Insights

Introduction 

Data centers are crucial for organizations that utilize massive amounts of data for their operations. These processes could involve information entered by clients for a government ID application or customer data compiled in cloud storage for business use. Data centers are not mere storage devices; they require a network design that enables efficient traffic flow and information processing to keep up with digitalization efforts. 

As such, there is a need for a well-designed data center network architecture so that the system used by your organization will run smoothly and efficiently. Having an idea of what constitutes a good network design, furthermore, can help you choose which data center company to trust. This article by InfoBahn Communications, Inc. will help you learn more about network design and how to choose the best for your needs.

What Is Data Center Network Architecture? 

A data center’s network architecture pertains to the overall design of the facility. The said design includes the layout of the hub and the types of equipment connected to each other to build the network. 

Inside a data center, hardware such as servers and storage devices is organized in racks and cabinets. These devices store data and are connected by structured cabling, powered by an electric supply, and protected by cooling systems. A sound network architecture plan organizes these different elements in an orderly manner to optimize traffic flow and maintain peak performance. The plan also considers outages and how the network can remain functional in such scenarios.

Organizations that hire third parties for their data center needs should check if the vendor implements an efficient network architecture. Better yet, these providers should be able to explain their design clearly and with full transparency.

What Are the Types of Data Center Network Topology? 

Your data center’s architecture design may vary depending on your organization’s requirements and your third-party vendor’s capabilities. Below are three common types of topologies data centers utilize for modernization efforts all over the world:

Three-Tier 

A three-tier topology uses the up-down data traffic flow, meaning data will travel through different network layers before it reaches its destination. In this topology, the layers include the following:

• Core Layer - This layer can be considered the heart of the network, providing connectivity between various parts of the data center infrastructure.
• Distribution Layer - Serves as the traffic aggregator of data from the access layer.
• Access Layer - This layer connects traffic to end devices such as servers, computers, and workstations/

The three-tier architecture is a traditional design, so older data center providers that have yet to switch to more modern solutions usually implement this topology.

Spine-Leaf 

A data center that uses the spine-leaf topology provides efficient network performance, making it suitable for organizations with demanding data requirements (such as a government department processing a high quantity of information for a national attendance system). In this design, the access layers (leaf switches) are connected to every core layer (spine switches), minimizing data transfer hops and promoting efficient connectivity.

Fat Tree 

A fat tree topology is similar to a three-tier design, but with a limit of three hops for more efficient traffic flow. The network uses consistently high bandwidth, promotes redundancy, and enables load balancing, preventing congestion or oversubscription. This efficiency results in consistent performance and fewer downtime risks. The topology requires many switches and ports, which in turn require more power and physical space.

Which Data Center Network Architecture Is Best for Your Organization? 

The data center network topology that best suits your organization will depend on several factors. Generally, your considerations should align with your present needs and future goals. 

Suppose you’re running a local public office and plan to digitize all your senior and PWD constituents’ data for effective profiling and monitoring of granted benefits. Since these population sectors aren’t that large, it’s enough to use a data center equipped with enough servers with average network capacity, functional enough so users can access data as needed, while not consuming too much power and spending a high IT budget.

The above scenario highlights factors that you need to consider so you can choose the best network architecture for your organization’s data center. We further break them down below:

Network Capacity 

The amount of data you need to store and process should be accommodated by the data center’s network capacity. We talked about network architecture types earlier and learned that some are more efficient at data transmission than others. So, if you need lightning-speed data processing, a network design like a spine-leaf or fat tree topology can be the best option.

Scalability 

Some organizations’ data needs will grow over time. Your office might be satisfied with using a three-tier network in a limited physical space, but that might change as the information you need to process increases. To prepare wisely for the future, ask your third-party vendor what topology best accommodates future scaling plans. Note that you might need a bigger facility to implement the plan.

Uptime Maintenance 

Some organizations, such as police departments or 24/7 businesses, need a data center that operates all the time. Generally, all data centers can accomplish this, but it takes careful planning and a higher budget to ensure your network is consistently up. On the other hand, offices that only operate during the day may not require 24/7 uptime. Consult with your third-party vendor to weigh your options.

Network Security 

The best data center network architecture is not only about a well-designed, structured cabling system, powerful servers, and effective cooling devices. A reliable network should also be robust and secure to fend off threats and breaches. Remember that your data center stores sensitive, private information from your organization and your constituents or clients, so you should choose a topology that enables maximum security. Ask your vendor whether their architecture includes cybersecurity measures, such as firewalls and encryption mechanisms.

Disaster Recovery Plans 

No matter the topology you choose, ensure that your vendor has a disaster recovery plan in place. Inquire about their SOPs for when calamities strike and destroy the physical facility, specifically their plan for retrieving lost data. Third parties that use cloud backups are ideal, as this option will not be as easily affected as physical data centers. 

However, review your agreement with the provider and ensure they stipulate that their access to your data is limited and that they shouldn’t use the information for any purposes without your consent.

Conclusion 

Your data center’s network architecture is part and parcel of storing and processing information needed for your organization’s digital operations. The most common topologies available for these facilities are three-tier models, spine-leaf types, and fat tree designs, each with strengths that accommodate unique data storage and traffic needs. 

The key to choosing the best architecture for your organization is to list your current requirements and future needs and match them with the topology that best accommodates them. If you need help analyzing this aspect, contact our experts at InfoBahn today!