Last time, we explored the evolution of networking. And back in the second post in this blog series on fabric networking, we saw how fabrics have moved beyond the data centre and into the campus.
First Technology offers a range of network fabrics in partnership with Extreme Networks. Here are 5 things we love about Extreme’s network fabrics:
1. They are useful beyond the data centre
Network fabrics were originally designed to stretch L2 VLANs across subnets for VM migrations and mobility. Now, we’re seeing network fabrics extend to the enterprise campus portion of the network. Examples include network automation, zero-touch provisioning, simplified network segmentation, and even high-performance multicast without the use of any complex PIM protocols.
2. You don’t always need a network programmer
Different types of network fabrics appeal to different types of users. Organisations with small IT teams might prefer plug-and-play solutions that are easy to deploy and manage (Extreme’s VCS Fabric for the data centre and Fabric Connect for the campus are well positioned). Other organisations want openness and programmability, so they need a fabric that is customisable and that integrates easily with their ecosystem (Extreme’s IP Fabric is well suited here).
3. They aren’t based solely on network overlays
Most campus fabric solutions are overlay, but there is at least one fabric (Extreme Fabric Connect) that streamlines the network and reduces the number of network protocols down to one. This contributes to the plug-and-play simplicity needed to reduce complexity in the campus as a result of digital transformation and the ever-growing threat of a cyber-attack.
4. They are not only for wired devices
Extreme enables true unification of wired and wireless access through its unique fabric-based, policy enabled architecture that extends from core to wired/wireless access. This provides a uniquely simple, easy to manage, consistent network that not only enables plug-and-play deployment of the APs, it also enables dynamic auto-attach of users and IoT devices into the appropriate fabric-enabled service, regardless of where they are connecting from.
5. They support full L2 and 3 functionalities
Extreme is delivering fabric technologies for both the enterprise campus as well as the data centre that support full L2/3 functionality. In fact, Fabric Connect, which is based on an enhanced form of Shortest Path Bridging, is one of the few protocols to be jointly standardised by both the IEEE and IETF. In addition to providing scalable L2 services, it also provides integrated VRF technology as well as integrated, scalable, high performance IP multicast.
Learn more
To learn more about Extreme’s fabric networking, watch the on-demand webinar, Demystifying Fabric Networking.
Fabric networking from Extreme Networks in partnership with First Technology
We know that enterprises can’t meet the challenges of 21st century digital transformation with 20th century networks.
Extreme Networks’ Automated Campus and Agile Data Centre are proven fabric networking solutions that deliver the agile, adaptive networks enterprises need to transform their business.
To find out more about First Technology and Extreme Networks’ variety of fabric networking solutions, or would simply like to get in touch, contact Jolene Strydom at jolenes@firsttechnology.co.za or 021 525 7000.
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