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Distribution Layer Switch UpgradeU-M Backbone at Ann Arbor CampusThe campus UMnet Backbone network architecture was modified dramatically in 2002 to provide for two Distribution Layer switches in each building or building complex. This modification had a number of advantages in terms of management, as well as consolidating LANs and minimizing individual customer connections to the backbone. The project was centrally funded with no intent to centrally fund future new installations or upgrades. Engineering was accomplished by ITCom Engineering staff under the auspices of the UM Network Working Group. Maintenance and management has been handled by UMnet Administration. This model has worked well for several years. As the need to replace aged Distribution Layer switches approached, the Network Working Group re-evaluated the expected functionality of the switches. It became apparent that better performance and less downtime could be achieved by pushing Layer 3 from the Core to the Distribution Layer. Also, the Distribution Layer architecture needed to be consistent and conform to a set of well-defined standards for administrative, maintenance, and performance reasons. The Minimum Configuration for Distribution Layer Switches as set down by the Network Working Group is in Appendix A. In addition to a new configuration model for the architecture, a new funding model was developed and approved by the Provost's Office. Approved Funding ModelAt the simplest level, ITCom will capital fund one (1) Distribution Layer switch per building or complex of buildings in accordance with the guidelines set forth in Appendix A. Any building or complex of buildings wishing to continue use of a second (redundant) Distribution Layer switch will be required to fund the second Distribution Layer switch. ITCom will capital finance the second Distribution Layer switch for the department and will recover equipment and financing costs through a monthly recurring charge (MRC) to the department requesting the second Distribution Layer switch. Desired features or functionality in excess of those identified in Appendix A will be the responsibility of the owner of the building or complex of buildings. The second Distribution Layer switch needs to be upgraded at the same time as the primary Distribution Layer switch. The second Distribution Layer switch can be selected from the list of approved Distribution Layer switches and does not need to be the same model as the primary. ITCom will continue to fund the Service Agreements for all Distribution Layer switches, as well as continue to manage, administer, maintain, and support the Distribution Layer switch environment. For security reasons, ITCom will maintain sole management of the Distribution Layer switch environment. Distribution Layer switch 4006 series will be upgraded in FY09, the 7603 series in FY10, and the balance in FY11 and FY12. The budgeted life cycle of these devices will be five years. This model is proposed as the solution for the current replacement cycle. The model is subject to change for the next replacement cycle (FY14–FY18). The initial Distribution Layer switch implementation in 2002 was funded by ITCom surplus funds in an attempt to spend down the reserve account to meet federal guidelines for reserve accounts. The costs for this upgrade will be recovered through debt funding with the debt being financed via the backbone cost recovery model over the next five years. This Distribution Layer switch upgrade is applicable to UMnet customers directly connected to the campus backbone. It is not applicable to the U-M Health System or School of Engineering—these campus units manage and fund their own backbones. Distribution Layer Switch Model Implication for Data CentersThe proposed Distribution Layer switch model would cover Data Centers, such as the MACC, Arbor Lakes (including room 1214) and the School of Education. Specifically, this means that ITCom will cover the replacement cost of one of the two Data Center Distribution Layer switches (once the Distribution Layer switch has reached end of life), and that the Data Center(s) would be responsible for covering the cost of the second Distribution Layer switch. Also, the annual Service Agreement (SA) maintenance costs for both Distribution Layer switches would be covered by ITCom as part of the core backbone infrastructure. The funding model for the Data Center second Distribution Layer switch, if desired, will be the same as for the departmental second Distribution Layer switch. Standard CircuitThe standard interface from the DL switch to the backbone core router is a 1 Gigabit Ethernet (1GE) circuit. Units needing a faster link may purchase a 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GE) through ITCom. See UMnet Backbone Circuit Rates. ScheduleDistribution Layer Switch Replacement Schedule FAQFrequently asked questions related to this upgrade project. UMnet Backbone Funding Model Prior to FY09
UMnet Backbone Funding Model as of FY09
Appendix AMinimum Configuration for Distribution Layer SwitchesIntroductionThe UMnet Backbone is comprised of two layers—the Core and the Distribution Layer. The Distribution Layer is a set of two Distribution Layer switches that reside in each Ann Arbor campus building, or building complex and extend the backbone to that building or complex. The Distribution Layer switches provide a point of connection for local switches/networks in the building. Each set of Distribution Layer switches has two one-Gigabit Ethernet connections to the backbone core. These connections are to two different core devices for redundancy. The Distribution Layer switches are maintained and operated by UMnet Administration. The first sets of Distribution Layer switches were installed starting the 14th of May 2002. New Distribution Layer switches were added as new buildings were built or it was determined that network connectivity was needed to a particular existing building that was not supported by a Distribution Layer switch. Purpose and ScopeThe purpose of this document is to outline the baseline configuration of the Distribution Layer switches being deployed during the current replacement cycle (summer 2008–summer 2011). The UM Network Working Group developed and endorsed the minimum configuration as a means to provide a reliable backbone without being extravagant with the features. Some departments may see a need for a Distribution Layer switch that has more capabilities than that outlined in this document. An example would be a department requiring ten-Gigabit Ethernet (10GE) links from the Access Layer to Distribution Layer switches. This is not in contradiction with these guidelines. However, the unit desiring additional features will be responsible for cost differentials above the baseline configuration. Physical Characteristics
Layer1 Features & Protocols
Layer2 Protocols
Layer3 Features & ProtocolsRouting ProtocolsManagement Features |
