Businesses need cost-effective, high-performance infrastructure that simplifies deployment while ensuring reliability. The Azure Local three-node storage switchless architecture is designed to meet these demands by eliminating the need for a dedicated storage network switch. This streamlined approach enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and is ideal for edge computing, retail, manufacturing, and remote office scenarios where space and budget constraints are key considerations.
At AVASOFT, we specialize in tailored Azure Local deployments, helping businesses implement scalable, resilient, and high-performing infrastructure with minimal complexity. In this guide, we’ll explore the key benefits, working principles, and deployment considerations of the Azure Local three-node storage switchless architecture, ensuring you make informed decisions for a seamless and future-ready deployment.
What is the Azure Local Three-Node storage switchless architecture?
The Azure Local three-node storage switchless architecture is an innovative design that eliminates the need for a storage class network switch. Instead, the nodes are directly connected via Ethernet cables, creating a more streamlined and cost-efficient approach. This design is particularly effective for edge use cases that don’t require extensive data center infrastructure but still demand high performance and low latency.
By removing the storage network switch, businesses can reduce the cost and complexity associated with networking for storage traffic. However, it’s important to note that this design supports a maximum of three nodes. If your workload requires scaling beyond three nodes, adjustments need to be made accordingly.
Benefits of Azure Local storage switchless architecture
- Cost Optimization: By eliminating the need for switches to handle storage traffic, this design significantly reduces costs. It’s an ideal solution for businesses looking to save on hardware and operational costs without sacrificing performance.
- Simplicity: This switchless architecture reduces network complexity by eliminating the need to manage and configure storage switches. It simplifies deployment and management, especially in edge environments or smaller setups.
- High Availability: The design still ensures high availability with redundant connections for each node. The storage traffic is replicated across multiple paths, ensuring there’s no single point of failure.
- Scalability: While the architecture supports only a three-node configuration, it can be a flexible solution for growing businesses that need a highly reliable infrastructure at a lower cost.
How does the storage switchless architecture work?
The Azure Local deployment with a storage switchless architecture integrates several key components, including Azure Arc, Azure Key Vault, Azure Monitor, and Microsoft Defender. These components work seamlessly together, allowing businesses to build a resilient, cost-effective, and scalable infrastructure for virtualized workloads.
- Nodes: Each of the three physical servers (nodes) runs on Azure Stack HCI OS, with a minimum of six network adapter ports per node—four dedicated to storage and two for management and compute.
- Direct Connectivity: The nodes are interconnected via Ethernet cables, forming a full mesh network for storage traffic, which eliminates the need for external storage switches.
- Dual Top-of-Rack (ToR) Switches: While the storage traffic is switchless, dual ToR switches are still used to provide external connectivity (north-south traffic), ensuring redundancy for external communication and management.
Key considerations for deployment
While the three-node storage switchless architecture is designed to meet the needs of many edge and smaller-scale environments, there are several factors to consider during deployment:
- Cluster Size Limitations: This architecture supports a maximum of three nodes. It’s crucial to plan ahead and ensure that your workloads can be managed within this constraint. If your business anticipates growth beyond this point, it may be worth exploring alternative architectures.
- Network Design: With a storage switchless network, the nodes are directly linked via Ethernet for storage traffic. However, each node still requires connections to the external network through ToR switches. The network topology is straightforward, but proper planning is essential for ensuring that all traffic flows smoothly.
- IP Addressing: Proper IP address planning is essential to ensure connectivity and redundancy within the three-node system. Allocate a minimum of 20 IP addresses for the base architecture, and plan for any additional needs depending on your workload requirements.
Why Choose AVASOFT for Azure Local deployments?
- Proven Track Record: We have a history of successful Azure Local deployments, ensuring that your infrastructure is resilient, scalable, and efficient.
- End-to-End Support: From initial design and architecture to deployment and ongoing management, we provide comprehensive support throughout the lifecycle of your Azure Local solution.
- Tailored Solutions: We understand that each business is unique. Our solutions are customized to meet your specific requirements, ensuring that your infrastructure aligns perfectly with your operational goals.
Conclusion
The Azure Local three-node storage switchless architecture offers a cost-effective, reliable, and scalable solution for businesses looking to optimize their workloads in edge environments. By leveraging AVASOFT’s expertise, you can ensure a smooth deployment with the highest performance and security standards, tailored to your specific business needs.
Ready to take the next step in optimizing your Azure Local environment? Let AVASOFT guide you through the process and help you build a resilient infrastructure that supports your business goals.
