For example, a 10GBASE-CX1 copper cable could be used to provide a low cost, low power, 10 gigabit server connection. Given that the server connects with very short copper cables within the rack, there is more flexibility and options in terms of what that cable is and how fast of a connection it can support. Any network upgrades or issues with the rack switches will generally only affect the servers within that rack, not an entire row of servers. It is very easy change out or upgrade the server access technology rack-by-rack. This is often the key factor why a Top of Rack design is selected over End of Row.Įach rack can be treated and managed like an individual and modular unit within the data center. The Top of Rack data center design avoids these issues as there is no need to for a large copper cabling infrastructure. Long runs of twisted pair copper cabling can also place limitations on server access speeds and network technology. Large amounts of copper cabling places an additional burden on data center facilities as bulky copper cable can be difficult to route, can obstruct airflow, and generally requires more racks and infrastructure dedicated to just patching and cable management. Therefore, there is no need for a bulky and expensive infrastructure of copper cabling running between racks and throughout the data center. The Ethernet switch links the rack to the data center network with fiber running directly from the rack to a common aggregation area connecting to redundant “Distribution” or “Aggregation” high density modular Ethernet switches.Įach rack is connected to the data center with fiber. The key characteristic and appeal of the Top of Rack design is that all copper cabling for servers stays within the rack as relatively short RJ45 patch cables from the server to the rack switch. The Ethernet top of rack switch is typically low profile (1RU-2RU) and fixed configuration. This design may also sometimes be referred to as “In-Rack”.
Other switch locations could be bottom of the rack or middle of rack, however top of the rack is most common due to easier accessibility and cleaner cable management. The term “top of rack” has been coined for this design however the actual physical location of the switch does not necessarily need to be at the top of the rack. In the Top of Rack design servers connect to one or two Ethernet switches installed inside the rack. We will also explore a new alternative design using Fabric Extenders, and finish off with a quick look at how Cisco Unified Computing might fit into this picture. This article provides a close examination and comparison of two popular data center physical designs, “Top of Rack”, and “End of Row”.
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