Dynamic port breakout is a feature in networking equipment, particularly in switches and routers, that allows for the dynamic allocation of physical ports to different speeds and protocols based on the connected devices requirements. It enhances the network flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency by dynamically adapting switch port configurations to meet the evolving demands of modern networking environments.

The port breakout functionality supports the division of 100GbE ports into distinct configurations, such as 4x10GbE, 4x25GbE, and 2x50GbE, using a secure and highly reliable breakout cabling solution. Networks today demand a combination of interface speeds, including 10Gb, 25Gb, 40Gb, and 100Gb Ethernet, to accommodate a diverse range of flexible connectivity options. Additionally, cost-effective cabling solutions are crucial to address connectivity needs and facilitate smooth migrations as network speeds and density requirements evolve.

The port breakout feature offers the flexibility to split a 100G port into 4X10G, 4X25G, 2X50G, and vice versa. When performing a port breakout on the 100G port (ce1), the original port (ce1) is replaced by four 10G ports, namely ce1/1, ce1/2, ce1/3, and ce1/4. All Layer 2 (L2) and Layer 3 (L3) features applicable to normal ports can be executed on these breakout ports.

In the event of un-configuring the port breakout, the breakout ports (ce1/1, ce1/2, ce1/3, ce1/4) will be removed, and the original 100G port (ce1) will be reinstated. This seamless process allows for efficient management and adaptation of network configurations based on evolving needs.

Breakout configurations facilitate the connection between network devices with varying port speeds, allowing for the optimal utilization of port bandwidth.

The breakout mode on network equipment, such as switches, routers, and servers, opens up new possibilities for network operators to keep up with the pace of bandwidth demand. By adding high-speed ports that support breakout mode, network operators can increase the front port density and incrementally enable an upgrade to higher data rates.

The advantages of utilizing a 100G port breakout:

By default, the device is supported with 100G ports interfaces such as ce0, ce1, ce2, and ce3. Following a breakout, all 100G ports will be divided into 4x10G, 4x25G, and 2x50G ports. The following configuration steps outlines for dividing a single port into multiple ports through channelization.

Use this command for the sample running configuration.

 

Use this command to validate the port breakout configuration.

The interfaces ce0, ce1, ce2, ce3, ce4, and ce5, the 100G ports are subdivided into four 10G ports, as indicated below.

Use this command to validate the dynamic port breakout unconfiguration.

 

The interfaces ce0/1, ce0/2, ce0/3, ce0/4, all the 4x10G sub-ports will be deleted, and the 100G ports ce0, ce1, ce2, ce3, ce4, and ce5 will be added.