Arguably the most demanding network environment in the enterprise, today’s data center switches help IT managers build data center networks with varying functionality that offer superior performance and the lowest total of cost of ownership. Whereas scalability and high-availability requirements of the data center have been typically met by chassis-based LAN switches, the most advanced solutions are built to deliver architectural scalability, resilience and unparalleled power consumption.

As part of the Dell (News - Alert) Force10’s Open Cloud Networking framework, in which the customer is encouraged to “unlock the full potential” of their data center, the data center networks company has introduced its distributed core fabric architecture. Built with Dell Force10’s Z9000 core, the solution is purpose-built for affordable, high-performance, highly scalable data center core networking.

In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of building a data center fabric solution using fixed-port Z9000 switches, Dell Force10 called upon the Tolly Group, an independent test lab for the information technology sector that deployed the fixed-port Z9000 switches in a CIos-based, leaf-and-spine configuration to deliver the same flexibility, scalability and high-availability of chassis-based solutions.

In a lab deployment of 10 Z9000 switches, Tolly Group arranged for four to serve as the network spine and the remaining six to stand in as leaf nodes. The 10-device system was evaluated for overall performance, resiliency of the leaf-to-spine switch connections, and the power consumption of the Z9000, compared to the ATIS (News - Alert) standard for core switches.

Dell Force10’s Z9000 distributed core fabric solution exceeded expectations. The results show that the solution provided port scalability seen in chassis-based solutions, demonstrated system resilience when a spine switch was controlled to fail; displayed 384 user-facing 10GbE ports in a configuration much like that of a high-end chassis switch; and revealed positive configuration results.

For the complete report, visit Dell Force 10’s website by clicking here.

Tammy Wolf is a TMCnet web editor. She covers a wide range of topics, including IP communications and information technology. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Stefanie Mosca