Network Resiliency Solutions

x900 Advanced Gigabit Layer 3+ Expandable Switches

Tested Solution: VCStack + Link Aggregation

Prior to the advent of the Virtual Chassis Stacking (VCStack) solution, high availability in enterprise networks was achieved by provisioning redundant links (with STP) and redundant routers (with VRRP). In normal operation, bandwidth and routing power would sit idle in the network.

Allied Telesis now provides a truly resilient network. In normal operation, all bandwidth and all routing power in the network are fully available for use all the time. If a link or device fails, some of the bandwidth or forwarding power will be lost, but the network will still be fully operational and all remaining resources will continue to be fully utilized.

		Servers
	8600	x900
		x900
		8000S
		CORE
		8000S
1 Gigabit link		Stack
10/100 link
Link aggregation
		EDGE

Diagram 1: VCStack + Link Aggregation

Key Benefits of the solution

Full bandwidth utilization and maximum availability

The key advantage comes from configuring the links from the edge to the core using 802.3ad link aggregation. This is possible because VCS supports link aggregation on ports across different virtual chassis members, providing:

■Full network bandwidth, as both ports are active; no links are blocked, as some would be with spanning tree.

■Minimal network disruption if a link fails. The process within a switch when an aggregated link fails is very simple and the virtual chassis almost instantly adapts its data forwarding on the loss of the link.

Allied Telesis

www.alliedtelesis.com

x900, x900 Advanced Gigabit Layer 3+ Expandable Switches specifications

The Allied Telesis x908 and the SwitchBlade x900 series of network switches are cutting-edge solutions designed to address the demands of modern networking environments. These switches are known for their high performance, reliability, and robust feature sets, making them ideal for enterprise and service provider networks.

The Allied Telesis x908 series consists of modular and chassis-based systems that can accommodate a variety of network configurations. One of the main features of the x908 series is its ability to offer high scalability with support for a large number of ports. This makes it suitable for data centers and large enterprise networks where space and bandwidth optimization are critical.

In addition to scalability, the x908 series supports advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching capabilities. This allows for efficient traffic management and routing, ensuring that data is delivered swiftly and reliably. The x908 also incorporates intelligent features such as Quality of Service (QoS), which prioritizes critical network traffic, ensuring that time-sensitive data—like voice and video—maintains its quality during transmission.

The SwitchBlade x900 series takes this functionality further with its innovative modular architecture. This allows organizations to configure their networks to meet specific needs by choosing from a variety of interface cards and service modules. The SwitchBlade x900 also supports advanced security features such as Access Control Lists (ACLs) and VLAN segmentation, which provide enhanced protection against unauthorized access and network threats.

Another hallmark of the x908 and SwitchBlade series is their support for high-speed Ethernet technologies, including 10G and 40G Ethernet. This enables organizations to keep pace with the increasing bandwidth demands of applications and services, particularly in cloud computing and data-intensive workloads.

Both the x908 and the SwitchBlade x900 series are designed with energy efficiency in mind, featuring power-saving technologies that reduce overall operational costs. Coupled with Allied Telesis' management tools, which provide detailed analytics and monitoring, network administrators can optimize performance and energy consumption simultaneously.

In summary, the Allied Telesis x908 and SwitchBlade x900 series offer a comprehensive suite of features, high performance, scalability, and advanced networking technologies. They represent a strategic investment for organizations looking to build resilient, efficient, and future-proof network infrastructures.