Spine-leaf Architecture
How does a spine-leaf architecture differ from traditional network designs? Traditionally, data center networks were based on a three-tier model:
- Access switches connect to servers
- Leaf or distribution switches provide redundant connections to access switches
- Core switches provide fast transport between leaf switches, typically connected in a redundant pair for high availability
At the most basic level, a spine-leaf architecture collapses one of these tiers, as depicted in these diagrams.
Other common differences in spine-leaf topologies include:
- The removal of Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) where feasible
- A scale-out vs. scale-up of infrastructure