Ethernet routing for large scale distributed data center fabrics

This paper describes how Shortest Path Bridging (SPB) and Ethernet Virtual Private Networks (EVPN) can be combined to provide a highly scalable distributed data center network fabric. It is shown how SPB can be used as the network fabric of a data center site. It is then explained how EVPN can interconnect the sites over the wide area in order provide a geographically distributed data center. The paper provides an overview for the reader to grasp the fundamentals necessary to understand how SPB and EVPN can effectively interwork. It describes the underlying algorithms and principles of operation with an examination of the design tradeoffs considered for each component. Finally it shows how multicast can be leveraged to enhance backbone network efficiency.