Top Trends in Data Center Network Infrastructure for 2021

As we enter 2021, data center network infrastructure continues to evolve to meet the growing demands of modern businesses. With the increasing reliance on data and the rise of technologies such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence, data centers are under pressure to keep up with the ever-increasing data traffic and processing requirements. In this article, we will explore some of the top trends in data center network infrastructure for 2021.

1. Increased Adoption of Software-Defined Networking (SDN): Software-defined networking (SDN) has been gaining popularity in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue in 2021. SDN allows for greater flexibility and scalability in managing network resources, making it easier to adapt to changing business needs. With SDN, network administrators can centrally manage and configure network devices, improving efficiency and reducing operational costs.

2. Migration to 400G Ethernet: As data traffic continues to grow, data centers are increasingly turning to higher-speed Ethernet connections to meet the demand. In 2021, we can expect to see a greater adoption of 400G Ethernet, which offers four times the bandwidth of the current standard of 100G Ethernet. This will enable data centers to handle more data traffic and support emerging technologies such as 5G and IoT.

3. Increased Focus on Network Security: With the rise of cyber threats and data breaches, network security is a top priority for data center operators. In 2021, we can expect to see an increased focus on implementing robust security measures to protect data center networks from attacks. This may include the adoption of advanced encryption technologies, network segmentation, and the use of AI-powered security tools to detect and respond to threats in real-time.

4. Adoption of Intent-Based Networking (IBN): Intent-based networking (IBN) is a new approach to network management that uses automation and machine learning to translate business policies into network configurations. IBN allows for more efficient network operations, faster troubleshooting, and improved network performance. In 2021, we can expect to see more data centers adopting IBN to streamline network management and improve overall network efficiency.

5. Edge Computing: As the demand for low-latency applications and real-time data processing grows, edge computing is becoming increasingly important for data center network infrastructure. Edge computing brings processing power closer to the end-users, reducing latency and improving performance for applications such as IoT, AI, and autonomous vehicles. In 2021, we can expect to see more data centers investing in edge computing solutions to meet the needs of modern applications.

Overall, 2021 promises to be an exciting year for data center network infrastructure, with advancements in technologies such as SDN, 400G Ethernet, network security, IBN, and edge computing shaping the future of data center operations. By staying ahead of these trends and investing in the right infrastructure, data centers can ensure they are well-equipped to handle the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.