Microsoft Deploys Foundry Networks NetIron MLX Routers At EEC

Microsoft has selected Foundry Networks’ NetIron MLX Series 10 gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) IPv4/IPv6 MPLS routers for its Enterprise Engineering Centre, based in Redmond, Washington. The Microsoft EEC can replicate virtually any production environment for customers to gain a clear view of how Microsoft’s pre-release products will perform in their home environments prior to installation.

Microsoft’s objective for the EEC was to deploy a network that provides internal and external customers access to resources located within the EEC and labs connected to its new 10 gigabit campus area network (CAN). The centre’s operators demanded a solution that would scale to meet performance requirements, but would be flexible enough to allow staff to reconfigure the network regularly to meet customer needs.

With this at top of mind, Microsoft selected Foundry’s NetIron MLX-16 routers for its core and the NetIron MLX-4 routers in additional labs to allow for Virtual Private LAN Services (VPLS) across a 10 gigabit connection. Today, the EEC can create a VPLS instance for each customer offering customers improved traffic separation. With the new Foundry Networks solution installed, the EEC also implemented Q-in-Q in conjunction with VPLS to achieve a hierarchical design to meet its goals.

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“We needed a network infrastructure that would allow us to utilise the same network for multiple customers without compromising the security or performance of the network,” said John Cressey, lead programme manager for Microsoft’s EEC. “However, we also wanted a solution that would let us better realise the potential for Microsoft products. Scalability and capacity were also critical criteria. Ultimately, we needed the ability to expand as EEC customer needs require.”

“The Microsoft EEC is known worldwide as the networking test-bed for Microsoft’s enterprise software solutions,” said Benjamin Taft, Foundry’s vice president of corporate marketing and alliances. “Microsoft’s selection of Foundry’s NetIron MLX Series routers for the EEC allows customers to ensure their network infrastructure interoperates with our routing platform and Microsoft’s solutions.”