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