Data Center Network Architecture – Key Components, Challenges and Insights

Data centers are undoubtedly critical in supporting business operations. They are responsible for a range of tasks, including managing and storing company data securely, supporting business applications such as file sharing and of course handling connectivity, both internally and externally, with website servers being one example.

As organizations continue to develop, the way in which a data center operates needs to develop too, and this impacts the equipment within the data center and how it all connects together, otherwise know as data center network architecture.

What is Data Center Network Architecture?

Data center network architecture is both the layout and type of equipment within a data center facility, including storage, server, networking devices and other computing resources. A robust architecture will also account for and provide seamless connectivity by facilitating efficient traffic flow and determining ideal paths data takes within the network.

A well-designed architecture ensures that the data center network operates at peak performance and with high availability.

Types of Data Center Networking Equipment

Modern data centers are comprised of diverse physical infrastructure and network devices, both of which are investigated below.

Physical Data Center Equipment

When discussing physical infrastructure, we are referring to hardware found in a data center, including servers and storage devices. However there are other core data center network components highlighted below.

Cabling

Cabling, such as copper and fiber optic cables, enables various devices to be connected within the data center. Similar to cabling found in homes, data center cabling acts no different and helps with high-speed data transmission between devices.

Power Supply

Power supply is of course a critical component to IT infrastructures, without it hardware simply couldn’t operate. Power distribution units (PDUs) are responsible for controlling power, such as distributing electricity to racks of computers and networking equipment.

Given how important Uptime is for data centers, fallback power supply is needed if the primary source of electricity fails. With that in mind, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems and backup generators are useful as part of data center network architectures, as they ensure facilities remain functional during outages, by maintaining a stable power supply.

 Servers

Servers are essentially computers that deliver data and resources to other devices over a network. In the context of data center network architecture design, servers are critical as they make it possible for databases and resource management to be hosted locally.

 Storage Devices

Storage technologies unsurprisingly store and manage data, common example include storage area networks (SANs), network attached storage (NAS), and direct attached storage (DAS).

A critical component, storage devices ensure data is always available for transferring to other computer devices when required.

Racks, Enclosures, and Cabinets

Racks, enclosures and cabinets are different frameworks used to store and protect equipment within a data center.

An often overlooked aspect of data center network infrastructure design is how racks and cabinets are organized. Proper rack management is vital in ensuring optimal airflow between devices, which enhances the performance and longevity of data center equipment and encourages sustainable operations by increasing power use effectiveness (PUE).

Cooling Systems

Maintaining optimal temperature levels within the data center is essential for infrastructure devices to function properly and not overheat. Cooling systems, such as air conditioning and liquid cooling solutions (immersion and direct-to-chip cooling) prevent overheating, hardware failures, and eventual data loss.

Network Data Center Equipment

Now let’s explore data center network components and the important role they play in maintaining connectivity between hardware.

Switches

Switches play a crucial part in networking data center equipment as they assist in effective data transfer and communication over the data center’s local area network (LAN) by connecting servers, storage systems, and other network devices.

Switches generally fall into the following categorizations – core, distribution, and access switches, with each serving different roles in the architecture.

Routers

Routers allow internal data center networks to connect to external networks – the Internet being one example.

Routers manage network traffic by ensuring data packets are delivered to and from their correct destinations, as well as also being responsible for enforcing security controls.

Firewalls

Firewalls are a key component of enforcing infrastructure security practices. Firewalls monitor network traffic against predetermined security rules, which protect data centers from cyber threats and unauthorized access.

Load Balancers

Load balancers distribute network traffic evenly across multiple servers. Load balancers ensure no single server is overburdened with traffic, which boosts data center performance.

Types of Data Center Network Topology

Network topology is the arrangement of networking devices and their connections within a data center network. Network topology is configured to define how different devices can be interconnected, including the paths that data travels between them – network topology mapping tools are beneficial here to help visualize the network.

The ideal choice of network topology will be informed by factors such as scalability, fault tolerance, and performance requirements. In modern data center networking times, topology architectures are more commonly configured for east-west (or side-to-side) traffic, rather than up-down, which means data flows between servers rather than different network layers.

Below are three common types of network topology, including a relevant data center network architecture diagram where applicable.

Three-Tiered Data Center Network Architecture

Three-tier topology is a traditional design type comprising the following:

• Core layer: Provides connectivity between various parts of the data center.
• Distribution/Aggregation layer: Aggregates traffic from the access layer.
• Access layer: Connects end devices.

A three-tiered data center network architecture accommodates up-down data traffic flow, where information has to pass through different network layers to reach separate servers in the infrastructure. A limitation of three-tiered however, is that bottlenecks can occur in the core layer.

Spine-Leaf Topology

Spine-Leaf topology is a more modern network topology approach and addresses some of the limitations of the three-tier architecture. Leaf-spine provides more efficient and scalable network performance and is therefore well-suited for demanding, high-performance environments.

This topology setup includes leaf switches (the access layer) and spine switches (the core layer) and as every leaf switch connects to every spine switch, latency and bottlenecks are reduced. Leaf-spine allows data to transfer between servers with a shorter number of hops compared to three-tier, leading to far more efficient data center network connectivity.

Fat Tree Design

Fat tree topology consists of multiple pods with three switch layers:

• Core switches
• Aggregation switches
• Edge switches

With fat tree topology, high-end switches are replaced by interconnections of multiple low-end switches. As any device can reach any other device with a maximum of three hops, there’s little chance of oversubscription or congestion.

8 Principles of Data Center Network Architecture

Now that data center network topologies and components have been established, the following principles should also be considered to lay the foundations of a well-performing data center.

1.    Capacity

Evaluating existing and anticipated computing capacity requirements is essential for every data center network infrastructure design project. Core considerations should include:

• The organization’s current workloads.
• Projected increases in data volume and processing requirements.
• Any upcoming plans for IT infrastructure development, upgrades, or consolidation.

2. Scalability

Scalability is essential to ensure your data center network can easily handle future expansion.

By implementing flexible architectures and modular design techniques, you can accommodate enterprise growth without significant overhauls or business interruptions.

3. Maintaining Uptime

A data center must continue to operate without interruption, as the costs of downtime can be significant, both internally and to customers. A well designed data center architecture enforces long-term Uptime.

Data center design that maintains Uptime will ensure operations can continue functioning even if one its core components fail, such as power supply. UPS systems, as mentioned earlier, are one example of this, where the data center can function even if power supply fails. IT teams must plan for continued Uptime in their data center architecture setup.

4. Data Center Network Security

Data centers store important but sensitive data, therefore security should be a key component of the way an infrastructure is managed. To ensure a data center’s network architecture is as secure as possible, cybersecurity measures must be incorporated.

Some cybersecurity measures could include functionalities like intrusion detection, prevention systems such as firewalls, and encryption methods.

5. Regulatory Compliance

Depending on industry or location, regulations may apply to data centers. One example, if located in the EU, is GDPR, data center design must ensure proper handling of data between devices that is not stored for longer than acceptable.

6. Disaster Recovery

Disaster recovery policies are crucial for ensuring operational resilience and regulatory compliance in data center networks.

Disaster recovery (DR) involves recovering lost data and restoring IT and data center operations following a disruptive event. DR practices must be incorporated in data center network architecture design, to offer protection if the worst happens.

7. Hardware Performance

When analyzing IT infrastructure performance, the performance of existing hardware assets must be considered. A storage or server device purchased 5+ years ago may no longer be supported by the OEM, therefore third-party maintenance must be considered to ensure hardware remains functional and the data center operates accordingly.

If it’s time for new equipment and technologies, then organizations should also make provisions for IT hardware upgrades and replacements.

8. Industry Trends and Emerging Technologies

Innovation in the data center and IT industry is moving at an incredible rate. This includes the introduction and growth of technologies such as 5G, edge computing, and of course AI.

IT teams need to be mindful and keep up to speed with advancements in technology, to understand how it could affect data center operations.

7 Trends in Data Center Network Architecture

We have already highlighted the importance of keeping up to date with emerging trends and technologies and here are some key advancements in technology that those running data centers should be mindful of.

1. Software-Defined Networking (SDN)

Software-Defined Networking is where software is utilized to manage networks more efficiently, rather than relying on just hardware. The split between software and hardware in an SDN is as follows:

• The control plane that determines where to send traffic resides in the software.
• The data plane, which is responsible for actually forwarding traffic to its destination remains in the hardware. Examples of hardware used in SDN can be routers, switches and bare metal servers.

An advantage of SDN is network managers can adjust the control plane quickly to different needs and scenarios of the network, this enables greater flexibility and overall agility when it comes to network management.

Another advantage of SDN is that it enables organizations with hybrid cloud environments to connect to their on-premise infrastructure, easier than it would be with traditional hardware methods. For example, corporate cloud networks can connect with software far more easily than they can with hardware.

2. Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI)

Hyper-converged infrastructures combine computing, storage, and networking into a single system, reducing complexity and enhancing scalability. Tighter integration provides a more streamlined, efficient, cost-effective, and flexible IT infrastructure suitable for diverse applications and workloads.

3. Hybrid Cloud and Multi-Cloud Deployments

Modern infrastructures express robust data center network connectivity, as evidenced by the seamless integration between private and public computing environments. However to facilitate the smooth transfer of data across different cloud platforms, data centers need strong networking infrastructure with advanced security measures in place.

Key networking technologies used with hybrid and multi-cloud deployments are AWS Direct Connect and Azure ExpressRoute. These both facilitate direct connections to corporate networks that bypass the public internet, without sharing bandwidth.

4. Colocation and Hyperscale Environments

Many large enterprises that once operated their own data center to have content on premises, have opted to rent parts of data centers built by third parties. Both hyperscale and colocation operators are investing in creating repeatable, standardized data center network designs that deliver customers cost savings, consistency, and a lower management burden.

5. Edge Computing

Traditionally data centers are built in centralized locations, which can introduce latency issues and network congestion when attempting to reach parts of the network that are a long distance away.

Edge computing aims to ease these challenges by decentralizing the data center architecture, only utilizing hardware and personnel that is closer to where data is generated, rather than utilizing the resources of the whole infrastructure. Edge reduces latency problems, speeds up data processing, and certainly enhances the end-user experience.

6. AI and Machine Learning

AI and machine learning technologies are revolutionizing most industries, not just the data center industry. AI offers an array of new capabilities that can streamline tasks that integrate with data centers, one example is predictive analytics in IT infrastructures, which helps automate routine operations such as analyzing hardware performance.

With AI and machine learning only continuing to grow, it will likely be more incorporated in data center designs in future.

7. 5G

5G’s low latency and high bandwidth means data processing occurs at the edge of the network, closer to the source of data generation. By reducing the need to transfer data over long distances, 5G can help data centers use energy more efficiently.

Top 8 Data Center Network Architecture Challenges

Planning out or managing data center architecture is a regular struggle for IT infrastructure managers as it is a continually evolving aspect of IT operations. We’ve highlighted the 7 most common challenges stemming from data center network architectures.

1. Complexity

As organizations grow and generate more data within their infrastructure, the need to store and process this data also increases, meaning data centers grow in size and complexity.

From this, managing a data center network becomes more challenging, not to mention the impact on employees and their increased workload.

2. Technology Adoption

With new technologies becoming available, specialized expertise and resources may be necessary to implement and maintain them effectively in the data center. However, a skills gap could exist with the current IT team who are not able to learn or incorporate the technologies, which could be problematic.

There may also be pressure for an organization to receive an expected return on investment after investing in technology, which could be challenging especially in the short-term.

3. Security Threats

From human-caused access compromises to malware wreaking havoc on performance, the severity of security threats to data centers continues to grow.

To stay ahead of threats, data center network security needs continual physical and digital defense.

4. Vulnerabilities

Managing vulnerabilities is a key consideration for data center networking architecture. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) manages the national vulnerability database in the United States, where a large number of known vulnerabilities in hardware, software systems and applications are documented.

By utilizing the NIST framework, IT managers can adopt mechanisms to identify and solve prevalent vulnerabilities in data centers, which is vital as addressing vulnerabilities are a major factor in decreasing security-related risk.

5. Inadequate or Poor Use of Space

Poor data center network design can result in inefficient use of floorspace, and future expansion, such as adding new racks, will be difficult.

A potential resolution could be relocating the data center to a larger area to accommodate physical growth, however this also comes with its own challenges and can be expensive.

6. Misconfigurations and Compatibility Issues

Misconfigurations, particularly in hardware devices or software, are not uncommon. This is especially the case in data centers with multi-vendor environments.

Misconfigurations and incompatibilities can cause disruptions to data center processes and business operations, which can be exacerbated if the right technical expertise is not sufficicnetly equipped to resolve issues quickly.

7. Extreme Weather Events

Extreme weather incidents, such as hurricanes, flooding and even severe heat can cause all sorts of problems to IT infrastructures.

With weather incidents and natural disasters escalating, organizations must ensure resilient data center architectures, which can be achieved by integrating infrastructure redundancy to mitigate the effects of climate-related disruptions – With unusual weather events commonly leading to power outages, having backup generators or UPS systems, as mentioned above, are one way of overcoming extreme weather.

8. Scarce Skills

Finding the right staff talent to oversee scheduling, monitoring, maintenance, and application delivery in the data center can be difficult, not to mention expensive.

Data center automation can reduce the time IT teams spend performing routine tasks, allowing them to focus on critical, higher-value endeavors.

Complete Data Center Support from Park Place Technologies

Data center network architectures are complex, from understanding the use of diverse networking data center equipment, to the challenges arising from managing an IT infrastructure, it can be a lot to handle.

Park Place Technologies has the expertise and experience to deliver outstanding support for each level of data center architectures, including:

• Third-Party maintenance for data center hardware, ensuring your devices remain functional to minimize infrastructure downtime.
• Enterprise network monitoring software, ensuring your network architecture is performing to the best of its ability by proactively detecting networking issues promptly.
• IT infrastructure managed services that allow your team to focus on key initiatives rather than mundane infrastructure management. We can provide 24×7 infrastructure monitoring as well as full management of your data center operations, no matter the state of your networking architecture we will maximize its performance.

Contact Park Place Technologies today, to learn more about our full range of data center services.