White aper BTI Systems Cloud Exchange Blueprint for Colocation and Service roviders An evolutionary approach to enable highly scalable, flexible, and profitable cloud connectivity services
2 BTI Systems Cloud Exchange Blueprint for Colocation and Service roviders Contents Executive Summary... 2 Introduction: Cloud Exchange Opportunities... 3 Challenge: Conventional Architectures are Inefficient and Difficult to Extend Across Metro Areas... 3 The Solution: MLS Networks for Extended erformance and Reach.... 4 BTI s Cloud Exchange Solution: Scalable, Converged and Flexible Connectivity.... 5 BTI Enables Graceful Network Migration Strategies for Cloud Exchange Services.... 7 Conclusion: Move Beyond Space, ower, and Cross-Connects with High-Value Cloud Exchange Services.... 10 About BTI Systems.... 11 Executive Summary The cloud is transforming information technology. Across the globe enterprises are turning to cloud-based services to increase business agility and improve economics. Enterprising colocation and service providers around the world are introducing valuable Cloud Exchange services to tap into the skyrocketing cloud market. With BTI s Intelligent Cloud Connect platform providers can offer direct cloud connections to bypass the public Internet for superior performance, reliability, and security. Specifically designed to meet the stringent scalability and agility demands of the cloud, BTI s solution combines the efficiency and predictability of MLS (multiprotocol label switching), with the capacity and scale of optical. The programmability of software-defined networking (SDN) also enables simple and flexible high-capacity connectivity across data centers and metro networks. This white paper reviews Cloud Exchange business opportunities for colocation and service providers and provides a blueprint for constructing highly adaptable and programmable network fabrics that deliver elastic connectivity to a wide range of cloud-based resources.
BTI White aper 3 Introduction: Cloud Exchange Opportunities Colocation and service providers are continuously seeking innovative ways to attract new customers, expand service offerings and grow revenues in today s increasingly competitive business climate. Many are exploring Cloud Exchange services to spur growth. All over the world, businesses of every size and industry are turning to the cloud to improve agility, extend reach, and contain costs. In fact, by 2018, more than three quarters of workloads will be processed by cloud data centers.¹ Enterprises require reliable, flexible, secure, high-capacity connectivity to a broad range of private and public cloud-based resources and services. Unpredictable connectivity can lead to uncontrollable outages, slow application performance, poor user experiences, and lost business. Yet most businesses still connect to the cloud today via best-effort public Internet connections. Colocation and service providers can tap into the massive cloud market by offering enterprises high bandwidth, lowlatency cloud connections that bypass the public Internet for superior throughput, reliability, and security. The Cloud Exchanges provide direct connectivity to a wide range of cloud-based compute, storage, content, and networking resources and services. They enable enterprises to turn up connections and burst bandwidth on-demand for ultimate flexibility. Cloud Exchange services combine the economics and service velocity of the public cloud with the performance and predictability of the private cloud. They are perfect for hybrid cloud deployments; enterprises can instantiate private clouds inside the colocation centers of their choice and leverage a public cloud for select services, overflow, business continuity, backup, or sandbox development. Cloud Exchanges are ideal for drawing more enterprise customers into a colocation center customers that typically drive higher margin opportunities. As power and space pricing erodes margins in colocation sites, providers can move up the value chain and restore margins with value-added Cloud Exchange services. Challenge: Conventional Architectures are Inefficient and Difficult to Extend Across Metro Areas Data center networks engineered to enable conventional IT applications and data transport services are often too costly, inefficient, and inflexible for today s dynamic cloud environments. Many providers are hampered by simple VLAN Ethernet architectures originally engineered to enable connectivity simply within the data center. These LAN-centric architectures aren t well suited for delivering high-performance connectivity between data centers and across metro networks (see Figure 1). Figure 1: Conventional Ethernet Architecture Switch Switch Switch Blocked links do not carry traffic Switch Switch Switch 1 Cisco Global Cloud Index, Cisco 2014
4 BTI Systems Cloud Exchange Blueprint for Colocation and Service roviders Many legacy networks rely on a variant of the spanning tree protocol (ST), which suffers from a variety of performance constraints: > > ST yields hierarchical network topologies that are inherently inefficient. Site-to-site traffic must traverse multiple layers of switching equipment. Each switch adds latency, degrading application performance. > > ST employs standby links for failover, squandering valuable metro bandwidth. Designed to avoid loops and prevent broadcast storms, ST establishes only one active path between any two switches at any given point in time, regardless of how many physical connections might exist. Costly site-to-site backup connections sit idle most of the time. > > Recovery can take several seconds to re-converge after link failures, impairing real-time traffic and delay-sensitive applications. The Solution: MLS Networks for Extended erformance and Reach Forward-looking colocation and service providers are implementing MLS networks to enable Cloud Exchange services. MLS is a connection-oriented packet transport network technology that brings the predictability of circuit switching to the packet-switched world. Often referred to as a Layer 2+ protocol, MLS avoids more complex, processor-intensive routing computations associated with conventional Layer 3 routing protocols, while ensuring a predictable service quality. When combined with high-capacity optical transport, MLS networks are ideal for enabling high bandwidth, low-latency connectivity between data centers and across metro networks. Figure 2 shows a simple two-tier network with MLS Label Switching Routers (LSRs) and MLS Label Edge Routers (LERs). In MLS networks, router roles are described as or E. A router is a core backbone node router that is only doing label switching between end points, thus primarily serves only an LSR function. The rovider Edge Router (E) is a servicecentric router that faces customer and/or Internet points, adds a label at ingress and pops the label off at egress. They initiate and terminate services such as Layer 2 or Layer 3 VNs. LSRs (or routers) act as the transit nodes that perform MLS switching for high performance and fast re-route protection across the network. Figure 2: Typical MLS Architecture Incumbent LSRs E E E E Incumbent LERs Data Center 1... Data Center n
BTI White aper 5 MLS networks offer a variety of advantages over conventional ST-based networks including: > > Superior performance - flatter network topologies with fewer switching layers (hops) for higher performance and lower latency. > > Greater efficiency - optimal use of network resources to improve network utilization (no idle standby links as with ST). > > Better control - granular traffic engineering functions to manage capacity, prioritize traffic flows, prevent congestion, and enable Service Level Agreements (SLAs). > > High reliability - fully resilient network designs for continuous service availability (without the re-convergence delays of ST). > > High scalability - highly scalable networks; LERs and LSRs can be easily be added in an incremental fashion to accommodate growth as needed. BTI s Cloud Exchange Solution: Scalable, Converged and Flexible Connectivity BTI s Intelligent Cloud Connect platform is the cornerstone of the BTI Cloud Exchange solution. The SDN-enabled solution includes the BTI pronx Control Software, and associated applications - BTI pronx Service Manager and the BTI pronx Dashboard - and the open AIs to deliver customer-branded self service portals. The BTI Intelligent Cloud Connect is specifically designed to meet the stringent performance, scalability, and agility demands of the cloud. The system and software combine the intelligence and flexibility of routing, with the capacity and scale of optical transport, and the automation and programmability of software-defined networking (SDN) to drive efficiencies and services agility. It collapses network layers and simplifies operations while minimizing space and power requirements, and removing potential interconnect points of failure. BTI s Intelligent Cloud Connect facilitates simple, flexible, high-capacity connections between data centers and across metro networks to peering points and other cloud services. Colocation and service providers can create highly adaptable and programmable Cloud Exchanges that deliver direct connectivity to a wide range of cloud-based compute, storage, content, and networking resources. Operations support systems (OSSs), business support systems (BSSs), and customer portals can dynamically set up connections and adjust bandwidth to satisfy real-time business demands and evolving application requirements. BTI 7800 Series Intelligent Cloud Connect latform The BTI 7800 Series Intelligent Cloud Connect platform provides 10G and 100G wavelength capacities with industry-leading scale, density, and performance. The carrier grade, open-networking platform integrates high-capacity optical switching with multiprotocol label switch routing to meet massive scalability and agility requirements at a fraction of the cost of alternative solutions. The BTI 7800 Series converged packet-optical architecture significantly reduces power, cooling, and space requirements, and dramatically reduces operational complexity for significant CAEX and OEX savings.
6 BTI Systems Cloud Exchange Blueprint for Colocation and Service roviders The BTI 7800 Series supports a modular, pay-as-you-grow architecture that eliminates massive upfront capital investments and lopsided business models. roviders can start small and then add capacity in an incremental fashion to support business growth or capture new market opportunities. BTI pronx Control Software and Applications The SDN-enabled BTI pronx Control Software provides unified management for all BTI networking elements. The software monitors and controls BTI platforms as well as third-party devices via standards-based SNM and NETCONF interfaces. The BTI pronx Control Software also supports northbound REST AIs that streamline integration with external OSS and BSS systems, as well as open, standards-based SDN controllers (see Figure 3). External applications back office systems, customer self-service portals, etc. can set up connections and manage bandwidth in real-time to support on-demand services. The abstract REST AIs shield programmers from the complexities of the underlying networking infrastructure. Web developers who aren t deeply versed in networking technology or BTI platforms can create innovative applications quickly and easily. Figure 3: BTI SDN-Enabled Architecture BTI Applications BTI pronx Service Manager BTI pronx Dashboard Self- Service ortal 3rd arty Apps REST AIs BTI pronx Control Software BTI pronx SNM NETCONF Data Center Interconnect Network The BTI pronx Service Manager application provides provisioning templates, configuration wizards, and one-click service activation features that eliminate manually intensive and error-prone tasks, accelerate bandwidth turn-up and capacity expansion, and simplify operations. The BTI pronx Dashboard application provides a concise view of the health and performance of all BTI networking platforms. The dashboard displays network-wide alarms and events as well as performance and inventory data on a single screen. The browser-based interface can be accessed from any device C, smartphone, or tablet.
BTI White aper 7 BTI also offers the ability to support customer-facing self-service portal applications that deliver significant benefits to both the provider and the customer. roviders can create profiles for all services that are available to customers as a one-time activity. Through a portal, customers can choose from a list of available services, and select and activate services in real-time without any provider intervention. Services can be enabled on-demand or on a scheduled basis using calendaring tools included in the portal. A scheduling feature can be used to enable cloud bursting, for example, to temporarily boost bandwidth to support overnight backups or immediate bandwidth on demand needs. roviders maintain strict control over which service profiles and service termination points are available to which customers. ortal access controls and authorization rights can be administered locally via a portal itself or by an external CRM system. A portal can also provide service activation and provisioning audit trails that can be used for accounting and billing purposes. The ath to SDN BTI Cloud Exchange Solution allows providers to take full advantage of a software-enabled architecture today and introduce open SDN controllers and applications over time, as the standards mature and third-party solutions become market-ready. roviders can integrate support for open SDN controllers as they become available, for seamless integration with standards-based SDN data center management architectures. BTI will support BTI pronx Control Software plug-ins for OpenDaylight (ODL) and other open SDN controllers. Abstract northbound interfaces are provided for external applications. BTI will also support standard OpenFlow interfaces to networking elements as required, to support an end-to-end SDN management and control architecture. BTI Enables Graceful Network Migration Strategies for Cloud Exchange Services Conventional data center interconnect networks are typically constructed using separate layers of discrete routing and optical networking elements that are independently administered and managed, and offer limited programmability. Re-provisioning the network is a manually intensive, error-prone process that involves multiple devices and administrative interfaces, impeding service agility. Expanding network capacity often means adding more switches and routers, and increasing operational expense (space, power, cooling) and complexity (more administrative touch points, more connections). BTI s Intelligent Cloud Connect delivers optical and L2+ switching capabilities in a single platform, with unified SDN management and control, enabling providers to consolidate equipment and network layers, simplify administration, and contain operating expenses. With BTI s Intelligent Cloud Connect, providers can take a phased approach to network evolution, incrementally upgrading select network elements in a gradual fashion. The incremental approach minimizes disruption, while protecting and extending previous investments. Figure 4 shows a legacy network comprised of distinct 10G optical transport and MLS routing layers. The BTI 7800 Series Intelligent Cloud Connect platform can be introduced in stages, initially to enable high-capacity 100G optical transport, and ultimately to enable a fully converged packet-optical infrastructure.
8 BTI Systems Cloud Exchange Blueprint for Colocation and Service roviders Figure 4: Incumbent Data Center Interconnect Network with Distinct acket and Layers Incumbent LSR function 10G 10G Incumbent 10G 10G 10G E E E E Incumbent LER function Data Center 1... Data Center n hase 1 100G Upgrade In the first phase of a network migration, the legacy 10G-optical switching equipment is overlaid with BTI 7800 Series platforms to create a high-capacity 100G optical transport layer. The MLS layer of the network remains unchanged (see Figure 5). Figure 5: hase 1 - BTI 7800 s rovide High-Capacity 100G Transport Layer Incumbent LSR function 100G 100G 10G 100G 100G 10G BTI 7800 Series provides upgrade to 100G E E E E E E E E Incumbent LER function Data Center 1... Data Center n
BTI White aper 9 hase 2 LSR Integration In the second phase the BTI 7800 Series platforms subsume the LSR functionality, reducing operations cost and complexity. The decommissioned LSRs can then be repurposed elsewhere (see Figure 6). Figure 6: hase 2 - BTI 7800 s Subsume the LSR Functionality 100G 100G BTI 7800 Series subsumes the LSR functionality 100G 10G 100G 10G BTI 7800 Series E E E E E E E E Incumbent LER function Data Center 1... Data Center n hase 3 LER Integration In the final phase of the network migration, the BTI 7800 Series platforms subsume the LER functionality (see Figure 7). The provider now enjoys a fully converged packet-optical network for ultimate simplicity and OEX savings. Figure 7: hase 3 - BTI 7800 s Subsume the LER Functionality 100G 100G BTI 7800 Series with LSR functionality 100G 10G 100G 10G E E E E E E E E BTI 7800 Series subsumes LER functionality Data Center 1... Data Center n
10 BTI Systems Cloud Exchange Blueprint for Colocation and Service roviders Conclusion: Move beyond Space, ower, and Cross-Connects with High-Value Cloud Exchange Services BTI s innovative Intelligent Cloud Connect platform helps colocation and service providers move beyond space, power, and cross-connects with value-added cloud exchange services. The platform, along with BTI pronx software offers a Cloud Exchange Solution that lets providers take strategic control of the network, so capacity can be turned up quickly and easily to address realtime customer demands (see Figure 8). With BTI s Cloud Exchange Solution, providers can implement a virtualized packet fabric that supports elastic services and gives enterprise customers a single point of connection to global carriers, ISs, cloud providers, CDNs, content providers and other businesses. By putting control directly into the hands of the end-customer, providers can improve service agility and customer satisfaction, while reducing OEX. Figure 8: BTI s Cloud Exchange Solution Devices Self-service portal BTI Cloud Exchange Solution Single port connectivity to multiple exchanges Global Carriers Local ISs Enterprises Cloud Hub CDN Cloud roviders Enterprises Storage/Server Hosting
BTI White aper 11 BTI s Cloud Exchange Solution delivers: > > Ultra-high performance high capacity, low-latency connectivity, fully optimized for bandwidth intensive, delaysensitive traffic > > Industry-leading economics lower OEX and CAEX, with fewer network layers and devices; reduced power, cooling, and rack space requirements; simpler administration; and increased automation > > Simplified provisioning and operations with point-and-click, end-to-end configuration and management, and custom branded self-service portals for faster and more reliable services creation > > Unmatched service agility with SDN-enabled management and control to turn-up connections, institute traffic engineering policies, and burst bandwidth on-demand > > Carrier-grade reliability and scalability massively scalable and highly available, with a modular, pay-as-you-grow architecture that minimizes upfront capital expenditures and avoids upside-down business models > > Flexible implementation models to minimize disruption and protect and extend previous investments To learn more about how our Cloud Exchange Solution can help you move up the value chain and draw more enterprise customers into your colocation center contact your BTI Systems sales representative or authorized systems integrator or reseller partner. About BTI Systems BTI delivers solutions that transform the economics, performance and innovation of global networks through intelligent networking software and systems. Leading content, cloud and service providers choose BTI to drive improved operational efficiencies and profitably deliver high-value services to businesses and consumers around the globe. With more than 380 customers, BTI is headquartered in North America, and operates regional sales, marketing, and R&D centers of excellence throughout the world. For more information, visit www..
2014-BTI-W0218.1 BTI Systems Inc. Corporate Headquarters 1000 Innovation Drive, Suite 200 Ottawa, Ontario K2K 3E7 Canada US Headquarters One Monarch Drive, Suite 105 Littleton, MA 01460 USA BTI is a registered trademark of BTI Systems Inc. Any other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. Specifications subject to change without notice. 2014 BTI Systems Inc. and/or its subsidiaries or affiliates. All rights reserved.