Solutions & Applications
Telecom Network Sync · 5G Infrastructure · Data Center Connectivity · Optical Networks · Critical Networks
6Departments
25G/100GLab Uplinks
55%Cost Savings vs. OEM
1. The Challenge
A major research university operates a distributed campus with 6 departments — Genomics, Computational Physics, AI & Machine Learning, Climate Modeling, Bioinformatics, and the Central IT data center. Each department runs its own server infrastructure with different switch vendors: Juniper (Physics), Arista (AI Lab), Dell (Genomics), and Cisco (Central IT).
Research Data Deluge
The Genomics department generates 15 TB of sequencing data per week. Transferring this to the Central IT storage cluster over a 10G link takes 3.5 hours — during which researchers are idle. A 100G link cuts that to 20 minutes.
Multi-Vendor Switch Environment
The university inherited switches from different vendors through grants and departmental budgets — Juniper QFX, Arista 7050, Dell S-series, and Cisco Nexus. Each department resists replacing their switches. Optics must work across all four platforms.
Budget Reality
As a public university, the IT budget is fixed annually. OEM-branded 100G-LR4 optics cost $800–4,000 each — the entire upgrade would consume 70% of the annual network budget for just 32 links. Compatible optics are the only way to stay within budget.
Future-Proofing for NSF Grants
Two departments are applying for NSF grants that require 100G connectivity to a regional research network. The campus backbone must be 100G-ready within 6 months.
2. Solution Architecture
| Department | Switch Platform | Uplink Speed | Optic Type | Qty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genomics | Dell S5248F-ON | 100G | 100G QSFP28 LR4 | 8 |
| Computational Physics | Juniper QFX5120 | 100G | 100G QSFP28 LR4 | 8 |
| AI & Machine Learning | Arista 7050X3 | 100G | 100G QSFP28 SR4 | 8 |
| Climate Modeling | Cisco Nexus 93180 | 25G | 25G SFP28 SR | 12 |
| Bioinformatics | Juniper QFX5120 | 25G | 25G SFP28 SR | 8 |
| Central IT Data Center | Cisco Nexus 9336 | 100G (core) | 100G QSFP28 CWDM4 | 16 |
3. Product Selection Matrix
| Product | Form Factor | Reach | Qty | Compatible With |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100G QSFP28 LR4 | QSFP28 | 10 km SMF | 16 | Dell, Juniper — coded per switch |
| 100G QSFP28 SR4 | QSFP28 | 100 m OM3 | 8 | Arista — coded |
| 100G QSFP28 CWDM4 | QSFP28 | 2 km SMF | 16 | Cisco Nexus — coded |
| 25G SFP28 SR | SFP28 | 100 m OM3 | 20 | Cisco, Juniper — coded per switch |
| Spare pool (10%) | Mixed | — | 6 | All platforms |
Total: 66 optics, single Apex warranty, 55% below OEM weighted average.
4. Key Benefits
55% cost savings — $25,000 vs. $56,000 for equivalent OEM optics
Multi-vendor, one SKU per speed — LR4 coded for Dell + Juniper, SR4 for Arista, CWDM4 for Cisco
20-minute data transfers — Genomics sequencing data moves 10× faster (3.5 hours → 20 minutes)
NSF grant ready — 100G backbone meets regional research network connectivity requirements
No switch replacement — works with existing Juniper, Arista, Dell, and Cisco switches
Budget-preserving spare pool — 10% spares cost less than one OEM optic
5. Why Apex
| Capability | Why It Matters for the University |
|---|---|
| Per-switch coding | One 100G-LR4 SKU ships with Dell-compatible coding for the Genomics lab and Juniper-compatible for Physics. No intermix errors — each optic coded for its target switch. |
| Academic pricing | Volume pricing at 66 optics with academic discount. Budget predictability for annual IT planning cycles. |
| Free 30-day trial | Test 4 optics in your environment — LR4, SR4, CWDM4, 25G SR — before committing. If they don't work, return them at our cost. |
| NSF compliance support | Apex provides spec sheets and compatibility documentation needed for NSF grant equipment justification. |
Upgrading a university or research campus network?
Our education solutions team will audit your multi-vendor environment, send free trial optics, and deliver a grant-ready BOM — typically within 72 hours.
Email: Info@apexallinone.com | WhatsApp/Phone: +852 9821 3834
