How to embed SDN and automation into the next-generation cloud data center

How to embed SDN and automation into the next-generation cloud data center

In the cloud computing era, enterprises need a new data center network architecture. The new network architecture mainly refers to the use of software defined networks and network automation platforms to build a data center network architecture. The image of hardware manufacturers is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. In recent years, Dell has also acquired more than $12 billion to change its IT image, including a large number of software-defined network products. In this article, we will talk about the significance of SDN and automation in the cloud era.

Virtual Network Architecture for Cloud

Virtual Network Architecture is the cornerstone of a dynamic data center. Attaches value and priority to applications in the data center. Its fundamental starting point is value. Until now, the network design of the data center is still a poorly designed blueprint: it has little to do with the upper-layer applications running. With the emergence of virtualization, the competition has been completely reversed. A correct data center network design must begin with these questions: What do I want to do on the virtualization layer? How should I move a virtual machine? How should I deploy an application in a virtual machine? How should we plan the network requirements of these applications? In addition, how can I ensure the distribution time of these applications in the data center and how can they maximize the use of the underlying network? Therefore, Software Defined Network (SDN) is suitable for dynamically adjusting networks on the application layer, making it the most suitable for application programs.

To achieve this design, enterprises need to adopt a three-tier architecture, including applications and management, controllers and switches. The Controller is another command distributor, which is separated from the previous layer. Based on the OpenFlow Standard switch, Dell integrates all aspects. In addition, Dell believes that it has the opportunity to connect the application layer with controllers and switches.

Combination of network virtualization and SDN

CIOs often ask how to combine network virtualization with SDN. To use SDN, you do not need to change the network configuration using manual processes or the command line interface. You do not need to hire professional network engineers. You only need to ask some developers to integrate the following functions in an automation system: Get the application management-level hierarchical command and send it to the Controller, while no programming is required on the switch. Suppose you want to transmit large amounts of data between two terminals in the middle of the night. The best way is to initialize a VPN channel with large bandwidth without manual intervention. Therefore, SDN becomes a way to implement network programmability in real time based on application requirements.

Integration of networks with OpenStack or CloudStack

OpenStack is a new field. Some may think that it is not a prime time for most customers to run the entire private cloud on OpenStack. However, Dell is very optimistic about OpenStack because it allows a large number of innovations to be achieved using some conventional open-source development ecosystems. Dell participated in many expansion development activities in the OpenStack community. Systematically develop network, server, and storage modules and plug-ins in the OpenStack architecture. If you are a cloud service provider, you can use Dell's storage, servers, and networks without relying on VMware or Microsoft Virtual Machine hypervisor. In the end, private cloud customers are also suitable for use. OpenStack can be the most effective alternative to OpenStack. This may take some time because different customers have different complexity and use cases. Therefore, OpenStack must be a high-end field where cloud service providers can explore economic value. However, for most enterprises, it is still a field dominated by Virtual Machine management programs.

Whether Fabrics is required in SDN)

A few years ago, Fabrics only appeared in the data center. The concept of structure is used to solve all the network problems of the data center. After the rise of the structure for a while, Dell realized that this involves many clients with great differences. Customers have different levels of data center problems. The layer-2 end-to-end structure has become the main technology used by companies such as Juniper and Brocade. However, they are not only very complex, but also less necessary. More and more Web 2.0 data centers will balance the two-layer network islands connected to the three-layer products. The control scope of a flat switch is in line with the reality of managing these networks. Connecting a limited legacy L2 network to a l3 network is what the most advanced Web 2.0 Data Center Company is currently doing. The structure is not dead, but they need to pass the practical test on the operational requirements and needs of the data center. In addition, SDN is becoming an interesting hotspot in structure. Dell has not even defined it as a structure and called it an end-to-end, layer-3 protocol data center network. Dell is concerned with ensuring that virtual and server computing nodes can connect to each device in the data center in a non-blocking and high-bandwidth manner.

Whether to switch to 40 GB and GB Ethernet

Dell considers it important to switch to 40 GB and GB Ethernet. If each server can be connected with 10 Gb of data, and applications need to access and manage data, this means that the virtual machine density of each server node is greater, the bandwidth demand will increase exponentially. According to the definition, assume that a server has 10 Gb of bandwidth, then the upstream traffic needs 40 or 100 Gb. 100Gb is not a required configuration. However, if you want to develop a 40 Gb non-blocking distributed core architecture and directly expand the center and leaf nodes, you must configure this configuration to implement a 40 Gb backbone network, in this way, the maximum routing speed between the east-west and the rack and the distributed core network is achieved. The combination of 10 Gb and 40 Gb, more importantly, the integration of the architecture, can achieve sufficient bandwidth in the data center. Currently, most traffic occurs between virtual machines, that is, East-West traffic. At this time, you must first optimize the local traffic, and then try to achieve a backbone network of GB or more. End users outside the data center may have such requirements, but do not need to implement 10 Gb or 40 GB Bandwidth on the WAN link.

In any case, SDN and automation are important for future networks and cloud data centers. Enterprises need to begin to learn to accept SDN and explore how to transition to SDN.