NAD 3020 manual Data Center Network Architecture, Data Center Network Components

Design Guide

Figure 6. Alternative Network Configuration

Data Center Network Architecture

The architecture of the data center infrastructure must address the requirements necessary to create a highly available, scalable, and secure network. This section describes the basic architecture necessary to meet these goals. It is a synopsis of the Cisco Data Center Network Architecture; for details about this architecture, visit: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/solutions/ns340/ns517/ns224/ns304/net_design_guidance0900aecd80 0e4d2e.pdf.

Data Center Network Components

The terms front-end network and back-end network define the devices that comprise the infrastructure of the data center and their general role. The front-end network is the IP routing and switching environment. It provides client-to-server, server-to-server, and server-to-storage network connectivity. The back-end network supports the storage-area-network (SAN) fabric and connectivity between servers and other storage devices such as storage arrays and tape drives.

The front-end network contains two distinct functional areas called the aggregation and access layers. Figure 7 depicts the front-end network and the services available at each layer.

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