A data-center network architecture. The data-center network architecture
incorporates a front end having an aggregation layer exhibiting
integrated service-module intelligence. A server farm connects the front
end with a storage network. In a specific embodiment, the aggregation
layer includes plural interconnected multilayer switches incorporating
service-module intelligence implemented via one or more service modules.
Plural layer-2 switches communicate with the plural multilayer switches.
The server farm includes one or more servers that are dual homed or
multihomed with the plural layer-2 switches. The storage network includes
plural interconnected multilayer directors and one or more Fibre Channel
hosts using Host Bus Adapters (HBAs) that interface one or more
data-storage devices to the server farm.