Day 0: Designing your AI data center with Juniper Networks

Juniper Networks’ presentation at AI Infrastructure Field Day focuses on designing AI data centers using Apstra, specifically emphasizing rail-optimized designs and highlighting Apstra’s ability to create a fully functional network architecture in just minutes, incorporating native modeling for these specialized designs. Kyle Baxter, Head of Apstra Product Management at Juniper Networks, demonstrates how Apstra simplifies the complex process of deploying AI/ML fabrics by providing expert assistance.

The presentation emphasizes the speed and efficiency that Apstra brings to AI data center design. Baxter showcases how users can input basic architectural requirements, such as the number of GPUs and servers. Apstra will then generate design options, including cabling maps, in a short amount of time. This capability allows users to visualize and validate their designs before ordering hardware, reducing potential errors and streamlining the deployment process. The system enables users to build templates for different design types, such as collapsed rail or L3 Clos, making it easy to reuse designs as needed.

Furthermore, the presentation highlights Apstra’s flexibility and comprehensive approach to network management. Beyond designing the core AI/ML fabric, the platform can manage various network types within a single instance, including storage and front-end networks. Apstra facilitates the generation of configuration data for multiple vendors, ensuring that configurations are correct, and offering validation and continuous monitoring to maintain the integrity of the network. With features like REST-based APIs, Python SDKs, Terraform providers, and Ansible support, users can customize and integrate Apstra with existing workflows, making it a powerful tool for designing and managing AI infrastructure.