The carrier Ethernet switch and router market offers challenges to network equipment providers (NEPs) and CSPs implementing solutions in their networks. These challenges include complex and varied migration strategies and hybrid requirements utilizing legacy infrastructure, not to mention that a very competitive and crowded market. NEPs that successfully address these challenges provide a valuable product for the market and for their CSP clients.

In this whitepaper, we analyze Brocade’s carrier Ethernet offering and ability to address and solve the challenges posed by CSP migration strategies and network infrastructure requirements. We also provide a comparative analysis of Brocade’s product positioning in relationship to its key competitors, namely Cisco, Alcatel-Lucent, and Juniper Network (Juniper). We will discuss drivers and challenges in the market and the competitive nature of the market.