In the past, when we designed, built, and operated networks as a collection of devices (routers, switches, and firewalls) we defined our network architecture in terms of physical layers. The three-tiered Core, Aggregation/Distribution, and Access model is familiar to every network engineer. Server virtualization and new application frameworks have forced us to reconsider this model. Instead of a multi-tier hierarchical design, we have found folded-Clos (spine-leaf) networks much more efficient at moving large quantities of packets from anywhere to anywhere. In order to keep up with the speed of virtualized compute and storage, we’ve adopted virtualized networks that run as an overlay (with the physical Clos network becoming an underlay)…

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Chris Grundemann

Creative BizTech & TechBiz Consultant

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