Whitepaper: Building Virtualization-Optimized Data Center Networks

Learn how to build virtualization-optimized data center networks that meet the performance and scalability demands of the virtualized data center with this comprehensive guide.

Introduction:
This whitepaper provides a guide to building virtualization-optimized data center networks that fully meet the stringent performance, availability, and agility demands of the new virtualized data center. As virtualization reshapes data center traffic flows, enterprises must adapt to the changing landscape to take advantage of the benefits of virtualization while addressing the new challenges it presents.

Impact of Server Virtualization on Data Center Networks:
Server virtualization significantly changes data center traffic flows by increasing the bandwidth densities at the server edge, creating new traffic patterns that challenge traditional hierarchical data center networks. These networks are not designed to handle high-volume server-to-server traffic flows that result from virtualization, which can cause performance bottlenecks and scalability issues. To meet the new demands of the virtualized data center, enterprises must adopt flatter, simpler networks that eliminate unnecessary layers and reduce cabling and equipment.

Approaches to Building Virtualization-Optimized Data Center Networks:
This whitepaper provides a comprehensive approach to building virtualization-optimized data center networks that meet the performance and scalability demands of the virtualized data center. By reducing the number of layers, cabling, and equipment needed, organizations can increase port densities, reduce complexity, and lower costs. In addition, this guide covers advanced security and management capabilities to unify security and administration across virtualized and physical resources, enabling organizations to administer virtual resources and enable on-demand services.

Conclusion:
Server virtualization is reshaping data center traffic flows and bringing new challenges to traditional hierarchical data center networks. Enterprises must adapt to the new demands of the virtualized data center by implementing flatter, simpler networks and adopting new management systems and security practices. This whitepaper guides building virtualization-optimized data center networks that meet the stringent performance, availability, and agility demands of the virtualized data center while reducing complexity and costs.