Avaya VENA data centre virtualisation architecture

The virtual enterprise network architecture (VENA) data centre virtualisation architecture from Avaya can improve data centre efficiency, reliability and network uptime (always on); reduce time to service (removing one layer of hardware complexity); and is claimed to have leading scalability and performance in a virtual services platform (VSP9000) with up to 27 Tbps throughput.

VENA uses an enterprise-wide architecture designed to help CIOs and IT departments meet the surging demand for new content and business collaboration applications and scales to support emerging 40/100G technologies. The 8600, 8800 and VSP 9000 ethernet switches will be upgraded with VENA features.

The architecture allows users to more easily optimise business applications and service deployments in and between data centres and campuses. For IT managers and CIOs it can help reduce network failures caused by human error, by simplifying provisioning and policy configurations, reducing network redesigns, and providing streamlined tools for network management.

It efficiently optimises network connections between application servers and end users. It uses network virtualisation - shortest path bridging (SPBm), virtualised route forwarding (VRF) and provides a consolidated management view of the network.

The architecture is based on open industry standards and is implemented on data centre modular and fixed platforms in addition to being a simple upgrade option for existing products. It also includes tools for effective management of a virtualised environment.