Cisco 40G BiDi optics

Working on some Data Center refresh work, looking further at the most resent Nexus platforms I noticed that Cisco have released a cleaver 40Gb QSFP that will use only a single fiber pair to transport 40Gb.  Currently only available on the Nexus 9000 but I’m sure something this useful will make its way down the product list.

Cisco QSFP 40-Gbps Bidirectional Short-Reach Transceiver Data Sheet.

Update: I have them working now on the Cisco Nexus 5696Q running 7.0 NXOS, currently only prototype setup <10 Meters but they are working well.

Cisco Catalyst 6500E/SUP720 Architecture

Used this this morning for a quick refresher on the 6509E back plane cross connect, another useful posting from Mr Greg Ferro of the Packet Pushers fame. http://etherealmind.com/cisco-supervisor-720-why-architecture-performance/

Easy Sandbox for your home PC

If like me your security paranoid/educated (take you pick which one apply to you?)  you have set up Sandbox VM's or run boot Linux boot distros form DVD/CD's for that just in case protection from Malware then this might be of interest to you.

http://www.sandboxie.com/

Sandboxie runs your programs in an isolated space which prevents them from making permanent changes to other programs and data in your computer.  should be less effort for the every day user that other solution and for 15 euros it will not brake the bank.

Lifehacker have a install guide and review here

When to hard drives meet their maker?

Interesting Statistics from Back Blaze on the life of hard drives, they have over 25,000 of them so they have a good sample to work from.  Brings home that they are mechanical, they will fail, so keep your backups at the ready.

• 4 years 20% Fail, 
• 6 Years 50% Fail.

http://blog.backblaze.com/2013/11/12/how-long-do-disk-drives-last/