Micro-Data Center & Local Infrastructure
Cloud services are part of modern IT, but video retention, AI analytics, backup systems, local storage, building platforms, and operational applications often still run close to the business, campus, property, or facility they support.
When those workloads stay local, the network behind them has to do more than connect devices. It must move higher volumes of traffic, support segmented infrastructure, provide telemetry and network visibility, and help teams plan capacity across servers, storage, users, applications, and edge systems.
Local infrastructure is where cloud-connected operations, physical security systems, storage, backup, analytics, and edge workloads meet the network.
Infrastructure planning may need to account for NVRs, NAS, backup appliances, application servers, edge compute, surveillance platforms, high-speed aggregation, telemetry, and upstream connectivity.
The Challenge
Surveillance recording, analytics, backup, storage, access control, building platforms, and operational applications can increase traffic, visibility needs, segmentation requirements, and continuity planning.
The D-Link Approach
D-Link Micro-Data Center and Local Infrastructure Solutions help connect servers, storage, applications, users, edge systems, and upstream networks with 25GbE and 100GbE switching, high-density aggregation, managed access, PoE, fiber, transceivers, telemetry, and alternate remote connectivity.
Great For
Local infrastructure may support applications, storage, backup, video retention, analytics, operational systems, and upstream connectivity. These environments need switching planned around traffic volume, segmentation, visibility, uplinks, and growth.
IT Infrastructure
Servers, storage, backup, applications, users, and high-speed uplinks.
Physical Security
NVRs, retention storage, analytics, access control, and separated video traffic.
Institutional IT
Sensitive systems, records, surveillance, backup, and continuity planning.
Multi-Site
Local site platforms, video systems, guest services, and backup.
Operational Edge
Edge compute, automation systems, monitoring, storage, and fiber aggregation.
Visibility
Traffic visibility, health monitoring, troubleshooting, validation, and growth planning.
Local Infrastructure Topology
A micro-data center environment may include servers, storage, backup appliances, NVRs, analytics platforms, local applications, managed access switching, fiber connections, and upstream aggregation. Each layer should be planned around traffic flow, speed, segmentation, uplink capacity, and visibility.
Local Workloads
Connect systems that may generate or store large amounts of local traffic, including servers, NAS, backup appliances, NVRs, analytics platforms, and operational applications.
Workload examples: storage, backup, NVR, analytics, local applications
Micro-Data Center Switching
Place high-speed switching close to servers, storage, and local systems so east-west traffic can move within the site before it travels upstream.
Featured product: DQS-5000-56ZS
Aggregation and Uplinks
Use fiber and higher-speed uplinks to connect the local infrastructure layer back to aggregation, core, building, campus, or WAN infrastructure.
Planning focus: 10GbE, 25GbE, 40GbE, or 100GbE uplinks
Access and Edge
Use managed access, PoE, industrial switching, fiber, and select 5G/4G connectivity to connect systems outside the local infrastructure rack.
Related families: managed switches, industrial switches, cellular gateways
Architecture examples are provided for planning discussion. Product selection, port counts, uplink speeds, fiber distances, redundancy, segmentation, telemetry, management, cellular coverage, and configuration depend on the site design and selected product models.
Featured Micro-Data Center Switch
The DQS-5000-56ZS is designed for micro-data center, server room, and local infrastructure environments where servers, storage, backup, analytics, video systems, and high-volume local workloads require more than standard access switching.
With 48 × 25GbE SFP28 ports and 8 × 100GbE QSFP28 ports, the DQS-5000-56ZS can support high-speed server and storage connectivity while providing higher-capacity uplinks for aggregation, core, or fabric connectivity.
Switching Capacity
Connect servers, storage, backup appliances, and local infrastructure workloads that need higher-speed access than traditional 1GbE switching.
Uplink Capacity
Provide higher-capacity paths from the local infrastructure layer to aggregation, core, fabric, or upstream network layers.
Open Networking
Support open networking, automation, repeatable deployment, and flexible operating models for modern infrastructure teams.
Segmentation and Fabric
Support advanced designs for workload separation, fabric connectivity, routing, and resilient local infrastructure.
Routing and Scale
Use dynamic routing and path selection features to support larger and more segmented infrastructure designs.
Visibility and Operations
Help teams monitor traffic, automate provisioning, validate changes, troubleshoot, and plan future capacity.
DQS-5000 feature references are provided for planning discussion. Confirm product availability, software support, compatible optics, operating requirements, configuration, and TD SYNNEX listing details before finalizing a deployment.
SONiC OS
The DQS-5000-56ZS uses SONiC OS with ONIE to support open networking, automation, telemetry, routing, and fabric-oriented infrastructure designs.
For local infrastructure teams, SONiC OS can help support a more programmable and visibility-driven switching layer for servers, storage, backup systems, analytics platforms, and other high-volume local workloads.
Supports an open network operating environment for technical IT and infrastructure teams.
Helps support repeatable provisioning, configuration, operational workflows, and change validation.
Helps teams review traffic, monitor utilization, troubleshoot issues, and plan capacity.
Supports segmented and scalable network designs when the architecture requires those capabilities.
Feature support, configuration requirements, and deployment options may vary by software version and selected design. Confirm current D-Link documentation before specification or deployment.
Application Scenario
This architecture shows how a micro-data center switching layer can connect local workloads, upstream aggregation, distribution switches, managed access, and industrial edge locations. Use it as a planning model for server rooms, equipment rooms, campus IT rooms, local infrastructure racks, and distributed sites.
Architecture Overview
In this model, local workloads connect into the DQS-5000-56ZS micro-data center switching layer. Upstream aggregation, fiber distribution, managed access, and industrial edge switches are selected based on traffic flow, link speed, PoE demand, fiber distance, and site location.
25GbE server/storage connectivity with 100GbE uplink capacity for local workloads and upstream aggregation.
High-capacity Layer 3 aggregation for local infrastructure, distribution switching, and upstream network connections.
Fiber-focused 10GbE distribution with 10/25GbE uplink options for equipment rooms, closets, and downstream access.
Use high-speed PoE, Multi-Gigabit access, or compact distributed access depending on the location and device mix.
Use managed 1GbE access with 10GbE uplinks where endpoint speed is primarily Gigabit but aggregated traffic still matters.
Extend managed PoE+ switching and fiber uplinks into cabinets, facility areas, equipment rooms, and operational edge sites.
Business IT rooms, campus infrastructure, surveillance recording and retention, local storage, backup, analytics, distributed equipment rooms, and facility edge locations.
How the Architecture Connects
The sample topology uses high-speed local switching for servers and storage, higher-capacity uplinks toward core or aggregation, and downstream access switches selected by speed, PoE, fiber, stacking, and environment.
DQS-5000-56ZS to servers, storage, backup, NVR, analytics, or other compatible high-speed local systems.
DQS-5000-56ZS to compatible core, aggregation, fabric, or upstream infrastructure.
DXS-3610 Series to DXS-3130-32S based on selected port type, uplink design, and switch compatibility.
DXS-3130-32S to DMS-3130-30PS, DXS-3130-28P, or DMS-1250-10SPL as alternative access choices.
DXS or DGS distribution to DGS-1530 or DGS-1250 access switching for 1GbE endpoint environments.
Connect compatible cameras, controllers, phones, signage, workstations, NAS, NVR, and other site systems.
Products Shown in This Architecture
Review the role, port profile, uplinks, network functions, and application fit for each switching layer in the sample topology.
Micro-Data Center Switching
56-Port 25GbE Micro Data Center Switch
High-speed switching for local workloads that require dense 25GbE connectivity, 100GbE uplinks, SONiC OS, telemetry, automation, and advanced fabric features.
Servers, storage, backup, NVRs, analytics, edge compute, local applications, and upstream 100GbE aggregation paths.
Core / Aggregation
10GbE Layer 3 Stackable Managed Switches with 100GbE Uplinks
High-capacity switching for centralized local infrastructure, upstream aggregation, core switching, and high-speed site connections.
Core and aggregation, core-to-core connectivity, local infrastructure aggregation, and 100GbE uplinks from compatible micro-data center switching.
Fiber Distribution
10GbE Layer 3 Stackable Managed Aggregation Switch with 25GbE Uplinks
Fiber-focused distribution for equipment rooms, closets, rack aggregation, surveillance aggregation, and higher-speed access switching.
Fiber distribution, rack aggregation, surveillance aggregation, high-speed access switching, and local infrastructure uplink paths.
10GbE PoE++ Access
10GbE Layer 3 Stackable Managed PoE++ Switch with 25GbE Uplinks
High-speed PoE++ access for demanding network areas that need 10GbE Multi-Gigabit connectivity, PoE++, stacking, and 25GbE uplinks.
High-speed access clusters, high-resolution cameras, NVR-adjacent systems, powered equipment, and locations requiring 25GbE uplinks.
Multi-Gigabit Access and Distribution
Multi-Gigabit Layer 3 Stackable Managed PoE Switch with 25GbE Uplinks
Multi-Gigabit access and distribution for high-bandwidth connected systems, PoE-powered equipment, and 10/25GbE uplinks.
Multi-Gigabit floor access, equipment rooms, cameras, access control, local systems, and 25GbE uplink paths.
Compact Multi-Gigabit Access
2.5GbE Layer 3 Lite Smart Managed PoE++ Switch with 10GbE Uplinks
Compact access for smaller zones, communications cabinets, structured media panels, and local infrastructure extensions.
Smaller access zones, cabinets, local systems, compact equipment areas, cameras, access control, and 10GbE uplinks.
Gigabit Core / Aggregation
Gigabit Layer 3 Stackable Managed Switches with 10GbE Uplinks
Layer 3 stackable managed switching for centralized infrastructure, aggregation, routing, and applicable PoE+ deployments.
Gigabit aggregation, routing, access distribution, surveillance traffic, and 10GbE uplinks where 100GbE aggregation is not required.
Stackable Gigabit Access
Gigabit Layer 3 Lite Stackable Smart Managed Switches with 10GbE Uplinks
Stackable 1GbE access switching with Layer 3 Lite features for distributed access locations requiring scalable port capacity, 10GbE uplinks, or PoE+.
Larger access locations, higher port counts, physical stacking, cameras, phones, intercoms, and 10GbE uplink paths.
Gigabit Smart Managed Access
Gigabit Layer 3 Lite Smart Managed Switches with 10GbE Uplinks
Managed 1GbE access with Layer 3 Lite features, four 10GbE SFP+ uplinks, optional PoE+, and management features for connected systems.
Managed access for cameras, phones, intercoms, access control, signage, office devices, and 10GbE uplinks.
Industrial and Facility Edge
Industrial 12-Port Gigabit Smart Managed PoE+ Switch with SFP
Industrial managed switching for remote locations that require additional PoE+ ports, 1GbE fiber interfaces, ERPS, OAM, static routing, and wider operating-temperature support.
Remote cabinets, equipment areas, facility edge, cameras, access control, sensors, signage, and fiber-connected operational locations.
Product features, port configurations, uplink speeds, PoE standards, PoE budgets, stacking, software support, management options, compatible optics, and regional availability vary by model and hardware/software revision. Confirm current documentation before specification or purchase.
5G/4G IoT + M2M Connectivity
Cellular connectivity can help support selected local systems when wired service is limited, delayed, temporary, remote, or used as a backup path. Keep cellular planning separate from the switching topology so teams can evaluate coverage, carrier, antenna placement, data plan, and configuration requirements.
Cellular Role
Cellular gateways can support selected infrastructure locations such as remote cabinets, gates, kiosks, smart lockers, meters, signage, vending, parking systems, and distributed operational equipment.
Use cellular as a backup option for selected systems where business continuity planning requires an alternate path.
Connect cabinets, kiosks, meters, signage, gates, and other Ethernet-enabled systems away from main IT spaces.
Use cellular where trenching, cabling, service delays, or temporary site needs make wired connectivity difficult.
Cellular performance depends on carrier coverage, service plan, antenna placement, building materials, enclosure location, signal quality, connected equipment, and configuration.
D-Link 5G/4G IoT Solutions
D-Link US cellular products should be positioned as carrier certified with Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Select the model based on cellular generation, Ethernet interface, PoE need, management requirements, and deployment environment.
5G/4G PoE Gateway
5G/4G Rugged PoE Modem and Gateway
Cellular gateway option for selected remote sites that need 5G/4G backhaul, wired Gigabit LAN connections, and PoE+ output for compatible devices.
Remote cameras, access-control points, kiosks, parking systems, smart lockers, temporary deployments, and edge locations that need cellular plus PoE+.
5G/4G M2M Gateway
5G/4G Rugged M2M Modem and Gateway
5G/4G gateway for remote or distributed infrastructure that connects through a single 2.5GbE LAN interface.
EV chargers, kiosks, NVRs, parking systems, gate controllers, smart lockers, meters, vending systems, and other Ethernet-enabled equipment.
4G LTE M2M Router
4G LTE M2M Router
4G LTE router for remote applications, meters, controllers, kiosks, signage, and other Ethernet-connected systems.
Meters, vending, signage, kiosks, cabinets, access-control locations, backup access, and distributed systems where 4G LTE is sufficient.
For compatible D-Link 5G/4G LTE and M2M solutions, D-ECS provides cloud-based management to help support remote deployment, monitoring, and troubleshooting. Licensing may apply.
Cellular Planning Considerations
Check carrier coverage, enclosure placement, antenna position, building materials, and expected signal strength.
Data usage can vary by application, video traffic, polling frequency, failover design, and connected devices.
Confirm power source, temperature range, antenna routing, enclosure type, cable access, and serviceability.
Review NAT or bridge mode, LAN connection, failover behavior, device management, and remote access requirements.
Cellular connectivity should be evaluated based on coverage, carrier, environment, antenna placement, data plan, SIM, configuration, connected equipment, and intended use case. Confirm current product documentation and carrier requirements before deployment.
From Core to Edge
Every part of the network has a different role. D-Link offers standards-based switching across the infrastructure,from high-speed core and aggregation to building distribution, Multi-Gigabit PoE access, and industrial switching at the edge.
The portfolio gives teams options for matching bandwidth, uplink speed, PoE budget, fiber connectivity, management, and form factor to each network environment.
Network Roles
D-Link switching supports different infrastructure roles across the network, helping teams compare capacity, uplink speed, PoE, fiber, management, and environmental requirements for each deployment.
Provides the high-capacity backbone connecting major network areas, local infrastructure, servers, storage, and upstream services.
Collects traffic from access switches and connects buildings, floors, wiring closets, and network areas back to the core.
Connects and powers cameras, access-control systems, phones, sensors, and other compatible PoE devices at the network edge.
Extends connectivity to outdoor, parking, utility, surveillance, kiosk, cellular, and other remote or hard-to-wire environments.
Integration Flexibility
D-Link business switches support common networking standards and multiple management methods, helping reduce dependence on a single proprietary platform.
Available options may include Web UI, CLI, SNMP, VLANs, QoS, routing, and stacking. Compatibility, supported features, and management options vary by product family, model, hardware revision, software version, configuration, and network environment.
Recommended Network Solutions
Start with the systems that create and store local data, then select the switching layer, uplinks, access layer, edge connectivity, and management approach that fit the site.
Use for 25GbE server and storage connectivity, 100GbE uplinks, SONiC OS, MC-LAG, EVPN, VXLAN, VRF, dynamic routing, telemetry, and automation-ready local infrastructure.
Use where micro-data infrastructure connects into a higher-capacity 10GbE / 100GbE core or aggregation layer.
Use for fiber distribution, high-speed aggregation, surveillance aggregation, and uplinks between local infrastructure and access.
Use where access locations need 2.5GbE, 5GbE, PoE, 10GbE uplinks, 25GbE uplinks, or compact Multi-Gigabit switching.
Use where endpoints are primarily 1GbE, but managed switching, PoE options, 10GbE uplinks, stacking, or smart managed access are needed.
Use where local infrastructure extends into service areas, cabinets, equipment rooms, facility edge locations, or operational environments.
Use where selected remote systems, backup paths, kiosks, cabinets, or distributed infrastructure may benefit from cellular connectivity.
Use compatible D-Link optics and DACs for rack-to-rack, switch-to-switch, 10GbE, 25GbE, and 100GbE connections.
Fiber, DAC, and Transceiver Planning
Select optics or DACs based on the switch port, required speed, cable type, link distance, rack layout, building pathway, and environmental conditions.
Use for compatible 10GbE SFP+ fiber uplinks between access, distribution, and aggregation layers.
View Data Sheet
Use for compatible 25GbE SFP28 fiber links from micro-data center or distribution switching.
View Data Sheet
Use for compatible 100GbE uplinks from DQS-5000 to upstream aggregation, core, or fabric layers.
View Related Data SheetUse DAC options for short-reach rack or cabinet connections when cable type and switch compatibility match the design.
Data Sheet TBDPlanning Considerations
Which systems connect locally: servers, storage, backup, NVRs, analytics, applications, access control, or operational systems?
Which links require 1GbE, 2.5GbE, 5GbE, 10GbE, 25GbE, or 100GbE?
How much traffic needs to move from local infrastructure to aggregation, core, WAN, or other sites?
Which systems should be separated by workload, department, application, video traffic, operations, or administrative access?
Which devices need PoE, PoE+, or PoE++? What is the total PoE budget by closet, rack, or edge location?
Which links require fiber because of distance, bandwidth, building separation, EMI exposure, or backbone design?
Which switches need centralized management, CLI, SNMP, telemetry, automation, or controller-based visibility?
Where should the design account for redundant uplinks, stacking, failover paths, alternate connectivity, or backup access?
Next Step
From server rooms and storage environments to surveillance recording, backup systems, analytics platforms, managed access, industrial edge, and remote connectivity, D-Link helps organizations plan the switching foundation behind local infrastructure.
The majority of our commercial products follow NDAA and TAA standards for Enterprise and Public Sector projects. Please confirm with each model.
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