Datacenter Network Refresh

Key problem/s

Austrade would like to establish an indicative cost for replacement of its network core infrastructure in its two physical datacenters, including components used for connectivity between datacenters.

The users and their needs

Current Environment

Please refer to diagram for reference.

Austrade has two physical datacenters that are connected via diverse ICON fiber runs, ranging from 20KM to 50KM in length.

The datacenter cross connect links are connected via Smart Optics DWDM to provide multiple logical channels.

• Each Datacenter includes （2x） C-3817-LL Smart Optic DWDM for DC-DC connectivity

Each Datacenter includes the following:

1. Cisco Nexus 7004（x2） with the following hardware modules:

• N7K-SUP2
• N7K-SUP2
• N7K-F348XP-25
• N7K-F348XP-25
• 4 x Power Supply N7K-AC-3KW

2. 2 x Cisco N2K-C2248TP-E-1GE

The Nexus configuration is implemented in the following manner:

• Each Datacenter has a pair of Nexus 7K in VPC configuration
• Layer 2 connectivity is stretched across both data centers using Nexus Fabric Path
• No Spanning tree is present within the CORE fabric, all network paths are active
• Currently the Nexus 7K is split into virtual contexts for different environments, which will not be required going forward.
• There is a mix of EIGRP, BGP and Static routing connecting the Network core to auxiliary gateways and firewalls (SD-WAN & Internal DMZs)
• The Nexus solution is managed wholly via CLI (no DCNM)

Virtual Platform and Storage

1. Each datacenter includes the following

• 2 x Dell MX7000 Chassis
• Hitachi E790 SAN
• 2 x G620 Brocade SAN switches

Firewall Environment

1. SD-WAN / Gateway FortiGate firewalls

• Datacenter networks form part of the Fortinet SD-WAN (ADVPN)
• This facilitates connectivity to the Austrade Azure Tenancy (SD-WAN)

2. Cisco ASA 5525 Auxiliary internal DMZ firewall pair (to be replaced)

Requirements

Austrade would like to obtain a high-level cost for replacing the Cisco Nexus core network environment, including its Auxiliary internal data center firewall. The external SD-WAN firewall （HA Pair） will remain in place and facilitate connectivity to Azure and Branch offices via redundant internet links.

In Scope for RFI:

• Overview and indicative cost to replace the Nexus 7004 environment including Chassis / line cards and top of rack （TOR） switching.
• Overview and indicative cost of the Smart Optics DWDM solution, including replacement of all Optics
• Overview and indicative cost to replace Auxiliary firewall （Replace with FortiGate）

Technical Requirements:

• Resilient fabric connecting data centers （2 full duplex /4 physical ICON links）
• DWDM to support SAN and Ethernet connectivity （10/25/40 Gbps）
• Local datacenter hardware redundancy
• Preference for a native / single routing protocol for interconnection of systems and current SD-WAN （iBGP）
• Layer 2 connectivity between data centers
• Flexible host connectivity options （1/10 Gbps fiber &1Gbpscopper）
• Redundancy for TOR and host connectivity （MCLAG / LACP / Port Channel）
• Redundant power supplies on CORE equipment
• Single pane of glass for management
• Any cloud-based components MUST be IRAP assessed

A single Support and maintenance arrangement:

• 24x7x4 Premium Support

Implementation:

• Design & Implementation

Key dates/ milestones

Austrade would like to approach the market with an RFQ no later than March 2026, with implementation planned for Q3/4 of 2026.