[Gartner] Magic Quadrant for Data Center Networking (July 2018)

The data center networking vendors covered in this research provide hardware and/or software solutions to deliver connectivity primarily within enterprise data centers. This includes data center core/spine switches, access switches (top of rack [ToR], leaf), virtual switching, Ethernet fabrics, network operating systems (NOSs) and network overlays, and the requisite management, automation and orchestration of those components.

Historically, the data center network was just a fast and scalable LAN to connect all data center equipment, mainly servers. Today, while high-speed Ethernet ports (10/25/50/100 GbE) are still important, the market extends far beyond just the “speeds and feeds” affiliated with switches and switch ports. Increased enterprise adoption of cloud computing models and support for digital business initiatives demand improved data center network agility. Specifically, enterprises need better automation, orchestration and integration with the rest of the data center infrastructure (storage, compute, cloud management, container management and infrastructure automation).

This research evaluates data center networking solutions for enterprises that procure and manage their own data center networking infrastructure, for installation within their premises or in colocation facilities. We also evaluate the ability to extend data center networking functionality onto public cloud providers’ service offerings, in order to better manage hybrid cloud networks. That said, we are not evaluating the internal physical networking infrastructures within public cloud providers’ networks.

The data center LAN market is now clearly differentiated from campus LANs, which include wired and wireless access infrastructure, covered in “Magic Quadrant for the Wired and Wireless LAN Access Infrastructure.”Refer to the Market Overview section for the extended market definition.