IBM and Cisco: Together for a World Class Data Center

Data center physical access layer evolution

In this chapter, we examine the evolution of the data center physical access layer over the past two decades. A traditional hierarchical network design consists of the following layers:

•Access layer

•Distribution layer

•Core layer

We consider the physical cabling and data center layout, as well as possibilities for the server architecture:

•End-of-Row (EoR)

•Middle-of-Row (MoR)

•Top-of-Rack (ToR)

Finally, we discuss a number of solutions pertaining to the overall network design.

4.1 Introduction to server ...