The correct spelling of the word "Clos network" is /kloʊz ˈnɛtwɜrk/. The first syllable "Clos" is pronounced with a long "o" sound and the "s" is silent. The second syllable "network" is pronounced with stress on the second syllable, and the "work" portion is pronounced with an "er" sound. A Clos network is a type of computer network topology that is commonly used in data centers to provide high bandwidth and low latency communication.
A Clos network is a type of computer network design that consists of multiple layers of switches interconnected in a hierarchical manner. It is primarily used in large-scale data center architectures to ensure high availability, scalability, and efficient traffic routing.
The Clos network is made up of three distinct layers: the ingress layer, the fabric layer, and the egress layer. The ingress layer consists of switches that receive network traffic from external sources and direct it to the fabric layer. The fabric layer is the central layer of the Clos network, composed of multiple switch stages interconnected in a non-blocking manner. Here, the traffic is distributed and forwarded to the appropriate egress layer. The egress layer consists of switches that send the network traffic out of the Clos network to its destination.
The Clos network architecture provides a scalable and robust solution by distributing the network traffic across multiple layers of switches. This ensures that the network can handle increasing bandwidth demands without introducing bottlenecks or single points of failure. Additionally, the non-blocking fabric layer allows for efficient traffic forwarding, reducing latency and improving overall network performance.
Overall, the Clos network design is essential in large-scale environments where high availability, scalability, and efficient traffic routing are crucial, such as data centers and cloud computing infrastructures.
The term "Clos network" originates from the name of Charles Clos, a French engineer and mathematician. Charles Clos proposed a mathematical theory for designing efficient telephone switching networks in his doctoral thesis, which he defended in 1953. His theoretical model of network design came to be known as "Clos network" or "Clos topology". This model helped in developing practical solutions for constructing large-scale, non-blocking, and highly interconnected communication networks. The word "Clos" is derived from Charles Clos' surname, and it became associated with his network design method.