Network Virtualization using Extreme Fabric Connect

Table Of Contents
Network Virtualization Using Extreme Fabric Connect
© 2019 Extreme Networks, Inc. All rights reserved. 10
It is for these reasons that Extreme has developed Fabric Connect (FC), which is fundamentally a new
networking foundation based on Ethernet. FC utilizes a single control plane that combines essential
multicast capabilities and state-of-the-art link state routing with virtualization capabilities to match and
exceed those of MPLS- or EVPN-based solutions while significantly reducing complexity.
This document provides a detailed insight into Extreme Fabric Connect and explains how it can meet enterprise
network requirements. Because Fabric Connect is fundamentally different from other traditional network
architectures, the Reference Architecture section provides comparisons between Fabric Connect and traditional
architectures, including benefits and disadvantages. Readers who are familiar with these traditional technologies
may find the comparisons helpful when trying to apply their experience to Fabric Connect principles.
The Guiding Principles section introduces at a high-level how the various Fabric Connect components come
together to address campus, branch office, data center, and automated edge deployments. The Architecture
Components section provides details on the fundamental pieces of Fabric Connect. Several major sections are
then dedicated for greater depth into the relevant FC functionalities. The consolidated design overview section
then cuts again across the fabric architecture to cement what should now be fully understood by the reader.
Throughout the document, insights are provided into the relevant Extreme networking platforms used to
build Fabric Connect as well as warning on platform limitations and correct positioning. However, it is not
the intent of this document to provide an all-inclusive design guide. The Extreme product portfolio
experiences constant innovation and improvement, and current product specification design guidelines
should be referenced when designing Fabric Connect solutions.