Hewlett Packard Enterprise Networking

HP Networking
Division of Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Industry Computer Networks
Key people
 Meg Whitman (President, CEO and Chairman of HP)
Antonio Neri (SVP, GM of HP Networking)
Products Network hardware
Parent Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Website www.hpe.com/networking

HP Networking is the networking division of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, within the HP Enterprise Business segment. HP's networking division was previously known as HP ProCurve. In April 2010, following HP's acquisition of 3Com Corporation, HP combined the ProCurve and 3Com entities as HP Networking.

Organization

HP Networking was formed in April 2010 as the combination of these entities.[1][2]

History

HP has been in the networking and switching business for decades.[3] The HP division that became the HP ProCurve division began in Roseville, CA, in 1979. Originally it was part of HP’s Data Systems Division (DSD) and known as DSD-Roseville. Later, it was called the Roseville Networks Division (RND), then the Workgroup Networks Division (WND), before becoming the ProCurve Networking Business (PNB). The trademark filing date for the ProCurve name was February 25, 1998.[4] On August 11, 2008 HP announced the acquisition of Colubris Networks, manufacturer of wireless capabilities, such as 802.11n. This completed on October 1, 2008[5] On November 11, 2009, HP announced its intent to acquire 3Com Corporation for $2.7B.[6] In April 2010, HP completed its acquisition.[7]

Networking Initiatives and Technologies

Network Architecture

Main articles: Network architecture, HP FlexNetwork Architecture

Network architecture encompasses the entire framework of an organization's computer network, including hardware components that are used for communication, network layout and topologies, physical and wireless connections, and cabling and device types, as well as software rules and protocols.[8] The core and aggregation layers of a traditional three-tier, hierarchical model provide built-in redundancy, but this design can be inefficient for virtualized environments.[9][10] The flat layout of the HP FlexNetwork Architecture is designed to provide more agility to the network and to support functionality such as virtualization, convergence, and automation.[11]

HP FlexNetwork Architecture unites an organization's networks in the data center, campus, and branch offices through a cost-efficient, consistent architecture, according to published reports.[12] Four product groups make up the architecture: FlexFabric, for data centers with physical and virtual environments composed of converged computing, storage, and networking resources; FlexCampus, for converged wired and wireless networks; FlexBranch, for providing branch offices with networking and security; and Flex Management, which provides one unified management interface for the entire FlexNetwork and includes the HP Intelligent Management Center (IMC).[12]

The HP Intelligent Resilient Framework (IRF) software virtualization technology is designed to provide rapid recovery from failure to the FlexNetwork, and to improve vMotion performance in VMware environments.[13]

Software-Defined Networking

The focus by enterprise data center networking technologies on virtualization has caused organizations' networks to become more automated and simplified.[14] Several factors are driving these changes: the recognition by IT that network operations can be aligned with an organization's business goals; the request from an organization's leaders for the data center to respond rapidly to variations in demand; changes in application network traffic patterns; and changes in size and density of the data center, due to some services being offloaded to cloud computing resources, greater compute density, and an increased use of virtual technology.[14] In turn, these changes have led to an increased demand for software-defined networking (SDN)technology from organizations.[14]

In 2007 HP collaborated with Stanford University to develop Ethane, an early version of the open-source standard OpenFlow upon which SDN is based.[15] HP is a founding member of the nonprofit Open Networking Foundation. Organized in March 2011, the foundation provides support for SDN and manages the OpenFlow standard.[16]

HP is also a founding member of the Open Daylight Project, which was announced on April 8, 2013, by the Linux Foundation as an industry-supported collaboration to further the open development of SDN and Network Functions Virtualization.[17] Other founding members include Arista Networks, Big Switch Networks, Brocade, Cisco, Citrix, Ericsson, IBM, Juniper Networks, Microsoft, NEC, Nuage Networks, PLUMgrid, Red Hat, and VMware.[17]

Because OpenFlow is based on open standards, there is little risk of vendor lock-in when using OpenFlow-enabled products. It is claimed that networks using SDN will result in a more efficient and reliable data center infrastructure.[14] An SDN controller serves as the core of an SDN network, managing flow controls based on protocols such as OpenFlow, and relaying communications between applications and network devices.[18] In 2012, HP introduced the Virtual Application Networks (VAN) SDN OpenFlow controller, which is available in a software format.[19] The HP SDN Manager application is intended to allow administrators to configure, monitor, and manage policies for SDN switches and controllers.[20]

In 2013 HP introduced its SDN Developer Kit and announced the SDN App Store, as well as integration with VMware NSX. The SDN App Store can be used to browse, search, purchase, and download SDN applications onto the HP VAN SDN Controller.[21] HP certifies that applications offered in the SDN App Store will function reliably on HP network infrastructure.[22] New HP network applications will be run on or integrated with the HP VAN SDN Controller and made available through the SDN App Store.[22]

In 2014, HP was producing more than 50 models of OpenFlow-enabled switches, including the FlexFabric 7900 switch series, which is optimized for SDN deployment.[22][23] The FlexFabric 12900 switch series, also optimized for SDN deployment, was awarded SearchNetworking's Network Innovation Award in December 2013,.[24]

The HP Virtual Cloud Networking (VCN) SDN Application is designed to provide virtual network overlays to the OpenStack technology open source cloud computing software, serving as a bridge between the HP Helion OpenStack cloud computing platform and the HP VAN SDN controller.[25] According to published reports, the HP VCN SDN Application will help organizations transition from legacy networks to the cloud.[23]

Mobility/BYOD/WLAN

Main articles: Mobile computing, Bring your own device, WLAN

Mobility/bring your own device (BYOD) refers to the practice of employees using their privately owned mobile devices such as laptops, tablet computers, and smartphones for work purposes. This practice allows employees to perform work functions from these devices both in the office and remotely, increasing working satisfaction and boosting productivity, according to a study by IBM.[26] Wired and wireless network technologies enable organizations to provide connectivity for these mobile devices throughout an office space.

To provide wired and wireless access, legacy IT infrastructure requires two individual networks, each with its own management applications.[27] HP provides a unified BYOD solution that includes an SDN security application, which provides real-time threat detection and simplifies operations, reducing costs by up to 38 percent, according to published reports.[27]

The HP IMC Smart Connect includes integrated mobile network–access control to manage enterprise access to mobile devices.[27] To help administrators oversee the use of mobile devices on enterprise networks, HP has integrated into IMC support for the Citrix XenMobile and MobileIron mobile device management applications.[28]

In March 2014 HP renamed its SDN BYOD security application from Sentinel to Network Protector.[29] HP Network Protector sits on top of the HP SDN VAN Controller.[29]

When employees use mobile devices to download files or stream rich media applications such as video, the network traffic can consume much of the bandwidth on the company’s core network.[30] One way to reduce the impact of this increased traffic is to create a separate guest network for mobile devices that is completely segregated from the corporate network, and to set network access control (NAC) policies that limit access to certain sites.

In addition to the VAN SDN controller, HP provides a number of SDN products that can help reduce the occurrence of a network bottleneck and enable mobile voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), video, and other rich media apps.[31] HP offers a pay-per-use cloud service model designed for small and mid-sized businesses and distributed offices.[32] The HP Cloud Managed Network Wireless LAN solution is designed to enable organizations to manage wireless infrastructure without having to have an on-premises controller.[29] The HP Cloud Managed Network Wireless LAN works only with HP 300 series Cloud-Managed access points, which provide cloud management capabilities for distributed organizations.[29] In the event of a loss of connectivity to a cloud management service, the access points can keep a local wireless network up and running, allowing businesses to continue to operate.[31]

The HP 870 Unified Wired-WLAN Appliance is designed to help administrators bridge the gap between wired and wireless networks. According to published reports, the appliance simplifies management and access and supports up to 30,000 communication endpoints. The HP 850 Unified Wired-WLAN Appliance supports up to 10,000 endpoints.[31]

Network Virtualization

Network virtualization involves the process of combining available resources in a network by dividing available bandwidth into independent channels that can be dynamically assigned to a specified device or server.[33] The hardware and software network functionality and resources can be merged into one software-based administrative entity. Network virtualization enables the automation of many network management tasks, and allows the network administrator to centrally manage files, images, programs, and folders from a single physical site. The technology is designed to make networks faster and more flexible, scalable, and reliable.[33]

Virtualization enables administrators to run multiple operating systems and multiple applications simultaneously on one server. It is the technology that underlies cloud computing.[34]

At HP Discover in June 2014, HP announced the Virtual Cloud Networking (VCN) SDN Application, which provides a multitenant network virtualization service for KVM and VMware ESX multi-hypervisor data center applications. Expected in fall 2014, the initial version is an enhanced OpenStack-technology module in HP Helion OpenStack.[35] Centrally orchestrated virtual LAN (VLAN) or VXLAN-based virtual networks provide multitenant isolation.[35]

The HP VAN Resource Automation Manager is designed to increase the speed at which network services are rolled out by improving service deployment and provisioning accuracy, providing policy-driven resource management from access to core, according to published reports.[20] The HP IRF software virtualization technology is intended to allow administrators to connect multiple devices through physical IRF ports, configure the devices, and then virtualize those devices into a distributed device. According to published reports, IRF simplifies switch configuration and management, providing horizontal scaling that reduces network hops and delivering support for technology such as Shortest Path Bridging (SPB) and transparent interconnection of lots of links (TRILL).[36][37]

Unified Communications

Unified communications (UC) products integrate multiple interactive, real-time enterprise communication methods, such as instant messaging, desktop sharing, and telephony with non-real-time communication services such as unified messaging (integrated voicemail, e-mail, SMS, and fax). UC products can enable administrators to control and manage these methods.[38] The HP Network Optimizer SDN Application for Microsoft Lync functions as a unified communications-and-collaboration (UC&C) application that is designed to improve voice quality with Lync;[31] in March 2014 it received a NetEvents Cloud Innovation award in the category of SDN Solution for the Enterprise.[39]

Networking Professional Services

Companies engage networking professional services to help them plan how to build networks that support their business needs. HP Trusted Network Transformation is designed to help organizations that want to use private cloud. These networking professional services include workshops, consultation, network assessment, and architectural design services involving network virtualization and SDN.[25]

Product and Technology Highlights

HP Networking (HPN) sells HP Networking Products for businesses, schools, and government entities.

Products

Technologies

Training and Certification

Main articles: HP Networking Training, Professional certification (computer technology)

HP Networking Training covers product-, solution-, and sales-oriented topics. The HP ExpertOne program networking training and certification program covers a range of networking curricula, from beginning-level courses to Master engineer classes, on three separate tracks: technical, sales, and partner-restricted. Fast-track programs are designed for participants to build upon current industry certifications from Cisco and other companies. In early 2014, HP initiated eight new sales certifications for its technology partners, designed to lower the cost and simplify the training process by narrowing the focus and making the certifications more specific, though no less deep.[40] The new certifications are role-based.[40]

HP AllianceOne Program

In January 2009 Hewlett Packard launched the ProCurve Open Network Ecosystem (ONE) Alliance, and a programmable module which hosts partner applications from IP telephony to network management[41] This multivendor alliance program objective was to optimize performance of enterprise-class applications with the then ProCurve's (now HP Networking) infrastructure.[42]

In April 2010 HP combined the ProCurve ONE alliance program with the programs from 3Com and Tipping Point, and programs from the rest of HP's Enterprise Business to create a new program called HP AllianceOne.[43]

The HP Networking Specialization program of HP AllianceOne works with alliance partners who develop applications or services that capitalize on integrated network capabilities for business purposes.

Support

HP Networking provides a lifetime warranty on some of its products with next business day advanced shipment. This was seen as a Unique Selling Point, until other networking vendors offered similar warranty on part of their product lines.

User Community

The HP Enterprise Business Community page provides resources for HP Networking users, including announcements, tips, and tricks, community feedback and suggestions, and events. Forums include discussion boards and blogs.

Open Networking Foundation

HP Networking is a founding member of the Open Networking Foundation started on March 23, 2011. Other founding companies include Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, Verizon, Deutsche Telekom and 17 other companies. The nonprofit organization is focused on providing support for software-defined networking.[44] The initiative is meant to speed innovation through simple software changes in telecommunications networks, wireless networks, data centers and other networking areas.[45]

References

  1. ↑ "Saar Gillai on what 3Com brings to HP - Interop 2010". HP. April 2010. Retrieved March 24, 2011.
  2. ↑ "HP Networking Emerges". The Register. April 19, 2010. Retrieved March 24, 2011.
  3. ↑ Enterprise (also ChannelRegister.com: “Why Cisco should merge with Dell.”Timothy Prickett Morgan. 23 May 2011.
  4. ↑ "Procurve Name Celebrates 10 Years". HP. February 2008. Retrieved March 24, 2011.
  5. ↑ "HP ProCurve Finalizes Acquisition of Colubris Networks". HP. October 1, 2008. Retrieved Oct 3, 2008.
  6. ↑ "HP to Acquire 3Com for $2.7 Billion". HP. November 11, 2009. Retrieved March 24, 2011.
  7. ↑ "HP Completes Acquisition of 3Com Corporation, Accelerates Converged Infrastructure Strategy". HP. April 12, 2010. Retrieved March 24, 2011.
  8. ↑ "Network Architecture," Techopedia.com
  9. ↑ Morgan, Timothy. (2011-9-21). "No more tiers for flatter networks," TheRegister.com.
  10. ↑ (2010-10). "Interop New York: Flat networks and the end of spanning tree," TechTarget.com.
  11. ↑ Schultz, Beth. (2011-3-25). "Flat Networks are the Future," ChannelWorld.in.com.
  12. 1 2 Burt, Jeffrey. (2011-6-9). "HP Challenges Cisco with New FlexNetwork Architecture," eWeek.com.
  13. ↑ Wittmann, Art. (2011-10-7). "HP Fills Out Flex Architecture," InformationWeek.com.
  14. 1 2 3 4 Fabbi, Mark; Zimmerman, Tim; Lerner, Andrew. (2014-4-24). "Magic Quadrant for Data Center Networking," Gartner.com
  15. ↑ Wexler, Steve. (2013-9-30). "HP Beats Cisco and OpenDaylight's Pending SDN Launches," IT-TNA.com.
  16. ↑ Greene, Kate. (2009-3). "TR10: Software-Defined Neworking," MITTechnologyReview.com.
  17. 1 2 Knorr, Eric. (2013-4-8). "OpenDaylight: A big step toward the software-defined data center," InfoWorld.com.
  18. ↑ Rouse, Margaret. (11-12). "SDN controller (software-defined networking controller)," TechTarget.com.
  19. ↑ Yeomans, Jon. (2012-10-4). "HP joins software-defined networking fray with new controller, switches," ZDNet.com.
  20. 1 2 Duffy, Jim. (2013-4-30). "HP refreshes data center core and aggregation with SDN switches," NetworkWorld.com.
  21. 1 2 Metzler, Jim. (2014-7). "SDN and Network Virtualization: A Reality Check," NetworkWorld.com.
  22. 1 2 3 Banks, Ethan. (2014-7). "Understanding SDN Vendor Ecosystems," NetworkWorld.com.
  23. 1 2 Kerner, Sean Michael. (2014-6-10). "HP Expands SDN Hardware and Cloud Efforts," EnterpriseNetworkingPlanet.com.
  24. ↑ Scarpati, Jessica. (2013-12). "HP FlexFabric 12900: Standards-based support for TRILL protocol, SDN," TechTarget.com.
  25. 1 2 3 McGillicudy, Shamus. (2014-6-9). "HP network virtualization bridges OpenFlow and OpenStack," TechTarget.com.
  26. ↑
  27. 1 2 3 Rizzo, Joe. (2013-3-8). "HP's Unified Wired, Wireless Networks offer Complete Networking BYOD Solutions," SDNZone.com.
  28. ↑ Duffy, Jim. (2014-3-31). "HP bucks up unified access line to better battle Cisco, others," NetworkWorld.com.
  29. 1 2 3 4 Kerner, Sean Michael. (2014-3-31). "HP Set to Deliver on SDN Vision," Enterprise Networking Planet.
  30. ↑ Torode, Christina. (2012-11-27). "Tackling network capacity in a bring-your-own-device era," TechTarget.com
  31. 1 2 3 4 Linask, Erik. (2014-4-2). "HP Networking Readies the World for SDN," SDNZone.com.
  32. ↑ Rath, John. (2014-4-1). "HP Boosts SDN-Enabled Unified Networking Portfolio," DataCenterKnowledge.com.
  33. 1 2 Rouse, Margaret. (2006-9). "Network virtualization," TechTarget.com
  34. ↑ Angeles, Sara. (2014-1-20). "Virtualization vs. Cloud Computing: What's the Difference?" BusinessNewsDaily.com.
  35. 1 2 3 Ramel, David. (2014-6-11). "HP Piles On Cisco in New SDN Announcements," VirtualizatonReview.com.
  36. ↑ Kerner, Sean Michael. (2011-10-5). "HP Flexes Networking Muscle with IRF," EnterpriseNetworkingPlanet.com.
  37. ↑ Debruyne, Peter. (2014-2-19). "HP releases the 5900CP: Native FC and FCOE Gateway," AboutHPNetworking.com.
  38. ↑ "IT Glossary," Gartner.com
  39. ↑ Weissberger, Alan. (2014-3-29). "Winners of the NetEvents Cloud Innovation Awards 2014: Martin Casado is Cloud Industry Idol," community.comsoc.org.
  40. 1 2 Trendall, Sam. (2014-6-24). "HP: Qualification streamline has halved partners' costs," CRN.com.
  41. ↑ O'Hanlon, Charlene (26-Jan-09). "HP Flexes Data Center Muscle with New Switch". Channel Insider. Retrieved Mar 14, 2009. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  42. ↑ Hickey, Andrew (26-Jan-09). "ProCurve Flicks The Data Center Switch". ChannelWeb. Retrieved Mar 14, 2009. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  43. ↑ "AllianceONE Networking - What a difference a year makes". HP. Dec 31, 2010. Retrieved April 4, 2011.
  44. ↑ Open Networking Foundation News Release. March 21, 2011.
  45. ↑ ComputerWorld: “Google and other titans form Open Networking Foundation.” Noyes, March 23, 2011.

External links

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