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Try FTAS Latest 2.3 Release with EVPN, MC-LAG, ECMP and focus on Scaling

Try Fabric Test Automation Suite (FTAS) 2.3 Latest Release  – a robust suite of test cases meticulously designed to evaluate the deployment readiness of SONiC. Our unwavering commitment to improvement has shaped FTAS, evolving through invaluable customer feedback and integrating new features in alignment with the latest SONiC releases.

Exciting news on our journey – FTAS 2.3 is now live! This version brings a myriad of enhancements, all aimed at refining SONiC assessment and streamlining pre-deployment testing. Let's explore the latest features and discover how they can enhance your testing experience!

4 Exciting Features in FTAS 2.3 You Should Know

1. Decoding the Technological Tapestry of Data Center Interconnect

• Data Center Interconnect (DCI) orchestrates a seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies. EVPN (Ethernet VPN), VXLAN (Virtual Extensible LAN), and MCLAG (Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation Group) collaboratively contribute to the intricate dance of network orchestration. EVPN dynamically manages control plane operations, VXLAN extends virtual networks seamlessly, and MCLAG ensures redundancy and load balancing. This technical synergy within DCI forms a robust infrastructure, adept at addressing the challenges of interconnected data centers. Each technology plays a pivotal role in achieving fluidity and resilience in the overall network composition.

  In response to real-world customer deployments, the latest release of FTAS introduces a host of new test cases, enhancing the existing coverage and ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of your network infrastructure.

2. The Advantages of BGP-EVPN with VXLAN in Data Center Communication

• Seamless Connectivity:
  • VXLAN EVPN ensures uninterrupted data flow by extending Layer 2 connectivity over a Layer 3 network.
• Efficient Workload Management:
  • Dynamically manages virtualized workloads and facilitates precise distribution of MAC and IP addresses.
• Scalability and Flexibility:
  • Adapts to the evolving demands of modern data center deployments, providing a reliable solution for network virtualization.
• Enhanced Connectivity in FTAS 2.3:
  • Explore diverse scenarios covered by VXLAN EVPN in FTAS 2.3, showcasing its ability to enhance network connectivity and foster resilience.

• Discover the power of BGP-EVPN with VXLAN, contributing to seamless communication, efficient resource utilization, and enhanced data center performance. Explore FTAS 2.3 for a deeper insight into these advantages.

EVPN/VXLAN Topology

Here are the VXLAN EVPN scenarios covered in FTAS 2.3.

Feature	Test Scenario
BGP-EVPN-VXLAN	EVPN VXLAN Configuration and verification
	EVPN VXLAN for known unicast, BUM traffic (eBGP) with RIF
	EVPN VXLAN for known unicast, BUM traffic (eBGP) with SVI
	EVPN VXLAN for known unicast traffic (eBGP) with link events and router failure - RIF
	EVPN VXLAN for known unicast traffic (eBGP) with link events and router failure - SVI
	EVPN VXLAN for known unicast traffic (eBGP) with link events and router failure - RPCH
	Symmetric IRB with EVPN eBGP-RIF (eBGP)
	Symmetric IRB with EVPN iBGP-RIF (iBGP)
	Symmetric IRB with EVPN iBGP-SVI
	Symmetric IRB with EVPN eBGP-RPCH
	Symmetric IRB with EVPN iBGP-RPCH
	Asymmetric IRB with EVPN eBGP
	Asymmetric IRB with EVPN iBGP

3. What is MCLAG and How Does it Enhance Data Center Reliability?

• MCLAG (Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation) stands as a beacon for enhancing data center reliability, fostering a resilient and redundant network infrastructure. In the face of a switch failure, MCLAG seamlessly transfers traffic to a backup switch, effectively preventing downtime. This technology ensures high availability, load balancing, and simplified network design, making it indispensable for critical applications where continuous connectivity is paramount.

  Discover the breadth of MCLAG use cases covered in FTAS 2.3, showcasing its ability to fortify data center networks and elevate reliability based on real-world customer deployments.

L2 MCLAG

L3 MCLAG

FTAS 2.3 covers following MCLAG use cases based upon the customer deployments.

Deployment	Test Scenario
L2 MCLAG	MCLAG-L2 Steady State with port channel and vlan on peer link
	MCLAG-L2 Member Link Down
	MCLAG-L2 Peer Link Down
	MCLAG-L2 Active Reboot
	MCLAG-L2 Standby Reboot
L3 MCLAG	MC-LAG L3 validation using port channel configuration
	MC-LAG L3 validation, Bring down the member link of Spine1
	MC-LAG L3 keepalive link down
	MCLAG-L3 Active Reboot
	MCLAG-L3 Standby Reboot

4. Maximizing Network Efficiency: A Deep Dive into ECMP Scaling & Resilience

•  Mastering ECMP: Navigating Scaling and Resilience Essentials- 

• Intelligent Traffic Distribution:
  • ECMP optimizes network performance by intelligently distributing traffic across equal-cost paths.
• Enhanced Load Balancing:
  • In data centers, ECMP significantly enhances load balancing for efficient traffic distribution.
• Increased Bandwidth Utilization:
  • ECMP maximizes efficiency by substantially increasing bandwidth utilization.
• Fault Tolerance Assurance:
  • Ensures fault tolerance, maintaining network resilience in the face of disruptions.
• Crucial in Modern Environments:
  • In dynamic environments, ECMP ensures efficient resource utilization and high availability.
• FTAS 2.3 Advancements:
  • FTAS 2.3 introduces eBGP support, enhancing ECMP scalability for advanced network capabilities.
• Explore ECMP eBGP Scenarios:
  • Delve into diverse ECMP eBGP scalability scenarios in FTAS 2.3 for insights into scalable and resilient networks.

• Unlock the potential of ECMP Scaling & Resilience with FTAS, from foundational principles to advanced capabilities in FTAS 2.3.

  Here is the list of ECMP eBGP scalability scenarios added in FTAS 2.3.

Test Scenario	Description
ECMP Scalability - eBGP support	Scalability to 16 ECMP paths and 32K eBGP routes
	Scalability to 32 ECMP paths and 64K eBGP routes
	Scalability to 64 ECMP paths and 128K eBGP routes
	Scalability to <number of leaf1 ports> ECMP paths and 1K eBGP routes per path

Conclusion

FTAS 2.3 has arrived, brimming with enhancements to facilitate seamless SONiC assessment. This latest release introduces an array of new VXLAN EVPN scenarios, encompassing diverse test cases tailored for efficient data center communication. Furthermore, MCLAG use cases guarantee the establishment of resilient, redundant networks, providing a safeguard against downtime during switch failures. Notably, FTAS 2.3 extends its support for ECMP scalability with eBGP, elevating both network performance and fault tolerance.

Dive into the specifics of these upgrades, ranging from VXLAN EVPN configurations to MCLAG and ECMP eBGP scalability scenarios. With its comprehensive coverage and improved capabilities, FTAS 2.3 promises to elevate your testing experience, ensuring your SONiC assessment is not just thorough but also enriched with advanced features.‍

Schedule a Call with Our Team to Delve into FTAS. For comprehensive information before the scheduled call, visit our FTAS product page.