and know what policies and protocols to apply—even as those resources move from one physical location to another. A cloud network should be self-repairing, just the way the Internet can route traffi c around broken or congested links. Finally, the network should utilize familiar technologies that don’t require a lot of additional training to be put in place. Ethernet fabric switching meets these requirements. Unlike standard Ethernet, Ethernet


fabrics incorporate the later technologies of fabric switching originally developed for storage area networks. Fabrics eliminate the hierarchical structure that slows traffi c. They route traffi c along the fastest available route and eliminate bottlenecks. Fabrics are self-repairing and self-confi guring, boosting reliability and scalability without the need for constant intervention from support staff. Converged infrastructure Ethernet


fabric technology enables the predictable performance, high availability, and comprehensive management needed to support large-scale implementations and a range of IT deployment models– including cloud computing, Web hosting, and managed services. This architecture streamlines deployment and management and drives end-to-end data center agility. It provides a virtualized, high-performance, low-latency interconnect that consolidates multiple protocols to dramatically reduce network complexity and cost. Ethernet and storage networks


can be combined into one converged fabric that can easily scale and adapt to changing workloads.


Careful Planning Is Required Ethernet fabric provides the architecture


to support cloud computing and a virtual data center, but it does require careful planning, rather than just dropping a new switch into the rack. The process starts with a careful inventory of current infrastructure and challenges and then deciding what type of architecture one wants to put in place: virtual data center, private cloud, hybrid cloud, or a mix that incorporates earlier designs. Some questions that should be asked include:


• How much of the cloud is going


to be outsourced vs. how much managed internally?


• What security is required for


the environment? • How much control do you want


to keep internal vs. outsourcing? Once you know what will stay in


house, it is time to lay the groundwork. Older switches will need to be replaced with switches that support an Ethernet fabric and confi gured, but the process is simpler than migrations using earlier network technology. Once in place, the network will be ready to support both virtualization and cloud computing so you can get the maximum benefi ts from both technologies.


Benefi ts of Next Generation Data Center Networks Next generation networks enable


scalable virtualization and simplify operations. They can:


• Flatten the network to overcome limitations of legacy spanning tree designs


• Provide rapid failover for delay- sensitive, mission-critical applications (support high availability)


• Dramatically improve network utilization and performance in the network core (increase performance)


• Eliminate the requirement for a dedicated aggregation layer as you scale-out and leverage the benefi ts of large Layer 2 domains with increased uptime and simplifi ed management.


Next generation data center networks combine intelligence at the server edge with advanced management tools to support the most challenging demands on the growing network. With careful planning, the right


hardware technology, and a focus on the future your data center architecture can be built to support the virtualization needs you have today and tomorrow.


TURN THE PAGE to learn more about the latest networking solutions, and then call your Account Manager to see how we can help you create a network that delivers the high availability and consistent service levels you need.


Build Your Own Next Generation Network Today


If your organization is looking to upgrade or expand your network, the fi rst step is to understand the capabilities and shortcomings of your existing network. Our Network Assessment and Network Inventory services can help you chart your network’s strengths and weaknesses so you can choose where to allocate funds for maximum effectiveness.


Converting your existing network into the infrastructure of tomorrow may seem daunting, but it’s a lot easier when you know where to start. PC Connection, your Cloud Connection™


solution provider can guide you with expert advice.


We offer a wide selection of products and services designed to reduce your operating costs, increase your network’s performance, and create a secure, scalable, and effi cient foundation for virtualized workloads and cloud computing.


Call your Account Manager to learn more today.


1.800.800.0014


www.pcconnection.com


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