Does fabric represent the future of the network architecture

China IDC August 6 reported that the data transmission in the cloud has something to do (inside the data center), as well as North-south (user to server) features. As a result, high flow data centers need a strong, flexible automation network to support virtualization, cloud computing, and a diverse network of multicast ecosystems. In addition, storage and LAN also need to have a predictable, high-performance network architecture. These conditions encourage network service providers to develop new "Fabric" Ethernet architectures to meet new network requirements.

Defining fabric Networks

Although there are many related definitions, a data center switching structure should ultimately provide:

High-speed, low-delay interconnection

No congestion, no overload interconnection

2nd-tier type of connection

Multiple active paths for fast recovery

Mesh connections, not tree-type topologies

Simple management, configuration, and support

is the fabric for you?

With the advancement of virtualization technology, the number of virtual machines per physical server has been upgraded from 8 to 16, 32 or more, making it more urgent for low latency server-to-server communication and higher two-way bandwidth. This requires the network architecture to the flat direction of development, the ultimate goal is to minimize the number of network architectures between any two points, from virtual machines to virtual machines, servers to servers, or the initiator to the target. Traditional multi-level network architectures need to shift to a fabric-based network to achieve the efficiency and latency of data transmission and meet the requirements of the next generation cloud computing.

How do I build a fabric for cloud computing?

When evaluating many cloud service providers, understand that their services cost is their infrastructure. Many cloud computing service providers seek to avoid proprietary technology, which can cost them less. So, for cloud computing service providers, a generic, open, well operable and standards-based network architecture solution will be warmly welcomed.

The second requirement, or the cost side. The price of 40GbE is obviously more satisfying for cloud services providers than for 100GbE. If the server's network becomes 10GbE, The route of the Ethernet access layer also becomes 10GbE. This means that the interconnect structure or fabric will be upgraded to 40GbE at the lowest cost with the access layer. Therefore, a high-density non-blocking 40GbE network provides a good standards-based high-speed, low-latency interconnect structure.

Fusion Network Layer

One of the key to fabric network structure is to eliminate the concept of network hierarchy, the traditional network home after three levels-access, convergence and core. However, with the wide application of virtualization, the virtual Switch layer adds 21 switch layers. With the wide application of Blade server, the blade switch also joins the network architecture of the fifth layer terminal to the terminal.

One of the key concepts in building structure is to eliminate the concept of network layer. The traditional three network layers-access, convergence, and core are commonplace. However, with the wide adoption of virtualization, another switch layer is added to the virtual Switch layer. Blade servers gain traction, and blade switches are added to the network architecture of layer fifth to terminal.

Fabric network architecture can use array technology to flatten the network, the traditional three-layer structure can be compressed into two layers, and eventually into a layer.

This technology is for its 3-2-1 data Center network architecture in the "1". Data center networks can flatten with fabric technology to work like a logical device and eliminate complexity and latency by implementing connections between arbitrary points, while reducing acquisition, operation, and management costs. The simple, flexible fabric architecture consists of three modules--f/node, F/interconnect, and f/director. These components collaborate with each other to enable connections between any ports to support "one hop" traffic transmission within the datacenter, as well as L2 and L3 functions. The "Jump" architecture means that any resource, such as a virtual machine or database, is just a "hop" distance. Therefore, the application can be greatly improved and no longer relies on its location in the data center.

Fabric delivers high performance and manageability; it provides the simplicity and performance of a single switch, as well as the size (over 6,000 ports) and sustainability of a complete network. When inefficient traditional data center networks adopt fabric technology, enterprises can successfully build a larger pool of storage and computing resources in the data center to maximize the effectiveness of virtualization.

Support for open standards

Finally, the need for simplified management will once again be met through an open standard. OpenFlow expressed great hope for this groundbreaking network architecture. The OpenFlow, an Open Network Foundation (ONF), said it would vigorously promote the development of the network architecture. OpenFlow provides a centralized way to reduce the complexity of management through distributed management and control centers while building an interconnected network architecture

The combination of these technologies is a 40GbE interoperability network based on high density, non-blocking standards. Designed to enhance the economics and user experience of the data center. With this new Datacenter network architecture, you can create a single tier network that will make a significant leap in size, performance, and simplicity while reducing costs, achieving greater agility and efficiency, and maximizing the effectiveness of your data center.

Impact on cloud computing

With the support of higher data communications requirements, fabrics will drive cloud computing to a new level. At present, the fabrics architecture in the market includes extremenetwork open Fabrics network architecture, Juniper qfabric of network company and HP Flexfabric, etc. Choose what network architecture to consider your original network conditions and measure which is best for your business.