One of the key challenges in large, complex data centers is scaling individual computing clusters or “pods.” A requirement for intercluster communication has been the ability to have a layer 3 aggregation point to connect these clusters. The most important factor determining the size of the cluster is the density of the aggregation switch. Ethernet data center architects do not have fat tree architectures prevalent in high-performance computing clusters. Ethernet, while proving to be a reliable transport method for video and voice communications over the past 10 years, presents limitations in scaling and latency for data center architecture. This is clearly evident in the increasing utilization of virtualized servers.
QFabric is Juniper’s answer to the challenges posed by large, complex data center architectures. Juniper’s goal with QFabric is to simply flatten the network in the data center and transform the data center from a series of clusters or “inverted trees” to a single, any-to-any mesh topology. After multiple years of research and development and significant investment supported by over 125 patents, QFabric is enabling Juniper to build its data center arsenal to take on the competition.
With QFX3500, the first product in the QFabric family, Juniper is weaving together a powerful story for service provider and enterprise accounts. With the QFabric data center focused announcement and Juniper’s Simply Connected next-gen campus network, Juniper has the potential to become the clear alternative in the data center.
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