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Abstract
Networking in data centers today is undergoing a transition from a discrete traditional model to a more flexible, optimized model or the "smarter" model. Clients are looking to support more workloads with decreasing or flat IT budgets. The network architecture on the recently announced IBM® Flex System™ platform is designed to address the key challenges clients are facing today in their data centers.
IBM Flex System, a new category of computing and the next generation of Smarter Computing, offers intelligent workload deployment and management for maximum business agility. This chassis delivers high-speed performance complete with integrated servers, storage, and networking for multi-chassis management in data center compute environments. Its flexible design can meet the needs of varying workloads with independently scalable IT resource pools for higher utilization and lower cost per workload. Although increased security and resiliency protect vital information and promote maximum uptime, the integrated, easy-to-use management system reduces setup time and complexity, providing a quicker path to ROI.
The network architecture on this platform include the following key attributes:
- Integrated:
- Efficient integrated management as part of the management appliance
- Move from physical network management to logical network management in a virtualized environment
- Efficient integrated management as part of the management appliance
- Automated:
- Seamless provisioning, management, and deployment of both physical and virtual network parameters using tools such as IBM Fabric Manager, IBM
- Distributed Virtual Switch 5000V, and IBM VMready®
- Seamless provisioning, management, and deployment of both physical and virtual network parameters using tools such as IBM Fabric Manager, IBM
- Optimized:
- Creation of a flat logical network so there are fewer elements to manage
- Reduced cost and complexity by using IBM Virtual Fabric and I/O convergence
- Reduced risk and cost by leveraging scalable switches that can provide both port and bandwidth flexibility
- Creation of a flat logical network so there are fewer elements to manage
The purpose of this IBM Redpaper™ publication is to discuss how the data center network design approach is transformed with the introduction of new IBM Flex System platform. We begin with an explanation of how the data center networking infrastructure is evolved over time to address raising data center challenges in resource utilization, performance, availability, security, provisioning, operational efficiency, and management. Then we describe IBM Flex System networking architecture and the product portfolio capabilities. Finally, we provide recommendations on how to successfully plan IBM Flex System networking deployment by choosing the most appropriate network technologies to achieve availability, performance, security, operational efficiency, and management goals in a virtualized data center environment.
This IBM Redpaper publication is intended for anyone who wants to learn more about IBM Flex System.
Table of contents
Chapter 1. Data center networking overview
Chapter 2. IBM Flex System networking architecture and portfolio
Chapter 3. IBM Flex System data center network design basics