Description
Switch Fabric Architecture
A switch fabric is a key component of a network switch that provides the underlying infrastructure for forwarding data between the switch’s interfaces. The switch fabric architecture refers to the design and structure of the switch fabric, including the components, algorithms, and technologies that are used to forward data.
There are two main types of switch fabric architecture: shared and distributed.
- Shared switch fabric architecture: In a shared switch fabric architecture, all switch interfaces share a common bus or crossbar switch to forward data. This type of architecture is typically found in older switches, and is less scalable and less efficient than distributed switch fabrics.
- Distributed switch fabric architecture: In a distributed switch fabric architecture, each switch interface has its own dedicated path to the switch fabric, allowing for more efficient and scalable data forwarding. Distributed switch fabrics are commonly used in modern switches, and provide higher performance and increased scalability compared to shared switch fabrics.
The specific details of a switch fabric architecture will vary depending on the type of switch and the manufacturer, but some of the key factors that are considered when designing a switch fabric include:
- Performance: The switch fabric must be designed to provide high-speed data forwarding, with low latency and low jitter.
- Scalability: The switch fabric must be able to accommodate growth in the number of switch interfaces and the volume of network traffic.
- Reliability: The switch fabric must be designed to ensure high availability and reliability, with redundant components and automatic failover mechanisms to prevent network disruptions.
Rack-Mountable Design
Rack-mountable design refers to the form factor of a network switch or other network equipment, which allows it to be mounted in a standard 19-inch equipment rack. This type of design is widely used in data centers, server rooms, and other types of IT infrastructure, as it provides a convenient and organized way to store and manage network equipment.
A rack-mountable switch typically has brackets or other mounting hardware that allow it to be securely attached to the front or rear of a rack, taking up one or more rack units (1U, 2U, etc.) of space. This provides a compact and space-efficient way to deploy multiple switches in a data center, reducing clutter and improving the overall organization of the network infrastructure.
Rack-mountable switches also provide easy access to the front and rear panels, allowing administrators to easily connect and disconnect cables, perform maintenance tasks, and make other changes as needed. This can help to improve the manageability of the network and reduce downtime, as administrators are able to quickly and easily access the switch when it is needed.
High Availability Features
High availability refers to the ability of a network or system to remain operational and available for use even in the event of hardware failures or other types of system disruptions. In the context of a network switch, high availability features are designed to help ensure that network traffic is always able to flow even if a switch fails or becomes unavailable.
There are several key high availability features that can be found in network switches, including:
- Redundant power supplies: Many switches include redundant power supplies to ensure that the switch remains operational even if one of the power supplies fails.
- Redundant switching: This is the use of multiple switches to provide automatic failover in the event of a switch failure, helping to ensure that network traffic can always flow.
- Link aggregation: This is the bundling of multiple physical links into a single logical link, which can be used to provide increased bandwidth and automatic failover in the event of a link failure.
- Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP): VRRP provides automatic failover for network devices, helping to ensure that network traffic is always able to reach its intended destination.
- Spanning Tree Protocol (STP): STP helps to prevent network loops by dynamically blocking redundant paths, ensuring that network traffic is always able to reach its intended destination.
By implementing high availability features, organizations can improve the reliability and availability of their data center networks, reducing downtime and improving the overall performance of their IT infrastructure.
Product Information:
- Manufacturer : HPE
- Type : Networking
- Switch-Type : Switch 12 Port
- Part Number : AG641-63001
Key Features:
- Device Type : Switch – 12 Ports
- Enclosure Type : Rack-mountable
Networking:
- Ports Qty : 12
- Data Link Protocol : 4 GB Fibre Channel
- Fibre Channel : Fc-al, Fc-al-2, Fc-bb, Fc-fg, Fc-fla, Fc-fs, Fc-gs-2, Fc-gs-3, Fc-mi, Fc-ph, Fc-ph-2, Fc-ph-3, Fc-pi, Fc-plda, Fc-sb-2, Fc-sw-2, Fc-tape, Fc-vi, Fcp, Fcp-2
- Remote Management Protocol : Rmon, Snmp 3
- Connectivity Technology : Wired
Expansion / Connectivity
- Expansion Slots Total (Free) : 4 ( 2 ) X Sfp (Mini-Gbic)
- Interfaces : 1 X Management – Console
