Cisco ACI

The Cisco Data Center Networking product is based on the Cisco Nexus family of switches, which can be deployed in three architectures depending on customer requirements. Nexus switches have long been a leader in data center networking.

Product description

One hardware, many deployment options. Cisco Nexus switches can be used in the following architectures:

  • Traditional solutions based on standalone Nexus switches running on the NXOS operating system - the solution is designed for smaller new installations, existing customers expanding their environments and customers who do not want or need Leaf and Spine topologies.
  • VXLAN Fabric - a modern solution with Leaf and Spine (fabric) topologies built on standalone Nexus switches running on the NXOS operating system - is designed for larger new installations and customers looking for a modern solution based on VXLAN standards.
  • ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure) - a modern solution with Leaf and Spine (Fabric) topology with central control, i.e. a Software Defined Network (SDN) solution. The ACI also uses VXLAN for internal operation, one of the many advantages over VXLAN Fabric is the central control using APIC (SDN driver).

Technological excellence applies to the performance of the switches (switching frames/packages), the current support of the latest technologies and features in data centers, but also in the top support of the manufacturer, which has been setting trends in data centers for several decades. Nexus switches are therefore a sustainable investment in the data center, with certain long-term software support. At the same time, the Nexus portfolio is easy to navigate - just choose the features + how many and which ports you need. At the same time, line cards for modular boxes are usually made up of the same chips (ASICs) as their fixed equivalents, so orientation between them is simple. Nexus switches have several product lines, the most versatile and up-to-date of which are the Nexus 9000. There are also the Nexus 7000 and 3000 series.

Features

High port density on all models

Ports from 100M to 400GE (metallic/SFP/QSFP)

L2 and L3 functions (by license)

Line rate on all ports - all ports can operate at 100% of their switching capacity without dropping

Redundant power supplies and fans on all models with "hot swappable" feature - replace defective components on the fly

Support for MACSEC and Cloudsec encryption on selected models

Fixed or modular form-factor

Integration with Nexus Dashboard platform

Hardware telemetry support

Benefits

Robust datacenter stacking technology - virtual port-channel

Wide transceiver support

Long-term support from the manufacturer

Clear licensing model

Encryption of data streams in hardware, without added latency

Long-term stable manufacturer that sets trends and participates in the creation of new network protocols

Selected models can be used in LAN and SAN environments

Easy configuration in the familiar and "industry standard" NX-OS environment

A clear portfolio of switches

Why Alef?

  • Strong technical team specialising in remote collaboration
  • Unique know-how in the areas of solution design, implementation and subsequent management
  • Dozens of satisfied customers

Who is the Data Center Networking product for?

For customers who are looking for the best and most powerful that can be purchased for current and future data centers. As an additional requirement, an object-based configuration model is often required, which in addition to full automation, brings significant benefits in security and factory operations. Nexus switches can handle it all.