-of-rack switch
Product family: BNT / IBM System Networking RackSwitch
Ports: 24x SFP+ supporting 1GbE or 10GbE
Management: Ethernet RJ-45 management connectivity and mini-USB console (per IBM documentation)
Switching throughput: 480 Gbps full duplex, non-blocking (per IBM data sheet)
Latency: 680 ns deterministic (per IBM data sheet)
Virtualization features: VMready; Virtual Fabric NIC partitioning (per IBM data sheet)
Form factor: 1U rack-mount
Condition: Refurbished
Engineering Context
The G8124 was one of the first-generation dense 10GbE SFP+ top-of-rack switches, designed by BLADE Network Technologies for low, deterministic latency at full line rate on all 24 ports. IBM continued the platform after acquiring BNT in 2010, and an enhanced G8124-E model followed with more processing and memory for larger Layer 3 tables. The same hardware family appears under BLADE, IBM (7309 machine types), and later Lenovo branding, so labels vary across units of the same platform.
Use Cases
Legacy 10GbE top-of-rack server access with SFP+ DAC or optics
Low-latency legacy environments that benefit from 680 ns deterministic switching
Spare or replacement chassis for installed BNT / IBM RackSwitch estates
Lab and staging environments needing inexpensive 10GbE SFP+ ports
What This Is NOT
NOT the G8124-E enhanced model unless the unit label states G8124-E; the -E variant adds processing and memory for larger L3 networks.
NOT a blade-chassis module. Despite the BLADE brand name on the label, this is a standalone 1U rack switch, not a BladeCenter or Flex System module.
NOT a 25GbE/40GbE/100GbE platform. Ports are SFP+ at 1GbE or 10GbE.
NOT a current supported product. The G8124 generation is past vendor end of support; firmware is available only through legacy IBM/Lenovo channels.
NOT populated with transceivers. SFP+ optics and DAC cables are not included unless explicitly stated.
NO IBM/Lenovo warranty, licenses, or support entitlement are included or transferred.
Compatibility & Hard Constraints
Optics and cables: SFP+ SR optics and SFP+ DAC cables per IBM RackSwitch documentation; verify supported transceiver lists for the installed firmware.
Port speeds: 1GbE or 10GbE per port per the IBM data sheet; confirm optic type per speed.
Branding: BLADE, IBM, and Lenovo labels can appear on the same G8124 platform; identify by model number on the label.
Firmware: IBM Networking OS / BLADEOS images via legacy IBM-Lenovo support channels; entitlement may be required for downloads.
Pre-deployment verification: confirm exact model (G8124 vs G8124-E), PSU and airflow configuration, and firmware version against the unit label.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is the IBM BNT RackSwitch G8124?
The G8124 is a 1U top-of-rack switch with 24x SFP+ ports at 1GbE or 10GbE, 480 Gbps full-duplex non-blocking throughput, and 680 ns deterministic latency per the IBM data sheet.
Q. Why does the label read BLADE RackSwitch G8124?
The platform was designed by BLADE Network Technologies (BNT). IBM acquired BNT in 2010 and sold the same switch under IBM branding, later Lenovo. Units of the same platform carry BLADE, IBM, or Lenovo labels.
Q. Do the SFP+ ports on the G8124 support 1GbE?
Yes. IBM documents the G8124 ports as supporting 1Gb or 10Gb Ethernet with appropriate transceivers.
Q. How does the G8124 differ from the G8124-E?
The G8124-E is the enhanced model with more processing power and memory for larger Layer 3 networks. This listing is for the standard G8124; verify the model on the unit label.
Q. Are transceivers or cables included with the G8124?
No. All 24 SFP+ ports ship empty; optics and DAC cables must be sourced separately.
Q. What condition is the G8124 supplied in by T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS?
Refurbished. The unit is tested where test topology is available, inspected, and professionally packed. EU stock with global B2B shipping.
Why T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS
Every G8124 unit ships with: (1) functional testing where test topology is available, (2) configuration wipe and inspection, (3) full cosmetic check, (4) professional anti-static packaging, (5) global B2B shipping from EU stock, (6) technical consultation for network design at no extra cost.
Condition: Refurbished. Bench-tested where test topology is available, inspected, and professionally packed by T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS. EU stock, global B2B shipping.