Avaya Fabric Connect SPB Deep Dive

Avaya Fabric Connect, based on IEEE 802.1aq Shortest Path Bridging (SPB), is revolutionizing large network infrastructures globally, including the network for the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games. Paul Unbehagen, Chief Architect for Avaya Networking and co-author of the IEEE 802.1aq specification, presented a deep dive into this technology. He explained how Avaya Fabric Connect simplifies network deployment and management, providing greater speed and agility across various verticals such as stock exchanges, hospitals, airports, manufacturing floors, and casinos. The technology’s ability to handle complex networking tasks with a single protocol makes it a versatile solution for diverse environments.

Unbehagen highlighted the significant advantages of Avaya Fabric Connect, particularly its simplicity and efficiency. Traditional networking methods, such as configuring spanning tree protocols and VLANs across multiple ports, are cumbersome and time-consuming. In contrast, Avaya’s approach allows for the configuration of services like VRFs, IP multicast, and LAN extensions with minimal effort. The use of ISIDs (Individual Service IDs) enables seamless LAN extensions and VRF deployments without the need for complex configurations like BGP route targets or distinguishers. This streamlined process is exemplified by the Sochi Olympics network, which operated with nearly 2,000 switches and 2,500 access points, all managed under a single protocol.

The presentation also delved into the robustness and security of the Avaya Fabric Connect network. The technology’s ability to prevent loops and manage multicast traffic efficiently ensures high performance and reliability. For instance, the network’s rapid convergence time of 20 milliseconds during link failures ensures uninterrupted service, a critical requirement for environments like hospitals and the Olympics. Additionally, the network’s stealth capabilities provide enhanced security by making the infrastructure invisible to users, thereby protecting sensitive data and ensuring compliance with regulations like PCI DSS and HIPAA. The integration of advanced troubleshooting tools further enhances the network’s manageability, making it a powerful solution for modern networking challenges.