Virtual Enterprise Network Architecture


Overview 
Fabric Connect, in computer networking usage, is the name used by Extreme Networks to market an extended implementation of the IEEE 802.1aq and IEEE 802.1ah-2008 standards.

The Fabric Connect technology was originally developed by the Enterprise Solutions R&D department within Nortel Networks.  In 2009, Avaya, Inc acquired Nortel Networks Enterprise Business Solutions; this transaction included the Fabric Connect intellectual property together with all of the Ethernet Switching platforms that supported it.  Subsequently, the Fabric Connect technology became part of the Extreme Networks portfolio by virtue of their 2017 purchase of the Avaya Networking business and assets.  It was during the Avaya era that this technology was promoted as the lead element of the Virtual Enterprise Network Architecture (VENA).

For their part, Extreme Networks have stated that the acquisition of the Avaya Networking assets and more specifically the "award-winning Fabric technology...strengthens Extreme's position as a leader across the education, healthcare and government markets".

Components of Fabric Connect

Technologies

Fabric Connect 
A network virtualization capability, based on an enhanced implementation of the IEEE 802.1aq Shortest Path Bridging (SPB) standard, Fabric Connect offers the ability to create a simplified network that can dynamically virtualize elements to efficiently provision and utilize resources, thus reducing the strain on the network and personnel. Extreme Networks base the Fabric Connect technology on the SPB standard, including support for RFC 6329, and have integrated IP Routing and IP Multicast support; this unified technology allows for the replacement of multiple conventional protocols such as Spanning Tree, RIP and/or OSPF, ECMP, and PIM.  Simply put, Fabric Connect's aim is to provide network-wide, end-to-end, multi-layer virtualization.

Fabric Attach 
An adjunct to the Fabric Connect technology, Fabric Attach, allows network operators to extend network virtualization directly into the conventional wiring closet (on existing non-Fabric Ethernet Switches) and automate the provisioning of devices to their appropriate virtual network.  This is particularly relevant for the mass of unattended network end-point that are now appearing, such as IP Phones, Wireless Access Points, and IP Cameras.  Fabric Attach standardized protocols such as 802.1AB LLDP to exchange credentails and obtain provisioning information that allows "Client" Switches to be automatically re-configured on the fly with parameters that let traffic flows map through to Fabric Connect Edge Switches (aka "Backbone Edge Bridge" in SPB definition) functioning as a Fabric Attach "Server" Switch.  This method is described by an IETF "Internet Draft", pending further standardization activity.  Fabric Attach is typically used to automate Wiring Closet connectivity, but has the potential to be extensible for use in the Data Center, with Virtual Machines being able to dynamically request VLAN/VSN (Virtual Service Network) assignment based upon application requirements.

Hardware Products

Virtual Services Platform 9000 Series 
A range of modular chassis-based products, featuring a carrier-grade Linux operation system, and designed for high-performance deployment scenarios that need to scale to multiple terabit of switching capacity and support 10 and 40 gigabit Ethernet connections, and is designed to eventually support 100 Gigabit Ethernet.

Virtual Services Platform 8000 Series 
A compact form-factor platform delivering high-density 10/40 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, and targeted at mid-market through to mid-size enterprise core switch applications.

Virtual Services Platform 7000 Series 
These are a range of high-end 10 Gigabit Ethernet stackable switches that extend Fabric-based networking to the Data Center Top-of-Rack. They support 40 Gigabit Ethernet via the MDA Slot.

Virtual Services Platform 4000 Series 
This is a range of high-end Gigabit Ethernet stackable switches that extend Fabric-based networking to branch and metro locations.

Ethernet Routing Switch 5000 Series 
This range of high-end Gigabit Ethernet stackable switches provide enterprise-class desktop features, including PoE, and offering 10 Gbit/s uplink connections. Each Switch supports up to 144 Gbit/s of virtual backplane capacity, delivering up to 1.152 Tbit/s for a system of eight, creating a virtual backplane through a stacking configuration.

Ethernet Routing Switch 4000 Series 
These mid-range Gigabit Ethernet stackable switches provide enterprise-class desktop features, including PoE/PoE+, and offering 1/10 Gbit/s uplink connections. Each switch supports up to 48Gbit/s of virtual backplane capacity, delivering up to 384Gbit/s for a system of 8, creating a virtual backplane through a stacking configuration.

Ethernet Routing Switch 3500 Series 
These entry-level Gigabit Ethernet stackable switches provide enterprise-class desktop features, including PoE/PoE+, and 1 Gbit/s uplink connections.

See also

 Avaya Networking
 Split Multi-Link Trunking
 Routed-SMLT
 Shortest Path Bridging
 Fabric computing

References

Further reading

External links
 Avaya Networking
 What’s network functions virtualization(NFV) and what are its benefits?

Internet architecture
Network architecture
Cloud computing