[ACP-DC Training #2] DCN Products and Specialized Technologies

Last timeThis time, it is related to building a data center network. HPE Aruba Networking DCN Products and TechnologiesLet's cover it.

This module is the starting point of the process, so you should be able to select the appropriate products and deploy them in a design that fits your data center.
We will explore various HPE Aruba Networking products and explain the technologies required for DCN.

Inflexible, outdated legacy infrastructure

Automation, virtualization, and AI (artificial intelligence) are hot topics in various IT fields these days, and new technologies are emerging every day.

However, many networking products still use proprietary protocols and architectures.
such Older technologies leave network administrators with a lack of flexibility.Because we have to manually perform several procedures every day.

Like a data center In mission-critical environments, manual tasks and various management tools increase the workload of network administrators.I'll order it.

HPE Aruba Networking's AOS-CX switchis different.
It combines the latest fully programmable OS, hardware that can be operated by telecommunications companies, and industry-leading performance.

In particular, it is the first in the industry to be applied HPE Aruba Networking Analytics Engine (NAE)It's built into this switch.
It continuously monitors the network status and if something goes wrong, it notifies you immediately and helps you resolve the issue.
This makes it much easier to monitor and troubleshoot network, system, application, and security issues.

Additionally, the AOS-CX operating system provides faster automation and network insights, reducing time spent on manual tasks.

Evolution of Data Center Network Architecture

Looking back at how data center network architecture has evolved over time, we can discover many truly fascinating changes.

1990s: The Era of L2 Flat Networks

1990sIn most of L2 (Layer 2) planar networkIt was.
This was a time when a truly diverse range of protocols competed with each other. It was a time of complexity that's hard to imagine now.

The 2000s: The triumph of TCP/IP and the emergence of the three-tier architecture.

2000sAs we entered, a big change came.
as soon as TCP/IP wins the protocol warAs it does so, it becomes established as a standard.

and Advances in L3 (Layer 3) switching technologyand, 3-tier architecturebecomes the trend.
This architecture is primarily designed to optimize communication between servers and users, i.e. 'North-South traffic'.

The 2010s: The Explosion of Virtualization and Spine-Leaf Fabrics

2010sIt was a truly catastrophic time.
virtualization technology과 Container-based microservicesThey started to be introduced explosively.

Why is this important?
This is because 'East-West traffic' has increased tremendously.
The amount of data exchanged between servers or containers will increase rapidly.

To respond to these changes Spine-Leaf fabricA new architecture called has emerged.

This is Predictable bandwidth, low latency, and excellent resiliency, which provides a significant improvement in the performance of data center networks.
This is further enhanced by the benefits of overlay networking, maximizing efficiency.

But there was one big problem at this time.
Existing security methods were unable to properly respond to new application architectures.are you.
It was difficult to keep up with the rapidly changing environment using existing security equipment or software agents.

2022: The HPE Aruba Networking CX 10000 Series Arrives

And finally 2022, which will solve these problems New generation switchhas appeared.
as soon as HPE Aruba Networking CX 10000 Series with Pensando Distributed Services Switchno see!

This switch is available from ToR (Top of Rack) Built-in security featuresThus, it provides security services inline on all ports.
Security is no longer an afterthought, but is built in from the very edge of the network.

Data Center Products: Understanding Hardware Infrastructure

data centeris not just a place where computers are gathered.
It is a complex system where hardware and software infrastructure work together.

inter alia hardware infrastructureLet's learn more about it.
Hardware infrastructure refers to the physical products that we can see and touch.

for example, Servers, storage systems, network equipment, power supplies, and cooling systems Everything your data center needs to function properly is included here.

Okay, so today Products based on the HPE Aruba Networking CX Switch Operating System (AOS-CX)Let's take a closer look at it.
Let's take a look at how these switches form the core architecture of data center hardware infrastructure and how they are managed.

End-to-End AOS-CX Network: Why Does It Matter?

Looking at the picture above, you can see what HPE Aruba Networking is drawing.

End-to-End AOS-CX Networkis for users and devices to access applications and data. Connect safelyIt plays a supporting role.
While each switch has excellent capabilities, using existing switch series such as CX 6300 or CX 6400 together with the AOS-CX family is like Solutions that connect like one giant organismYou will be able to create .

This way, each role and size of the network is tailored to the functionality required. Optimal hardwarecan be placed.

The enormous benefits of integrating into a single OS들

There are many benefits to running your entire network on a single operating system (AOS-CX).

• Easier maintenance: It is complicated to manage if each device has a different OS, so unifying it into one simplifies operation.
• Consistent Configuration: Both the CLI method and the WebUI screen are the same, providing a consistent experience regardless of the device being used.
• Save time learning: Since you only need to master one OS, the effort and time required to learn new equipment is significantly reduced.

Going further, from the lowest L2 access switch to the data center backbone All end-to-end solutions are AOS-CX basedBecause of this, there are additional, tremendous benefits you can gain, as follows:.

• ArubaCX Mobile App: Adding a switch to your network is quick and easy, with just a few keystrokes from your phone or tablet. Provisioning your devices with a single touchThis becomes possible.
• Multi-Edit Software: Manage multiple switches at once and use them for auditing purposes to ensure they are configured properly.
• VRF applied up to the access layer: For various types of traffic, such as IoT devices, VoIP calls, and specific applications. Logically separated routing domainsIt is very easy to create, so you can achieve both security and efficiency.
• VXLAN/EVPN support: This technology enables efficient network virtualization in complex data center environments.
• Virtual Switching Framework (VSF) and Virtual Switching eXtension (VSX): A virtualization technology that provides excellent stability and flexibility in appropriate parts of the network.
• Full REST API support: Provides powerful tools to programmatically control and automate your network.
• HPE Aruba Networking Network Analysis Engine (NAE): It empowers network administrators to directly determine and deploy which agents are needed where. It's like having a smart assistant who analyzes network conditions and assists with troubleshooting.

All these advantages are big and small Enterprise Network It can be utilized in the environment.

Data Center Switch Portfolio – Spine and Leaf

So, let's take a look at how to utilize switches in a data center network.

here AOS-CX switchLet's look at some examples of how they can be used in data centers.
Looking at the picture below Common uses of the AOS-CX switchLet's find out together while watching.

CX 6300 Switch: This switch is Out-of-Band Management NetworkWhen building low costcan be used as.
Also, when you need to connect servers that support 1Gbps speed or connect to a leaf switch that does not directly support that speed, Sub-leaf It can also be used as a role.

CX 8100 Switch: ToR (Top of Rack) switch with 1/10Gbps speedIf you need, low costprovides effective solutions.

CX 8360 Switch: MACsec (MAC Security) Security features provide strong security when transmitting data.

CX 8325/8360 Switches: iSCSI, NVMe, RoCEsuch Storage ProtocolYou can utilize these switches when you need to support the listeners.
Helps you efficiently build storage networks within your data center.

CX 10000 Switch: If you can configure a Distributed Services Architecture.
This switch is Bring security features directly to the data center access layer (closest to the servers) and apply them.It has the characteristics of doing so.

CX 9300 Switch: High bandwidth such as 100Gbps or 400GbpsIt can process large amounts of data quickly where needed.

For detailed specifications and features for each switch model, please refer to the post below.

HPE Aruba Networking Data Center Portfolio

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State-of-the-art resiliency and programmability: The heart of the AOS-CX switch.

AOS-CX switchDo you know how smart and robust it is designed?
Resiliency and programmability of AOS-CX switchesIf you look at it, you will clearly understand why it is called the 'next generation'.

REST APIand built into the switch HPE Aruba Networking Analytics Engine (NAE) Thanks to this, a level of performance that was unimaginable in existing networks Automation and Visibilityprovides. In particular Database-centric designCombined with NAE, it allows network states to be rewinded and played back like a movie when a critical event occurs.

REST APIs allow you to effectively and efficiently tune network performance and integrate with external tools for easy troubleshooting.

The Power of Database-Driven Architecture

AOS-CX switch database-driven architectureoffers some really important advantages.

• Active-Active components are aware of each other's stateIt enables you to do so.
  Thanks to this, much more stable operation is possible.
• Easily view information from two control planes in one place via CLI, REST API, and WebUI.You can do it.
• It is possible to analyze data from all of the duplicated equipment (Analytics).It's done.

Easy setup and troubleshooting

The setup and troubleshooting process has also become much easier.

• Common settings are continuously synchronizedThis means there is little risk of configuration mismatches between the redundant switches.
• 'Show' command to gather or compare information from multiple switchesIt dramatically reduces problem-solving time.
• In almost all 'Show' commands “vsx-peer” option, so you can view information from other duplicated switches at once.
• Unified view of the VSX systemIt provides an overview of the entire system status.

Non-disruptive upgrade orchestration

One of the biggest fears for network administrators is upgrades. AOS-CX alleviates this worry.

• Proactive draining of traffic from the switch being upgraded, to help you perform upgrades without service interruption.

Active-Active Analysis Capabilities

This is where the Network Analytics Engine (NAE) shines.

• NAE agents Cross-monitoring each other's databasesdo.
• Lasting too long Detecting DiscrepanciesThis allows us to detect problems early.
• The whole solution Continuously verify that it is functioning healthilyThis helps maintain a stable network.

In conclusion, AOS-CX switches can make your network smarter, more reliable, and easier to manage with these advanced resiliency and programmability features.

HPE Aruba Networking Analytics Engine (NAE): Your Network's Smart Assistant, and More

The Networking Analysis Engine (NAE) is more than just a monitoring tool.
under Networking Analysis Engine Architecture in the FigureLet's take a closer look at how powerful NAE is.

NAE is a network Monitoringdo, Problem solvingto help, and even Capacity PlanningSupports up to The industry's first embedded frameworkno see.

One of the biggest advantages of NAE is ‘'Automatic baselining setting'’ It's a function.
It analyzes network data on its own to learn the normal range and detects abnormal signs. Automatically set alert thresholdsI will do it.
This eliminates the hassle of administrators manually setting thresholds one by one.

NAE goes beyond simply solving problems, A role that takes care of the overall 'health' of the system.
By continuously monitoring system statistics, when a problem occurs in the system, Crucial help in identifying the root causeIt gives.

Analytical capabilities covering a wide range of areas

NAE revolutionizes your network operations through a variety of analyses, including:.

• Network analytics: Closely monitor network statistics and support troubleshooting of L1/2/3 layers.
  It also provides insight into network changes and continuously tracks BGP adjacencies, STP link status, and more to manage the overall health of the network.
• Security analytics: Analyzing network traffic passing through the core Develop your own agentSo Detect abnormal signsFor example, you can monitor communication between servers within a data center (east-west traffic), or camera feeds going out to different network segments within an IoT VRF. You can find abnormal traffic patterns that should not be occurring.
• Application visibility: You can analyze traffic going to applications in the cloud or data center. This allows you to Signs of application performance anomaliescan be accurately detected regardless of the environment.
• Network optimization: About the network and its performance Optimize your network by dynamically inserting policiesIt allows you to, for example, automatically change the destination path based on the status of a specific link. proactive measurescan be taken.

Thanks to NAE, your network will operate more reliably and any issues that arise can be resolved much faster and more efficiently.
Not only that, but it will also allow you to optimize security and performance.

Multi-Edit Software: The IT Team's Superpower

Multi-edit softwareis a really powerful weapon for IT teams.
This software helps you handle three things very smoothly:.

1. Seamlessly orchestrate end-to-end service deployments: It enables you to easily and efficiently manage the complex intertwined tasks of introducing new services across your network.
2. Automate rapid changes across your network: When you need to change settings across multiple switches, this software lets you quickly automate them with just a few clicks.
3. Ensuring policy compliance after network updates: Automatically checks whether network policies are properly enforced even after updates.

Like this Smart support and continuous verification Thanks to this, the network-wide settings are always Consistent and compliantIt can be maintained.

Benefits of Orchestration Using CLI

In particular, orchestration using the command-line interface (CLI) has these advantages:.

• No scripting knowledge required: You can perform tasks intuitively without having to learn complex scripts.
• Easily track changes: You can transparently manage and track which settings were changed, when, and how.
• Device tagging: Switches can be managed by tagging them according to their location or role (spine, leaf).
• Support for various environments: It can also be utilized at the access, aggregation, or core level of a campus network.
• Network-wide configuration consistency: Whether in a data center or on a campus, you can maintain configuration consistency across your network, reducing human error and increasing efficiency.

Management and Orchestration Options

Managing a data center network can be quite a challenge for IT professionals.
but Powerful Tools from HPE Aruba NetworkingIf only, the data center network could be much more efficient. You can monitor, manage, configure, and orchestrate.

A variety of solutions from HPE Aruba Networking

Let's take a look at each of the tools available.

HPE Aruba Networking Fabric Composer

This solution is a smart, API-based, software-defined orchestration tool.
He orchestrates all the equipment like a conductor of a complex orchestra.

It makes provisioning and day-to-day operations of leaf-and-spine networks in complex rack-scale compute and storage infrastructures much simpler and faster.

HPE Aruba Networking Network Analytics Engine (NAE)

NAE is an engine that intelligently monitors, automatically collects, and analyzes data by leveraging the AOS-CX operating system.

NAE has a wide variety of uses.
From system-wide health checks to network analytics, security application visibility, and network optimization.
It will be of great help in intelligently diagnosing and improving your network.

HPE Aruba Networking Switch Multi-Edit Software

This software enables AOS-CX orchestration and performs continuous validation and compliance checks to ensure device configurations are always consistent, compliant, and error-free. This is extremely useful when managing and configuring multiple switches at once.

HPE Aruba Networking Central On-Premises

This is the on-premises version of the SaaS (Software as a Service) platform called HPE Aruba Networking Central.

Originally, HPE Aruba Networking Central provided a single, unified console for monitoring, analyzing, and configuring wireless and wired networks. However, HPE Aruba Networking Central On-Premises is designed for businesses that do not want to keep their data in the cloud (due to confidentiality, security, downtime, data loss, or other company operational policies or regulations), so that you can install and use it directly in your own environment.

It combines industry-leading features with an intuitive user interface to make network management easy and efficient, empowering network administrators and helpdesk staff to support and control their field networks.

This software solution is a great choice for meeting stringent regulatory and compliance requirements while providing the same agility and efficiency as cloud services.

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We have looked at the data center switch product lines provided by HPE Aruba Networking and the specialized features of AOS-CX.
As mentioned earlier, data centers are complex infrastructure environments. Therefore, understanding the characteristics of switch products is paramount.

Depending on each requirement and environment, the choice of switch should be different.
Choosing the wrong switch model can potentially cause significant problems in your future data center operations.

You must be familiar with not only the Switch product and model, but also the specialized features of AOS-CX that support it.