As data center networks grew to accommodate bandwidth demands, they also shifted from classical 3-tier network architectures to a flatter and wider spine-and-leaf topology. The fully meshed connectivity approach typical of spine-and-leaf architecture yields predictable high-speed network performance and reliability of next-generation networks.
Network hosts exclusively connect to leaf switches, which are in turn linked to all available spine switches. The uplink port count on the leaf switch dictates how many spine switches the network can handle, while the port count of the spine switch determines the maximum number of leaf switches it supports. These leaf-spine principles heavily shape switch manufacturers' design strategies.
Mesh networks are also vital for cloud and AI applications, offering adaptable connectivity, redundancy, load balancing, and resource optimization for efficient data center communication.
Using EDGE™ 4x4 Mesh Modules in the data center simplifies connectivity by breaking out four-channel parallel ports to create a duplex fabric, eliminating MTP® into LC conversion. With higher port densities, lower power consumption, and reduced costs per 10G port, they enhance port diversification for 1G applications using QSFP+ transceivers.
