Network architecture Network architecture encompasses the entire framework of an organization's computer network, including hardware components that are used for communication, network layout and
topologies, physical and
wireless connections, and
cabling and device types, as well as software rules and protocols. The core and aggregation layers of a traditional three-tier, hierarchical model provide built-in redundancy, but this design can be inefficient for virtualized environments. The flat layout of the HP FlexNetwork Architecture is designed to provide more agility to the network and to support functionality such as virtualization, convergence, and automation. HP FlexNetwork Architecture unites an organization's networks in the data center, campus, and branch offices through a cost-efficient, consistent architecture, according to published reports. Four product groups make up the architecture: FlexFabric, for data centers with physical and virtual environments composed of converged computing, storage, and networking resources; FlexCampus, for converged wired and wireless networks; FlexBranch, for providing branch offices with networking and security; and Flex Management, which provides one unified management interface for the entire FlexNetwork and includes the HP Intelligent Management Center (IMC).
Software-defined networking The focus by enterprise
data center networking technologies on
virtualization has caused organizations' networks to become more automated and simplified. Several factors are driving these changes: the recognition by
IT that network operations can be aligned with an organization's business goals; the request from an organization's leaders for the data center to respond rapidly to variations in demand; changes in application
network traffic patterns; and changes in size and density of the data center, due to some services being offloaded to
cloud computing resources, greater compute density, and an increased use of virtual technology. HP is a founding member of the nonprofit
Open Networking Foundation. Organized in March 2011, the foundation provides support for SDN and manages the OpenFlow standard. HP is also a founding member of the
Open Daylight Project, which was announced on April 8, 2013, by the
Linux Foundation as an industry-supported collaboration to further the open development of SDN and
Network Functions Virtualization. Other founding members include Arista Networks, Big Switch Networks, Brocade, Cisco, Citrix, Ericsson, IBM, Juniper Networks, Microsoft, NEC, Nuage Networks, PLUMgrid, Red Hat, and VMware. In 2012, HP introduced the Virtual Application Networks (VAN) SDN OpenFlow controller, which is available in a software format. The HP SDN Manager application is intended to allow administrators to configure, monitor, and manage policies for SDN switches and controllers. In 2013, HP introduced its SDN Developer Kit and announced the SDN App Store, as well as integration with VMware NSX. The SDN App Store can be used to browse, search, purchase, and download SDN applications onto the HP VAN SDN Controller. HP certifies that applications offered in the SDN App Store will function reliably on HP network infrastructure. New HP network applications will be run on or integrated with the HP VAN SDN Controller and made available through the SDN App Store. The FlexFabric 12900 switch series, also optimized for SDN deployment, was awarded SearchNetworking's Network Innovation Award in December 2013. The HP Virtual Cloud Networking (VCN) SDN Application is designed to provide virtual network overlays to the
OpenStack technology open source cloud computing software, serving as a bridge between the
HP Helion OpenStack cloud computing platform and the HP VAN SDN controller. According to published reports, the HP VCN SDN Application will help organizations transition from legacy networks to the cloud. Wired and
wireless network technologies enable organizations to provide connectivity for these mobile devices throughout an office space. To provide wired and wireless access, legacy IT infrastructure requires two individual networks, each with its own management applications. HP provides a unified BYOD service that includes an SDN security application, which provides real-time threat detection and simplifies operations, reducing costs by up to 38 percent, according to published reports. In March 2014, HP renamed its SDN BYOD security application from Sentinel to Network Protector. HP Network Protector sits on top of the HP SDN VAN Controller. One way to reduce the impact of this increased traffic is to create a separate guest network for mobile devices that is completely segregated from the corporate network, and to set
network access control (NAC) policies that limit access to certain sites. In addition to the VAN SDN controller, HP provides a number of SDN products that can help reduce the occurrence of a network
bottleneck and enable mobile
voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), video, and other rich media apps. HP offers a pay-per-use cloud service model designed for small and mid-sized businesses and distributed offices. The HP Cloud Managed Network Wireless LAN service is designed to enable organizations to manage wireless infrastructure without having to have an on-premises controller. The hardware and software network functionality and resources can be merged into one software-based administrative entity. Network virtualization enables the automation of many network management tasks, and allows the network administrator to centrally manage files, images, programs, and folders from a single physical site. The technology is designed to make networks faster and more flexible, scalable, and reliable. At
HP Discover in June 2014, HP announced the Virtual Cloud Networking (VCN) SDN Application, which provides a
multitenant network virtualization service for
KVM and VMware ESX multi-
hypervisor data center applications. Expected in fall 2014, the initial version is an enhanced OpenStack-technology module in HP Helion OpenStack. Centrally orchestrated
virtual LAN (VLAN) or VXLAN-based virtual networks provide multitenant isolation.
Unified communications Unified communications (UC) products integrate multiple interactive, real-time enterprise communication methods, such as
instant messaging,
desktop sharing, and telephony with non-real-time communication services such as unified messaging (integrated
voicemail,
e-mail,
SMS, and
fax). UC products can enable administrators to control and manage these methods. The HP Network Optimizer SDN Application for
Microsoft Lync functions as a unified communications-and-collaboration (UC&C) application that is designed to improve voice quality with Lync;
Networking professional services Companies engage networking professional services to help them plan how to build networks that support their business needs. HP Trusted Network Transformation is designed to help organizations that want to use private cloud. These networking professional services include workshops, consultation, network assessment, and architectural design services involving network virtualization and SDN. ==Product and technology highlights==