Data center networking involves the combination of a number of different resources, such as switching, routing, load balancing and analytics. By combining resources like these, networking enables the processing of data and applications.
In today’s vast, powerful data centers, networking and security virtualization platforms connect a whole host of different applications, as well as containers and VMs. These connections help to support data services, and allow for other processes that help the data center run smoothly, such as management controls and security checks.
Data center networking has changed dramatically in recent years, and new developments in technology are continuing to transform the way that data center networking works – and its capabilities. In just a few years we’ve gone from data centers revolving around physical servers, to integrated models that combine cloud services and really transform what’s possible.
Data center networking explained
The key to the success of data center networking lies in the automation of processes that were once done manually.
Data center networking platforms run services through software. As a result, tasks that had been done manually (and had been vulnerable to human error as a result) can be done far more quickly, and far more accurately.
Digital connections are made between different devices in a data center, to provide another layer of protection to the infrastructure, while also improving its efficiency.
We’re increasingly reliant on technology now, and our demands are only expected to grow in the coming months and years. Already very few consumer and entertainment workloads are executed on single computers, which is why data center networking is so vital right now.
Networks bring servers, clients, applications, and middleware together in a way that allows staff to access their data and manage processes with ease. They’re also important when it comes to managing network, server and storage infrastructure.
Networking platforms allow for the smooth flow of data through on-premises devices, clouds and colocation centers, using routers and switches. The same tools are also capable of identifying potential problems and fixing them.
The benefits of data center networking
Data center networking connects and protects an environment. Networking also allows for the flexibility businesses need to support spikes in demand that tend to come with little to no notice.
As businesses grow and those spikes in demand become more sustained, networking platforms allow companies to adjust their capabilities, in line with the wants and needs of users. Data center networking supports services that make a real difference to the end-user, allowing for consistency and paving the way for automation.
Let’s take a look at some more benefits of data center networking.
Automation
Automation is increasingly used in data centers to improve the speed and quality of services being delivered. The best technicians are no match for truly automated processes, which run far faster than any human could – and eliminate the risk of human error, no matter how long they’ve been running for.
Data networking platforms can now identify how to program networks and balance workloads. They can be used in the automation of all kinds of vital tasks, freeing up huge amounts of time for a company’s workforce. They’re also brilliant when it comes to responding to change, taking action when usage increases or decreases to maintain an efficient service.
Simplicity
Operational simplicity allows for a highly efficient, cost-effective service. In disparate network architectures, the complexity of the setup can make simple tasks far more time-consuming than they need to be. Good data center networking means the simplification of operations, allowing for uniform operations across the entire network. By standardizing, businesses can streamline their processes and eliminate unnecessary complexity.
Speed
In some data centers, siloed infrastructure layers mean that IT staff rely on manual processes to complete requests. And that takes far longer than it really needs to. Data center networking provides IT teams with the tools they need to work far more efficiently, and therefore faster. Once automated services are brought in, teams are free to provide a far more responsive service across multiple environments.
Troubleshooting
Data center networking can be used to maintain a comprehensive view over the entire network. This allows staff to pinpoint potential problems quickly, and take action as and when it might be needed.
Consistency
Data center networking allows teams to centralize resources, and maintain consistency. And that’s really down to how resources are simplified in data center networking. Connecting resources across cloud, on-premises and edge locations allows teams to manage everything via one dashboard, in a clear and consistent way.
Security
Security is of paramount importance in any data center, and data center networking allows for vital improvements here. Applications and data can be given another layer of protection through fully integrated security controls, which make it far more difficult for malicious cyber threats to take hold.
How to manage data center networking effectively
The power of data center networking really relies on the strength of the infrastructure behind it. The following areas will make a real difference to how well networking works, and how much of an impact it has.
Availability
Monitoring of availability is key. Monitor availability in real time to better understand the data center’s capability to respond to changes in demand. Network monitoring tools are essential in the early resolution of potential problems, helping to avoid sudden outages and dips in performance.
Bandwidth
Monitoring bandwidth allows for the careful analysis of growth and usage patterns, and this data enables good management of consumption. Keep an eye on this information, and together with analysis on performance metrics it will allow for the planning of capacity needs.
Network configuration management
Ensure that assets are set up correctly and maintained properly with good network configuration management. Software can be used to configure capabilities and simplify the processes like creating backups and configuring new devices.
Talk to us about data center networking
If you’d like to learn more about data center networking and how it works, don’t hesitate to contact our team.
We’re here to answer any questions you may have, whether you’re completely new to the world of data centers and need to talk through how it all works, or you’re considering colocation and would like to discuss it with us. We’ll help you get started, with a consultative approach to right sizing and right tiering your deployment.
Our team is here to help create a partnership that could become an extension of your organization. Give us a call and we’ll work with you to establish exactly what you need and how we can support you.
