HP FlexNetwork Architecture

HP FlexNetwork Architecture is a network architecture developed by Hewlett-Packard to provide networking services and a consistent network architecture for the data center, campus and branch offices. It was developed to support technologies such as virtualization and cloud computing.[1] HP FlexNetwork Architecture encompasses four products: HP FlexFabric, used to improve performance and latency in virtualized server environments; HP FlexCampus, used to connect wired and wireless networks in environments that support mobile and rich media applications; HP FlexBranch, used to improve network service delivery in branch offices; and HP FlexManagement, a single-pane-of-glass management platform that spans all of the FlexNetwork Architecture.[2]

Network architectures

Traditional network architectures employ a three-tier model. This hierarchical model builds in redundancy at the core and aggregation layers.[3] This model uses the Spanning Tree Protocol, which determines one path of transport on the network from one point to another. All other paths are closed off.[4] This model is best suited for users inside the firewall accessing applications where network utilization of those applications is generally low. Server utilization is also generally low. This model best serves applications that have permanent homes on physical servers.[5] The problems of a three-tier model include network redundancy, lag and data loss.[6] This model is also inefficient for virtualized environments that require multiple non-blocked connections between servers.[7]

Industry analyst firm Gartner predicts that by 2014, 80 percent of traffic in the data center's local area network (LAN) will be between servers. Gartner also predicts that by the end of 2012, virtualized applications will account for half of all enterprise applications in the data center.[8]

A flat network promotes lower latency, which enables scale and performance.[9] A flat network supports the use of such technologies as automation, convergence and virtualization. A flat network holds the promise of network performance improvements and simplified maintenance operations.[10]

What FlexNetwork Architecture does

HP FlexNetwork Architecture is part of HP's stated aim to “simplify the network, flatten the network, provide more agility to the network, allow the network administrators and those who have to manage it to not spend all their time and money on infrastructure and focus on other innovations,” as Bethany J. Mayer, HP’s Senior Vice President and General Manager of HP Networking is quoted as saying.[11]

HP FlexNetwork Architecture provides a common and consistent environment for enterprise data centers, campus and branch networks. Network protocols, management, security and access policies are designed to be consistent across the network.[12] It includes products and services aimed at helping organizations create enterprise networks that support virtualized computing, multimedia applications and the consumerization of IT (the use and formal support of personal devices, such as smartphones, in the workplace). HP FlexNetwork Architecture also supports organizations' migration to new technologies, including 10 Gigabit Ethernet and Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6).[13] HP FlexNetwork Architecture uses Intelligent Resilient Framework (IRF), aimed at improving vMotion performance in VMware environments, and rapid recovery from failure of network devices.[14]

FlexFabric combines data center network with compute and storage. It also incorporates security devices from HP TippingPoint. This allows HP networking and security devices to be managed within a single framework. Working within HP FlexNetwork is HP TippingPoint’s Secure Virtualization Framework (SVF), which secures multiple virtual machines running on the same server.[15]

HP FlexCampus aims to enable user organizations to converge and secure wired and wireless LANs to deliver consistent, voice-and-video-optimized, identity-based network access. FlexCampus is based on a flat two-tier―also described as two-level―architecture.[16] A flat network helps to reduce latency and removes the distortion layer that could decrease the performance of rich media applications, such as video conferencing.[17] As with the data center network segment, simplifying the campus network by eliminating the distribution layer improves performance even in very large networks, simplifies the network, and cuts capital and operating costs. Simplifying the network can reduce the number of discrete network elements that must be purchased, deployed, powered, cooled, and managed by up to 85 percent.[18]

FlexBranch is aimed at small office environments. It supports virtualized service modules from third parties VMware and Citrix to speed the delivery of network services to branch office workers.[19] The architecture includes wide area network (WAN) routing, wireless local area network (WLAN), and multi-layered security. It also includes AllianceONE-partner based services such as WAN optimization from Riverbed, Unified Communications and Collaboration (UC&C), survivable branch communication modules powered by Microsoft Lync, VBrick system, Enterprise IP Video from VBrick, and Session Border Controller (SBC) from Avaya powered by Acme Packet.[20]

FlexManagement incorporates the HP Intelligent Management Center (IMC) 5. From a single console, network managers can manage HP networking equipment, as well as 5,786 network devices from more than 150 vendors.[21] IMC 5.1 includes integrated mobile network-access control to manage enterprise access to mobile devices.[22]

References

  1. ↑ HP Challenges Cisco with New FlexNetwork Architecture
  2. ↑ HP Unveiled its FlexNetwork Architecture
  3. ↑ Prickett Morgan, Timothy. "No more tiers for flatter networks," The Register, September 21, 2011
  4. ↑ "Interop New York: Networks and the end of spanning tree," SearchNetworking.
  5. ↑ Prickett Morgan, Timothy. "No more tiers for flatter networks," The Register, September 21, 2011
  6. ↑ Samson, Ted. "Juniper bets big on a flat network," InfoWorld, February 23, 2011.
  7. ↑ "Interop New York: Networks and the end of spanning tree," SearchNetworking.
  8. ↑ Jones, Penny. "HP expands on FlexNetwork capabilities," DataCenterDynamics.com, October 6, 2011.
  9. ↑ Oltsik, Jon. "Data Center Network Confusion and Reality," Enterprise Strategy Group, July 19, 2011.
  10. ↑ Schultz, Beth. "Flat Networks are the Future," ChannelWorld, March 25, 2011
  11. ↑ Bethany J Mayer on HP and the network
  12. ↑ Duffy, Jim. "HP counters Cisco with new switches, architecture," NetworkWorld, May 9, 2011
  13. ↑ Burt, Jeffrey. "HP challenges Cisco with Expanded FlexNetwork Architecture," eWeek, October 10, 2011
  14. ↑ Wittmann, Art. "HP Fills Out Flex Architecture," InformationWeek, October 7, 2011
  15. ↑ Vizard, Mike. "HP couples TippingPoint to FlexFabric Architecture," CTO Edge, June 29, 2011.
  16. ↑ Solomon, Howard. "HP expands its FlexNetwork portfolio," ITWorld Canada, October 5, 2011
  17. ↑ McGillicuddy, Shamus. "New HP campus core switches and architecture aim for a flat LAN," SearchNetworking, May 9, 2011
  18. ↑ Miller, Lawrence C. HP Networking For Dummies, Hoboken, NJ, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2012, ISBN 978-1-118-10075-2
  19. ↑ Worth, Dan. "HP promises greater network flexibility with FlexNetwork updates," V3, October 5, 2011.
  20. ↑ Miller, Lawrence C. HP Networking For Dummies, Hoboken, NJ, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2012, ISBN 978-1-118-10075-2
  21. ↑ Morgan, Timothy Prickett. " HP uncloaks 10GbE top-of-racker, IPv6 guidance," The Register, October 5, 2011
  22. ↑ "HP enhances FlexNetwork for cloud, virtualisation," CyberMedia CIOL, October 19, 2011.

External links

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