Dell’Oro Group’s Data Center Switch – Front-End Networks reports track the global market for high-speed Ethernet switching used in data center front-end networks, which connect general-purpose and accelerated servers to storage systems and external networks. The reports provide detailed analysis of manufacturer revenue, ports shipped, average selling prices, and software-related revenue, offering visibility into vendor positioning, customer segmentation, and technology adoption across the data center switching market.
As data centers scale to support cloud computing, AI, and enterprise workloads, front-end networks are evolving to meet increasing bandwidth requirements and higher-speed migrations. This research focuses on how Ethernet switching is enabling connectivity across compute, storage, and external environments, and how different customer segments—including hyperscalers, telecom service providers, and enterprises—are adopting these technologies.
The report also examines key architectural and technology trends shaping the market, including speed transitions from 25 Gbps to 1.6 Tbps and beyond, evolving network topologies, chip and SerDes technology advancements, and the growing role of disaggregation and open networking solutions such as SONiC.
Understanding these trends is essential, as front-end networks handle traffic between compute, storage, and external environments, distinct from back-end AI networks covered in Dell’Oro Group’s separate Data Center Switch – AI Back-End Networks report.
Front-end Ethernet switching is a critical layer in data center infrastructure, directly impacting performance, scalability, and cost efficiency.
