SPB provides MPLS-like VPN services and is significantly simpler to deploy and maintain, and offers a lower TCO
Shortest Path Bridging (SPB) delivers traffic on the shortest path available and enables network virtualization in carrier grade networks and data centres.
802.1aq SPB is an IEEE networking standard with a primary focus on addressing STP challenges. However, SPB is more than just an STP evolution and unlike MPLS, which requires a “stack” of protocols (for example: LDP, OSPF, MP-BGP, among others), SPB relies on a single protocol to provide this functionality: IS-IS (Intermediate System to Intermediate System).
Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise Intelligent Fabric (iFab) provides further simplification by automating network node provisioning, client device attachment, and dynamic service instantiation. With this simplicity and automation, an ALE-powered SPB solution offers high-end services for a lower TCO.
The Solution
SPB: An open standard for success
SPB has been standardized by both IEEE and IETF, published as 802.1aq and RFC 6329 respectively. ALE actively supports SPB as the standard for network virtualisation, so multi-vendor networks can reap the SPB benefits.
SPB simplifies the network with features such as:
Scalable, fast-converging, multi-path fabric
Multi-tenancy
Dynamic service instantiation
Edge-only service provisioning
Micro-segmentation
Non-IP core
The Data Plane: IEEE 802.1ah provider backbone bridging
The Control Plane: RFC 6329 IS-IS Equal-cost trees
SPB is more than just the evolution of STP
SPB overcomes STP limitation such as unused links, sub-optimal paths, and slow convergence. It creates loop-free topology without blocking links, and offers faster convergence and path optimisation.
Customer Benefits
Shortest Path Bridging benefits
Less complex network: Dynamically build and maintain the network topology between nodes
Efficient operations: Load share and use all available physical connections making more bandwidth available
Cloud-ready network: Transform data center networks into private clouds quickly and easily
Improved performance: Seamless, sub-second network changes with a multi-path fabric for traffic distribution
IT staff save time: Add, remove and relocate virtual machines using software configuration
Reduce potential for human error: Automatic configuration to prevent human errors
Videos
Nornir Automation with OmniSwitch 1/6 00:09:31
Validated SPB Deployment Model for Secure and Scalable Enterprise Networks 2/6 00:02:06
Abilene Christian University Customer Video 3/6 00:01:49
Nevada Department of Transportation Customer Reference 4/6 00:02:58
Revolutionizing buildings with smart building technology 5/6 00:01:09
Risk,resilience and security in governments and cities. 6/6 00:00:34
Customer References
Data Center Abilene Christian UniversityUniversity e-learning for a connected experience Autonomous Network Nevada Department of TransportationState ITS supports IoT and highway traveler safety Data Center ConnetUNetwork service provider improves scale, reliability and performance. Shortest Path Bridging Linkoping UniversitySPB-based campus network simplifies set-up and user support and offers secure flexibility at considerably reduced cost. Search our library of Customer References
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Tech brief
Short Path Bridging Architecture Design Guide
The purpose of this architecture guide is to present Short Path Bridging (802.1aq) networking concepts along with design and deployment guidelines.
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Smart highways reduce congestion and save lives.The 20th century networks of DOTs will not be able to address what the 21st century requires ITS to be. A Servi…
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Shortest Path Bridging: Versatile, simple and reliable
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