Data Center Switch Wiki and Buying Guide
Updated at Oct 14th 20241 min read
As data and network virtualization needs to grow, selecting the right data center switch becomes more complex. Unlike the enterprise network switch for traditional three-tier hierarchical networks, data center class switches are designed to support data and storage for mission critical applications. Now with various data center switches and vendors in the market, buying a good one can be a difficult task. Here will help you learn what a data center switch is, the requirements for data center switches, as well as some useful buying tips.
What Is a Data Center Switch?
Generally speaking, the data center switch is a high performance switch mainly for large enterprises and cloud providers who rely heavily on virtualization. It can be deployed throughout the data center network, or to anchor a two-tier (spine-leaf) or one-tier flat mesh or fabric architecture. Data center switches share some common features as follows:
They can handle both north-south and east-west traffic flows;
All data center switches are used both in top-of-rack (ToR) and end-of-row (EoR) architecture;
They support high-bandwidth interconnections using both standard LAN Ethernet protocol and SAN protocols. For example, Fibre Channel and Fibre Channel over Ethernet;
All components of a distributed data center switch can be managed from a single management interface for ease of use.
Things To Consider When Buying Data Center Switches
Choosing a data center switch can be a difficult task, no matter if you are deploying a new data center network architecture or deciding to upgrade the existing network infrastructure. There are many factors to consider and here lists some of the most important ones in several aspects.
Functions
All switches have the same basic functionality, such as using standards-based protocols or maintaining a MAC address-to-port table. Based on their use cases and applications, different switches have unique characteristics. You should ask yourself a few questions to decide what functions are needed.
Are you going to use enterprise-level applications?
Are you considering redundancy?
Do you have a virtualized infrastructure?
For example, a reliable data center switch should have the capability to automate as well as support newer protocols such as EVPN and VXLAN. And some data center switches support Ansible/OpenFlow configuration and automation tools for easy management.
Size, Number of Ports, and Data Rate
Data center switches come in varying sizes. Choosing the right size for your business will depend on the current and future data flow. A large switch requires more resources to install and will serve your current and future needs. A smaller switch is economical, but you'll have to install it in a top-of-rack manner to prevent bottlenecks.
The size of the fiber connections that you'll need should also be well considered. It's advisable to make up your mind early enough on the connectivity that you will be using. Fiber connectivity varies from 10 Gbps, 25 Gbps to 40 Gbps, and even more. Nowadays the adoption of 400 Gps has gained momentum in most data centers and some hyperscale data center networks are moving towards higher speed 800 Gbps, which paves the way for the development of 800G data center switches.
Data center switches also come with different types and numbers of ports, which can significantly impact the overall network design. Common port types include Ethernet ports (such as 10G, 25G, and 40G), fiber channel ports, and uplink ports. The number of ports can vary widely, ranging from small switches with 8-12 ports for basic applications to larger models with 48 or even 96 ports to accommodate extensive network demands. It's important to assess your current requirements and make reasonable estimates for future expansion to ensure your switch can handle anticipated growth.
Switch Classification
In recent years, with the growth of cloud data centers and the emergence of virtualization trends and new applications, new data center switch types are entering the market, such as branded switches, white box switches, and bare metal switches. For the upgrade of data center networks, it is very important to clarify the brand of switch and operating system used in the current network.
Brand switches are switches that are usually manufactured by well-known network equipment suppliers and come with their own operating system. Everything from hardware to software is developed and delivered by a single vendor in a completely closed environment where the operating system is open.
White box switches offer a more flexible alternative. These switches separate the hardware from the operating system, allowing customers to choose standardized hardware based on their specific needs.
Bare metal switches contain only hardware, allowing different software protocols to be used to build custom networks that can better adapt to changing needs.
Operating System
Network Operating System (NOS) is an operating system that runs on a network switch. It provides network functions and management interfaces, and supports various network protocols and advanced functions. The operating system of the switch is specifically designed for network communication, data forwarding and control. FS currently offers switches for both FSOS and PicOS® operating systems, which can help you achieve solutions and customization to create greater value for you.
Switches powered with PicOS® offer software with essential Layer 2/3 protocols and telemetry APIs to enhance network performance and management. In addition, with automatic configuration and central management through AmpCon™, PicOS® enables more resilient and efficient network operations at a lower cost for campus and data center networks. For an even more hands-on experience, you can try PicOS® for free through the PicOS-V platform at your own pace with no commitments.
Data Center Architecture and Configuration
Modern data centers use spine-leaf architecture and the switches located at each layer have their own requirements. Generally, spine switches are supposed to handle more traffic with higher capacity and better performance than leaf switches. For more details about data center leaf and spine switches buying tips, please refer to How to Choose Data Center Spine and Leaf Switches?
Whether to use ToR or EoR configuration determines what types of data center switches you will need. If you already have an end-of-row network cabling in place, it’s better to make use of the existing wiring and deploy larger capacity data center EoR switches. If you plan to build a new enterprise data center or new cabling, Using ToR data center switches for the ToR network is a better idea, for they will offer more flexibility in terms of physical port coverage across the data center network architecture.
Cooling and Airflow
Before buying a switch, you should know that the way you install and connect the switches will affect the quality of airflow and cooling. If the cables block the airflow, that could mean a reduced lifetime due to overheating, which could cause premature failure.
Similarly, the airflow direction of the switches influences the data center cooling. For instance, if the connections are located in the front of the servers, you should choose front-to-back cooling. However, if the connections are located on the back of the servers, you should go for back-to-front cooling.
A small disruption for a couple of hours or days may not cause serious harm inside the data center network architecture. However, a design problem that's overlooked for months and even years could mean frequent downtimes and even costly repairs and upgrades.
There are other considerations that are also important, and making good use of these points can make your network stronger.
Redundancy: You should consider the level of redundancy that you need for your core data center switches. You need to ensure that your switches have redundant power supplies, fans, and other critical components.
Management: You need to consider the management capabilities of your switches. You should choose switches that have a robust management interface that allows you to monitor and manage your network effectively.
Security: You should consider the security features of your switches. You need to ensure that your switches have advanced security features that can protect your network from cyber threats.
Picking the Right Data Center Switch
Now that you know what factors to consider in choosing a data center switch, As a professional communications equipment and solutions provider, FS is committed to providing high-performance switches and a professional solution team for infrastructure modernization. Before making a purchase decision, you can choose a chassis switch that is more scalable and suitable for large enterprises, or a box switch that is easy to deploy and suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises, based on the difference in structure, function, scalability and application scenarios.
You can also choose PicOS® switches that provide more resilient and efficient network operations for campus and data center networks at a lower cost, supporting fully standardized and automated configuration. If you order FS switches, you will also enjoy full-process services and a 5-year warranty to ensure your network reliability.