S5860 Series Switches Empower ISP Networks with Stacking

The client, an Internet Service Provider (ISP) with network infrastructure across multiple cities, provided high-bandwidth internet access, data centre interconnect, and enterprise-grade dedicated lines. They were highly satisfied with our products and services, having established a long-term partnership with us.

As their business grew, they sought to optimise their server room's core network, enhance bandwidth utilisation, simplify management, and improve equipment redundancy.

The traditional stacking solutions required identical device models and software versions. However, the customer aimed to stack different models to enhance management and optimise resource utilisation.

Some existing links were overloaded, leading to inefficient bandwidth utilisation and potential congestion. The absence of an effective disaster recovery mechanism posed a risk of link interruptions during core device failures.

Varying device models and configurations further complicated maintenance. The customer planned to commence the network optimisation project within three weeks, emphasising on-time delivery to ensure the smooth launch of new services.

The customer established a three-tier network architecture in the data centre, comprising the core, distribution, and access layers.

The core layer, located in the server room, deployed the S5860-24XB-U switch, responsible for high-speed, efficient forwarding of large data traffic. It was then connected to the distribution layer’s S5860-20SQ switch via 25G stacking DAC cables, enabling stacking between the two switches. The S5860-20SQ switch aggregated traffic from the access layer and implemented policy control to optimise traffic forwarding paths and ensure security. The access layer achieved device-level redundancy through stacking between two S5860-48XMG-U switches.

Overall, multiple S5860 series switches were distributed across decks (Main, ABCD, EFGH), providing physical redundancy and reducing single points of failure. Airware facilitated remote, centralised deployment and management of the S5860 series switches over the Internet, simplifying management and significantly improving operational efficiency.

By constructing a three-layer network architecture in the data centre and leveraging the stacking feature of the S5860 series, the solution achieved high-bandwidth, low-latency data transmission.

All switches were compatible with mainstream servers and storage devices, enabling seamless integration with existing IT infrastructure. This assisted the customer in completing the core network upgrade in the server room.

For future network expansion, the customer could opt for S5860 PicOS® switches and utilise the AmpCon-Campus SDN controller for centralised management, automated configuration, and operation. This would enable them to easily build a flexible network to meet growing business needs.