Operating and maintaining 3 separate and outdated data centers is a task.

Siemens - a global technology giant - faced the same problem at its Bengaluru headquarters. The company needed a sweeping upgrade across its IT infrastructure, requiring both a migration of its data centers and an overhaul of its network architecture. Siemens wanted to consolidate these into a singular, state-of-the-art facility.

Simultaneously, they wanted to modernize their network architecture to meet growing demands and improve efficiency and security.

The Pains That Come With Dated Infrastructure

Network Infrastructure

Limited Scalability: Traditional network infrastructure was not agile enough to scale with business needs.

Lack of Centralized Control: Managing different network segments was cumbersome due to the absence of centralized control.

Poor Visibility: Inadequate monitoring tools led to late or missed identification of performance bottlenecks or security vulnerabilities.

Performance Bottleneck: The existing network could not keep up with the demands different departments posed.

Data Center Migration

Underutilization: Three separate data centers led to inefficient use of resources.

High Operating Costs: Maintaining multiple facilities led to excessive expenditure.

Compliance: Aging infrastructure raised compliance issues with evolving data security regulations.

The Shortcomings of Legacy Systems

The existing ICT infrastructure at Siemens was becoming increasingly obsolescent. Manual configurations, patchy security measures, and a lack of real-time asset tracking were hindering their operational efficiency.

Needs & Objectives

After multiple stakeholder interviews and systems audits, we outlined the primary objectives:

• Seamless Migration of 35,000 Endpoints

• Integration of SDA Fabric

• Implement a resilient Data Center (DC) Network and WAN

• Introduce a zero-trust security model across all network segments

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Challenges Posed by Siemens

We joined Siemens as an RFP design consultant. And a set of unique challenges awaited us:

1. Scale of Migration: Relocating ICT infrastructure for 35,000 endpoints was a colossal task that required meticulous planning and execution.

2. Design Complexity: The new site was to feature an array of interconnected solutions, from Distribution Switches and Core Switches to Data Center Builds and WAN implementations.

3. Security Demands: With a multifaceted ecosystem comprising various offices, vendors, and internet users, Siemens required a security solution that went beyond the ordinary to protect its network.

Siemens also needed three separate networks for different functions - office, R&D, and testing industrial equipment. We also had to install all the necessary applications 50+ departments needed.

Understanding the needs of Siemens resonated with our ethos. We were excited about the transformative potential this project promised.

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Comparing Hyper-Converged Infrastructure and Legacy Data Center Architectures

Hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) significantly departs from legacy systems by consolidating storage, computing, and networking into a single system. It enables centralized management, simplified deployments, and seamless scalability.

The Data Center - Transition to Hyper-Converged Infrastructure

Migrating an entire data center is no trivial task.

Evaluation and Planning

Through meticulous planning, we assessed the current storage needs, computational demands, and traffic patterns. We identified critical applications and designed a phased migration plan to minimize disruptions.

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Implementation Phase

We deployed the HCI solutions and performed data migration in incremental stages. We also installed redundancy and backup procedures to ensure data integrity throughout the migration.

Why Leaf and Spine Architecture?

Traditional three-tier architectures had hit their glass ceiling in scalability and performance. Leaf-and-spine architecture not only eased the vertical scalability concerns but also optimized East-West data flow, delivering unprecedented levels of operational responsiveness.

Implementation & Metrics

No. of Leaf Switches: 50

Core Components: 2 DC Core switches

Backbone Capacity: 100G DC

Every leaf switch connects to each spine switch. The strategy brought down latency to sub-millisecond levels. This configuration also ensured optimal use of the aggregate 100G DC backbone, with near-zero bottlenecks.

Next-Gen Security Solutions

The cybersecurity team armored the perimeter with advanced intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS). Internally, they used Data Loss Prevention (DLP) mechanisms alongside egress and ingress filtering. Zero Trust architecture provided that last layer of rigorous access control, effectively creating a fortress around the critical assets.

The Role of SDN

Through SDN, the data center transitioned from being just a static repository to an agile entity. Network automation achieved through SDN allowed the swift compartmentalization of departments, each with its unique traffic and security requirements.

The Campus Network - Implementing Software-Defined Networking (SDN)

Given the unique needs of campus networks, including high-density Wi-Fi and BYOD policies, we custom-designed an SDN solution that offers centralized control, enhanced security, and scalability.

Why 25G Backbone?

As the network had to support a sprawling 30-storey building, anything less than 25G would have been a disservice. The 25G backbone was not just about speed; it was about future-proofing the network infrastructure, creating a robust pathway that could accommodate the inevitable traffic surges.

Migration of 35,000 Endpoints

The migration was a multi-step process that we executed without any downtime:

1. Initial Data Backup: All critical data was backed up in real time to a cloud-based storage solution.

2. Endpoint Tagging: Every endpoint was tagged and monitored in real time, much like the RFID system we employed in the Sundaram Clayton project.

3. Traffic Re-routing: Using advanced SD-WAN solutions, we ensured that traffic could be dynamically routed, guaranteeing uninterrupted service during the transition.

To mitigate disruption, the team migrated the endpoints in a phased manner, department by department.

Role of Cisco SDA

Cisco’s Software Defined Access (SDA) acted as the linchpin, translating high-level business policies into network configurations. It ushered in seamless automation and streamlined segmentation policies, essentially acting as the brain behind the brawn.

Serving the Triad: Office, R&D, and Testing

Thanks to SDN, three distinct departments had their networks tailored to the unique demands of the respective departments. The office network prioritized general accessibility and was fortified with basic security measures. The R&D network, on the other hand, was a hotbed for high-compute tasks and was insulated with additional security layers. The testing network was isolated from the other two, allowing for undisturbed, rigorous testing scenarios.

Rollout and Optimization

We set up continuous monitoring tools post-implementation to ensure optimal performance and security. It allowed us to make necessary adjustments based on real-time analytics.

The Aftermath: Transformation Realized

Post-implementation, the benefits were immediately apparent:

• Operational Efficiency: Reduced latency and quicker data access significantly improved operational KPIs.

• Security: The Zero Trust model instilled a newfound confidence in network interactions, whether internal or external.

• Scalability: The new setup is future-ready, capable of incorporating more endpoints or offices as Siemens continues to grow.

Setting A New Benchmark

Our partnership with Siemens yielded a transformative solution that sets a new benchmark in ICT infrastructure design and migration. The project was not just a technological feat but a paradigm shift in how modern enterprises should approach ICT challenges.

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Through advanced solutions and meticulous planning, Siemens now enjoys a state-of-the-art ICT infrastructure that is secure, efficient, and above all, future-ready. We are already eager to see where this newly elevated platform will take Siemens next, and we promise to keep you updated on this journey.