Juniper Networks has launched a brand new open architecture enabling operators to use any technology, protocol, orchestration platform or SDN controller as part of a telco data centre network.
MetaFabric provides new and existing switching, routing, SDN and security solutions, enabling operators to integrate a wide array of software and hardware products from different vendors without needing to rip and replace existing infrastructure.
The solution is aimed at operators building next-generation cloud data centres to support new technologies and services like mobility, big data and cloud storage, enabling telcos to deploy, utilise and manage a unified pool of network resources across geographically-dispersed data centres.
The solution combines Juniper products such as the QFX and EX switches, MX routers, SRX security systems and Contrail SDN controller into an intra- and inter-data centre network.
To improve flexibility and resilience in the data centre, Juniper has also launched the QFX5100 family of access switches designed for Layer 2 and Layer 3.
Flexible, high-performance, low-latency and feature-rich, the new switches include Juniper’s mixed 1/10/40GbE Virtual Chassis, Virtual Chassis Fabric and QFabric architectures, and open architectures such as Spine and Leaf and Layer 3 fabrics.
Also supporting the MetaFabric are updated versions of Juniper’s MX Series routers that support Ethernet VPN (EVPN), a feature which maximises performance by laying out the most efficient forwarding path across the WAN.
“For the first time, MetaFabric will allow companies to operate multiple data centres – physical and virtual, private and cloud – as a single, flexible pool of network resources, providing tremendous levels of flexibility and efficiency, as enterprises and service providers shift towards an application-driven world,” said Rami Rahim, executive vice president, Platform Systems Division for Juniper Networks.