Huawei CloudEngine 6863 series switches are next-generation 25GE access switches that provide high performance and high port density on data center networks and high-end campus networks. The CloudEngine 6863 series have advanced hardware architecture with 40GE/100GE uplink ports and high-density 25GE access ports. Using Huawei's VRP8 software platform, CloudEngine 6863 series switches support extensive data center features and high stacking capabilities. In addition, the CloudEngine 6863 series use a flexible airflow design (front-to-back or back-to-front). CloudEngine 6863 series can work with CloudEngine 16800 or CloudEngine 12800 series data center core switches to build elastic, virtual, and high-quality 40GE/100GE full-mesh networks, meeting requirements of cloud computing data centers. CloudEngine 6863 series provide high-density 25GE access to help enterprises and carriers build a scalable data center network platform in the cloud computing era. They can also work as core or aggregation switches on campus networks.

High-Density 25GE Access

CloudEngine 6863 series provide up to 48 x 25GE ports, allowing for high-density 10GE/25GE server access and smooth evolution. CloudEngine 6863 series provide up to 6 x 100GE QSFP28 ports. Each QSFP28 port can also be used as one 40GE QSFP+ port, providing flexibility in networking. The uplink 40GE/100GE ports can be connected to CloudEngine 16800 or CloudEngine 12800 series switches to build a non-blocking network platform.

Inter-device Link Aggregation, High Efficiency and Reliability

CloudEngine 6863 series support multi-chassis link aggregation group (M-LAG), which enables links of multiple switches to aggregate into one to implement device-level link backup. Switches in an M-LAG all work in active state to share traffic and back up each other, enhancing system reliability. Switches in an M-LAG can be upgraded  independently. During the upgrade, other switches in the system take over traffic forwarding to ensure uninterrupted services. M-LAG supports dual-homing to Ethernet, VXLAN, and IP networks, allowing for flexible networking.

ESI Multi-homing Access

CloudEngine 6863 series support RFC-compliant EVPN multi-homing solution. The Ethernet Segment Identifier (ESI) is used to expand EVPN VXLAN gateways from active-active mode to multi-active mode. EVPN VXLAN gateways can work in activeactive mode to implement multi-homing access of servers (servers can be quad-homed to EVPN VXLAN gateways).

Virtualized Hardware Gateway, Enabling Quick Deployment

CloudEngine 6863 series can connect to a cloud platform through open APIs, facilitating unified management of virtual and physical networks. CloudEngine 6863 series can work with the industry's mainstream virtualization platforms. The virtualization function protects investments because services can be deployed quickly without requiring network changes. The hardware gateway deployment enables fast service deployment without changing the customer network, providing investment protection. CloudEngine 6863 series support Border Gateway Protocol - Ethernet VPN (BGP-EVPN), which can run as the VXLAN control plane to simplify VXLAN configuration within and between data centers.

Standard Interfaces, Enabling Openness and Interoperability

CloudEngine 6863 series support NETCONF and can work with Huawei iMaster NCE-Fabric. CloudEngine 6863 series support Ansible-based automatic configuration and open-source module release, expanding network functions and simplifying device management and maintenance. CloudEngine 6863 series can be integrated into mainstream SDN and cloud computing platforms flexibly and quickly.

ZTP, Implementing Automatic O&M

CloudEngine 6863 series support Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP). ZTP enables the CloudEngine 6863 series to automatically obtain and load version files from a USB flash drive or file server, freeing network engineers from onsite
configuration and deployment. ZTP reduces labor costs and improves device deployment efficiency. ZTP provides built-in scripts through open APIs. Data center personnel can use a programming language they are familiar with, such as Python, to centrally configure network devices. ZTP decouples the configuration time of new devices from the device quantity and area distribution, which improves service provisioning efficiency.

FabricInsight-based Intelligent O&M

The CloudEngine 6863 provides telemetry technology to collect device data in real time and send the data to Huawei data center network analyzer iMaster NCE-FabricInsight. The iMaster NCE-FabricInsight analyzes network data based on the intelligent fault identification algorithm, accurately displays the real-time network status, effectively demarcates and locates faults in a timely manner, and identifies network problems that affect user experience, accurately guaranteeing user experience.

iMaster NCE-based Simplified Network Deployment

CloudEngine 6863 series switches can interconnect with iMaster NCE-Fabric through standard protocols such as NetConf and SNMP to implement network automatic management and control, providing more efficient and intelligent operation methods, simplifying network management, and reducing the OPEX.

Flexible Airflow Design, Improving Energy Efficiency

Flexible front-to-back or back-to-front airflow design

• CloudEngine 6863 series use a strict front-to-back or back-to-front airflow design that isolates cold air channels from hot air channels. This design improves heat dissipation efficiency and meets design requirements of data center equipment rooms.
• Air can flow from front to back or back to front depending on the fans and power modules that are used.
• Redundant power modules and fans can be configured to ensure service continuity

Innovative energy-saving technologies

• CloudEngine 6863 series have innovative energy-saving chips and can measure system power consumption in real time. The fan speed can be adjusted dynamically based on system consumption. These energy-saving technologies reduce O&M costs and contribute to a greener data center.

Clear Indicators, Simplifying Maintenance

Clear indicators

• Port indicators clearly show the port status and port rate. The 100GE port indicators can show the states of all ports derived from the 100GE ports.
• State and stack indicators on both the front and rear panels enable users to maintain the switch from either side.
• CloudEngine 6863 series support remote positioning. Remote positioning indicators enable users to easily identify the switches they want to maintain in an equipment room full of devices.

Simple maintenance

• The management port, fans, and power modules are on the front panel, which facilitates device maintenance.
• Data ports are located at the rear, facing servers. This simplifies cabling.

Specifications