Leaf-spine networks take the lead

Leaf-spine networks are poised to take over from traditional three-layer designs. 

Leaf-spine has made inroads in modern data centers, favored for responding better to changing data traffic patterns.

Expert Ethan Banks, founder of the Packet Pushers podcast, explains how leaf-spine works and how it’s different from three-layer models.

The traditional three-layer model is familiar to many networking pros.

Leaf-spine network design may look similar to three-layer designs, with more switches on the spine layer. But all links are used to forward traffic.

Leaf-spine networks do have shortcomings, one of which is possible oversubscription between network layers.