Specifications

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common code image that enables consistency and scalability throughout the portfolio from data center core to
edge. The ProVision ASICs are aimed at achieving several technology and business imperatives.
•Providing superior feature capabilities and performance without sacrificing affordability
•Allowing sophisticated control features in both campus and data center networks
•Enabling programmatic capabilities to safeguard future needs and requirements
Data center use models
The HP ProCurve 6600 Switch Series includes one of the most advanced routing switches in the ProCurve
product line. The 6600 switch series is targeted at both top-of-rack server access and end-of-row aggregation/
distribution for enterprise data centers and midmarket compute rooms. The 6600 series products ship standard
with the Intelligent Edge feature group, and offer an optional Premium License feature group that includes
advanced protocols such as Q-in-Q, PIM-SM, PIM-DM, OSPF-ECMP, and VRRP to support end-of-row use
models (RIP and static routing features are included in the standard Intelligent Edge feature group).
The 6600 series was specifically designed to support top-of-rack use models with the intent of supporting highly
virtualized server edge deployments for large Layer 2 scale-out systems. The advantages of top-of-rack use
models are effectively fourfold:
•Lower-cost design: Fixed configuration products offer significant per-port savings over modular-based
products. Additionally, top-of-rack products designed to support front-to-back airflow better support hot-aisle
and cold-aisle separation to reduce cooling expenses.
•Enhanced multi-tier network: Virtualized data centers require expansive Layer 2 footprints to allow for
adequate mobility between hypervisors and application scalability. The 6600 series supports 64K MAC
addresses for enhanced mobility and scale in the data center.
•Reduced cabling costs: With the eventual adoption of 10-Gb at the server edge, direct attach copper cables
from the server NIC to the top-of-rack switch significantly reduce the cost per connection versus expensive
fiber-optic connections.
•Easier edge network refresh: When networking becomes integrated in the rack with servers, technology
refreshes become easier to manage as the compute and networking building blocks are effectively deployed
in tandem.
Figure 1 provides an example of a three-tiered networking model with top-of-rack networking components.
Data center
network
Core
Server and network “packs”
All applications have standard server deployment
Distribution
Top of rack: enables standard
server edge/edge networking racks
ProCurve edge switches deployed
as part of a standard solution
Standard
servers
Standard
server edge
Server edge
Top-of-rack advantages:
• Lower-cost design
• Enhanced multi-tier network designs
• Reduced cabling costs—copper
connections from server edge for 10 Gb
via direct attach
• Edge network can be refreshed more
easily and frequently without disturbing
distribution or core layers
–› Network can begin to match server
deployment requirements and processes
Figure 1: Top-of-rack use model