Data Center Networks Based on MES Switches

Eltex offers a modern solution for creating data center networks based on the IP fabric concept

Description

Modern data centers are powerful platforms that support critical applications and services. The efficiency and reliability of their network infrastructure determines the consistency of business processes and the quality of services provided.

We offer a modern solution for creating data center networks based on the IP fabric concept. The solution includes key elements of the data center network for data transport:

MES5xxx series Eltex switches;
ECCM system for network management.

Solution design

We use Spine-Leaf (Folded Clos) topology, which is the standard for modern data centers requiring high bandwidth, minimal delays and rapid scaling.

Key points:

Hosts (servers and other endpoints) are connected to Leaf switches.
Each Leaf switch is connected to each Spine switch, which acts as the core of IP fabric. This ensures full connectivity of the data center network.

The solution is based on EVPN and VXLAN extensions of the BGP protocol. EVPN forms a control plane for MAC/IP address transmission and routing, while VXLAN creates a logical network over the physical network. The combination of technologies allows deploying flexible L2/L3 virtual networks with support for traffic segmentation and multicasting.

To minimize the risk of bottlenecks and link downtime, the load is balanced with ECMP routing.

IP fabric features

Eltex switches for data centers are a rapidly developing product series. The equipment already supports key functions necessary for IP fabric implementation, and its functionality is constantly expanding to meet customer and market needs.

Management system

To simplify the deployment, management, and monitoring of IP fabric, Eltex Cloud Configuration Manager (ECCM) is used. It provides administrators with a universal interface for comprehensive control over the data center network.

ECCM enables network topology visualization, allowing for intuitive management and quick troubleshooting.

General solution scheme

configuration-2-high-speed-backbone-connection-between-multiple-ip-fabrics

Configuration 1. Standard IP fabric

Leaf switches

Leaf switches are the entry point to the IP fabric. These switches require high port density for connecting hosts and fast ports for connecting to higher-layer Spine switches.

Spine switches

Spine switches are key devices in data center networks. They connect all leaf switches and process most of the traffic between them.

It is critical that such devices are reliable and capable of quick processing large amounts of data. For our Spine solution, we use the highest-performance models – MES5410-48 and MES5500-32.

Configuration 2. High-speed backbone connection between multiple IP fabrics

If a high-speed backbone connection between several IP fabrics (e.g., located at different sites) is required, an additional Superspine layer is introduced into the network topology. In the above solution, we use MES5500-32 as a Superspine switch. Switches with 400 Gbps ports are also under development.