High Performance Networks in the Data Center

Data center operators are looking to contain their operational costs and get more return on their network infrastructure by offering expanded services through, for example, cloud based architecture. Networks are being redesigned to do so through consolidation and virtualization. Multiple data centers are being consolidated and centrally managed. Networks within these data centers are being simplified; reducing the number of networking devices required which in turn reduces their energy consumption and carbon footprint. Because these revenue generating services are delivered over the network infrastructure, it is paramount that highly reliable hardware and robust, extensible operating systems are deployed. Further, reducing the number of network operating systems simplifies operation and management and reduces operational costs.

Data center operators will look to network system vendors whose operating system spans all of their platforms that provide security, routing and switching. These operators will also seek out systems that are stable, with regular and predictable up dates. Additionally, they will require an ability to add their own features and applications mainstream to the network; it is important that networking systems are open, yet secure, for custom application development. This too reduces the number of appliances and potential bottlenecks in the network by allowing these applications to run directly on the network infrastructure.