Home > Storage > PowerMax and VMAX > Data Protection > Dell PowerMax: Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability > InfiniBand fabric switch
The virtual matrix creates a communication interconnection between all directors in multi-engine PowerMax 8000 systems. Redundant 18-port InfiniBand fabric switches carry control, metadata, and user data through the system. This technology connects all directors in the system to provide a powerful form of redundancy and performance, allowing all directors to share resources and act as a single entity while communicating.
For redundancy, each director has a connection to each switch. Each switch has redundant, hot pluggable power supplies. Figure 13 and Figure 14 show the front and back views of the InfiniBand switches.
Note: Single-engine systems and dual-engine PowerMax 2000 systems do not require a fabric switch.