Delivering Gigabit Ethernet to the Network Edge for Improved Performance and Efficiency

Most networks connect users to the applications and data they need with Ethernet technology, such as 10Base-T and 100Base-TX. ProCurve Networking by HP has played an integral role in the creation of these technologies from its earliest days of 10Base-T development and continues to drive innovation in today’s Gigabit speeds.

This paper focuses on Gigabit Ethernet solutions and how implementing Gigabit to the Edge benefits users and organizations by improving efficiency and profitability. An overview of strategies for easily and affordably bringing Gigabit speeds to users connected at the network edge is also included.

With the emergence of Gigabit Ethernet technologies, which have 10 times the speed of 100Mbit networks and 100 times the speed of standard Ethernet, access to blazing fast network connectivity has become a reality—not only in the network infrastructure, but also on PC desktops and workstations (see Figure 1).

Figure 1. The advancement of Gigabit Ethernet in the LAN switch market. Source: Dell’Oro Group.

Deploying Gigabit to the Edge of an enterprise network is advantageous not only to desktop users hungry for more bandwidth and faster download speeds; the benefits for network administrators also offer powerful incentives for migrating to Gigabit Ethernet.

• Reduced transfer times of large data files from minutes to seconds, increasing productivity with simplified workflow and decreasing time to market and product lifecycle development.
• Instant access to business assets and resources.
• Bandwidth-intensive applications, such as computer-aided design (CAD), video editing, animation and high-resolution imaging, are easily accessed and shared.
• Improved ability to multitask within multiple applications. For example, one user might simultaneously use video conferencing software to watch a CEO telecast, check e-mail, surf the Internet and update a CAD file on the network.
• Enhanced access to mobile computing solutions, from wherever users are connecting.

• Higher network performance with less costly downtime and the elimination of frustrated users waiting for the network.
• Robust security at the network edge with secure transactions taking place at 10 times the speed of 100Base-TX.
• Increased flexibility to do more with the entire network.
• A seamless transition from 100Mbit and 10Mbit technologies to Gigabit Ethernet, leveraging existing investments in network infrastructure.
• Flexibility and an affordable price in upgrading to Gigabit Ethernet all at once or incrementally.

Figure 1. Gigabit to the Edge: User Experience

Gigabit Ethernet technology is quickly becoming mainstream–at both the server and desktop. Today, all HP enterprise clients–desktops, notebooks and HP enterprise servers–ship standard with Gigabit Ethernet. With Gigabit technologies coming straight out of the box, the ubiquity of Gigabit Ethernet in new desktops and servers means minimal effort to upgrade the network edge. The evolution and backwards compatibility of Ethernet and Fast Ethernet standards to today’s Gigabit speeds also means easy migration of existing network technologies. This backwards compatibility renders Gigabit to the Edge migrations extremely easy, with the ability to upgrade or replace clients by merely plugging the new Gigabit-ready device into a switch. Migrations can be conducted gradually if desired, one device at a time. For example, by installing a ProCurve Switch 3400cl series stackable in the wiring closet today, network administrators can still serve their 10 and 100Mbit clients with auto-negotiating ports, while being fully prepared to support Gigabit devices as they are added to the network. In addition, these new ProCurve switches also provide optional 10 GbE uplinks to ensure future scalability and further protect the initial investment.

Until recently, networks only had to support the transfer of files from one place to another. As networks and computers have evolved, so have the applications being utilized. Bandwidth needs have continued to expand, particularly with the convergence of media-rich applications, such as video and voice. With this increase in bandwidth and network-based applications, administrators require more control and performance at the edge of the network. By deploying Gigabit to the Edge, network administrators and information technology (IT) groups are able to support these and other applications, such as remote software installations, backups, e-mail and database management, at huge performance increases over 100Base-TX. Network reliability also improves with Gigabit to the Edge deployment. Just as networks migrated from 10Mbit to 100Mbit and gained a 10-fold improvement, the same is true when moving from 100Mbit to Gigabit Ethernet. By alleviating congestion and removing bottlenecks, the network simply performs better. Running Gigabit at the edge and all the way to the network center allows applications that require uninterrupted transmission, such as a streaming media video application, to get the bandwidth they need to perform as expected. As end users access multiple network applications on their computers at the same time, Gigabit to the Edge prevents desktop clients from getting bogged down waiting for the network to catch up to the faster GHz processors of their desktop PCs. Finally, the increase of mobile users has created a greater need for secure access to communications and services based on an individual’s profile and business needs–no matter where a user connects to the network. These additional layers of security have often meant increased overhead costs. By implementing Gigabit to the Edge, clients can communicate with the server to perform secure transactions at 10 times the speed, which frees up the client and server to move on to other tasks, minimizing the need for additional investments in server upgrades.

After support for Gigabit Ethernet to the network infrastructure is implemented, Gigabit-enabled devices can be added to the network. Clients without Gigabit connectivity can be easily upgraded with an HP Gigabit PCI card that has been tested on all HP desktop platforms. HP’s Gigabit Ethernet NICs are priced competitively with Fast Ethernet NICs, enabling customers to realize the full potential of Gigabit to the Edge at no price premium. By making this small investment, the life of these clients is extended and thus money is saved by not having to completely replace them. Any new desktop purchases should be evaluated on whether Gigabit Ethernet technologies are included. All HP enterprise clients, including all desktops and notebooks, ship standard with Gigabit Ethernet support.

ProCurve’s intelligent switches and Adaptive EDGE Architecture meet both business and IT needs, providing maximum value to organizations seeking Gigabit Ethernet at the network edge.

• Improved productivity. With Gigabit speeds, bandwidth hungry applications can deliver critical information with extremely fast response times. Employees don’t have to wait for results and efficiency is improved. Also, by providing optional 10GbE uplinks, ProCurve not only gives customers 10 times the bandwidth capability over 100mb, but also more bandwidth in the future with 10GbE. This enables customers to future-proof their networks and be able to support advanced applications for years to come.
• Investment protection. Since most 100Mb switch legacy sites will support Gigabit capabilities, there is minimal or no re-wiring of current wiring closets. Therefore, customers can have the bandwidth increases afforded by Gigabit technologies without overhauling the entire network. ProCurve solutions adhere to IEEE network standards and are interoperable with legacy and third party equipment, which further protects existing and future investments. And since ProCurve switches come with a lifetime warranty and offer free phone support and software updates, customers are protected as long as they own the switches.
• New business opportunities. Customers that have Gigabit Ethernet capabilities at the network edge can affordably deploy new high-performance applications that come to market without sacrificing response time. Also, Gigabit-ready, high-performance servers and workstations can easily be added to the network and perform proficiently.
• Affordable performance and power. With Gigabit and 10GbE, customers can add 100 times more network capacity at today’s more affordable prices. And with ProCurve’s commitment to delivering solutions that are flexible and able to adapt to changing technology and business needs, customers are assured of value in both the short-term and long-term.

• Superior return on investment. ProCurve customers can add Gigabit and 10GbE capabilities over time if desired, starting with the data center and then upgrading wiring closets. And since ProCurve solutions support all IEEE LAN standards, customers will always be able to use ProCurve switches as their networks expand or age
.
• Improved network efficiency. With edge intelligence in ProCurve switches, customers have exceptional management controls that provide instant network reaction to malicious traffic and security breaches.
• Multi-service networks. With the best security features, ProCurve switches can provide robust access capabilities that meet customers’ specific needs. ProCurve solutions also offer instant discovery and network priority access for mobile connectivity. And with video, voice conferencing and other interactive network features, ProCurve switches can provide priority bandwidth and priority queuing throughout the network.
• Reduced costs and reliance on fiber. With affordable copper connectivity, customer reliance on costly fiber implementations is kept to a minimum. 10GbE copper was created to be cost efficient and easily implemented without having to contract expensive fiber links through specialized cable providers

With the growing availability and affordability of Gigabit-enabled desktops and networking products, Gigabit to the Edge is a no longer a matter of how or if, but rather a matter of when. The innumerable performance benefits to users and network administrators as well as the ease and affordability of migration from standard Ethernet technologies make deploying Gigabit at the network edge a priority for any enterprise.