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Storage and Hyperconverged Network Design

Eliminate Storage Bottlenecks Through Network Design

Storage systems and HCI platforms demand a modern network backbone. IVI’s Storage & HCI Network Design service delivers scalable, resilient network fabrics tailored to high-throughput, latency-sensitive workloads. We architect leaf-spine, lossless Ethernet topologies and validate NVMe-over-Fabrics readiness to ensure your systems replicate, fail over, and scale reliably. Every design is backed by automation and real-world performance analysis so your infrastructure supports growth, not becomes its limit.

 

Advanced Network Infrastructure and Design Services

Why Storage & HCI Performance Depends on Network Design

Outdated network architectures can create major roadblocks for modern workloads:

  • Latency-sensitive storage traffic gets dropped or delayed across shallow-buffered or oversubscribed switches.

  • Replication and failover events struggle without predictable paths or guaranteed delivery.

  • Scaling infrastructure becomes expensive and complex with rigid, non-linear designs.

We specialize in designing and deploying modern leaf-spine network fabrics that support the east-west traffic patterns storage and HCI platforms depend on—without adding complexity or management overhead.

How IVI Designs High-Performance Networks for Storage & HCI

We take a full lifecycle approach- from initial discovery through deployment, documentation, and operational support.

Assess Storage I/O, Latency & Replication Patterns

We start by gathering data on your actual performance needs. Our engineers analyze IOPS, latency sensitivity, and throughput patterns to ensure the network is architected specifically for your environment, not based on assumptions or templates.

Result: You'll understand actual I/O, latency and throughput needs, no guesswork in your network design.

Design Scalable Leaf-Spine Fabrics for East-West Storage Traffic

We design two-tier leaf-spine architectures purpose-built for distributed east-west traffic. This design enables predictable, low-latency performance, simplifies high-availability configurations, and scales linearly as your environment grows.

Result: This architecture ensures low-latency paths and linear scalability as you expand.

Enable Lossless Ethernet for NVMe-over-Fabrics & RoCEv2

For customers deploying NVMe-over-Fabrics (NVMe-oF) or RoCEv2, we deliver lossless Ethernet fabrics using protocols like Priority-based Flow Control (PFC) and ECN. Deep-buffered switch designs ensure microbursts are absorbed without packet loss, supporting high-performance workloads at scale.

Result: You can safely support NVMe replication without packet loss under burst conditions.

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Execute Migration & Deployment with Network Reliability

We manage end-to-end execution-whether you’re moving off Fibre Channel SAN or deploying a new HCI pod. Our teams handle cabling, switch configuration, migration planning, and go-live support to reduce risk and downtime.

Result: Minimized disruption and validated performance in productions rollouts.

Automate Network Deployment & Capture Operational Documentation

We build infrastructure with Infrastructure as Code (IaC), using Ansible and Terraform to ensure consistency, reduce errors, and support repeatable scaling. Every engagement includes full documentation, runbooks, and knowledge transfer to equip your team for ongoing operations.

Result: Repeatable deployment, less configuration drift, and operational readiness from day one.

Why Enterprises Choose IVI for Storage Network Design

Capability Description

Engineer-Led Engagement

 All designs and deployments are led by senior engineers with real-world experience in storage and data center performance- not generalist consultants.
Outcome-Driven Design
 We focus on business outcomes like performance improvement, risk reduction, and agility- not just completing a config checklist.
Vendor-Agnostic Execution
 We work with Cisco, Arista, and others, but we start with your technical and business goals, not a product SKU.
Automation-First Mindset
 We use IaC principles to build networks that are manageable, testable, and scalable by design.
End-to-End Partnership
 From assessment to steady-state support, we stay engaged to ensure your infrastructure evolves with your business.

Use Cases: HCI, SAN Modernization & Performance Optimization

  • HCI Deployment Readiness: Build the right network fabric before spinning up new Nutanix, VMware vSAN, or HyperFlex clusters.
  • Storage Fabric Modernization: Transition from legacy Fibre Channel to lossless Ethernet and consolidate your network infrastructure.
  • Performance Optimization: Resolve high I/O latency and unpredictable performance tied to outdated switching or oversubscription.
  • Cloud or DR Integration: Extend your core storage fabric to support hybrid workloads or disaster recovery replication traffic.

Delivery Model: From Assessment to Operational Support

You’re not buying a design doc or a one-time engagement. You’re getting a hands-on, engineer-led implementation from strategy through support.

  • Full discovery and architecture services

  • On-site and remote deployment execution

  • Operational readiness with automation and documentation

  • Integration with existing systems and IT processes

Start Building a Network That Powers Storage Performance

If your network is holding back your storage platform or you’re planning a major HCI or SAN upgrade, our engineers are here to help you architect and execute the right foundation.

Let’s start with an assessment. We’ll give you a clear path forward with zero guesswork.

FAQs: Storage Network Design & HCI Integration

Do I need to replace my Fibre Channel SAN to modernize?

Not necessarily. We support hybrid approaches. However, many organizations are moving to Ethernet-based fabrics to consolidate infrastructure and unlock higher bandwidth, lower cost, and simplified operations- especially with NVMe-oF.

Can I integrate HCI into my existing network?

Technically, yes- but often not without limitations. Most legacy networks can’t support the east-west traffic or latency needs of modern HCI. We’ll assess your current environment and design an integration strategy that avoids performance bottlenecks.

What switches do I need for lossless networking?

It depends on your environment, but deep-buffered, data center-class switches are generally required for RoCEv2 and NVMe-oF. We help you evaluate and choose from vendors like Arista, Cisco, and others- based on workload and budget.

How does automation help in storage network design?

We use Ansible and Terraform to deliver repeatable, error-resistant builds. This ensures consistent switch configurations across environments and simplifies scaling or rebuilding infrastructure in the future.

What’s the timeline for a typical deployment?

Smaller HCI pods can be scoped and deployed in weeks. Larger data center modernization efforts may take longer but are approached in phases to minimize disruption. We work around your change windows and maintenance schedules.

Does iVi provide ongoing support after deployment?

Yes. Through our Aegis service model, we can provide co-managed support, performance monitoring, and change management-  integrated with your tools and teams.

Experience the Difference: Proven Expertise, Tangible Results?

Mastering complexity is our specialty. With decades of hands-on experience, our team excels in executing intricate cloud integrations, critical contact center migrations, and future-focused network transformations, successfully delivering hundreds of projects for enterprise clients across diverse industries.

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