Array AVX Platform Multi-Tenancy BenchmarksPerformance and Scaling Benchmarks Using Next-Gen Firewall (NGFW)

Abstract

AVX Series network functions platforms host multiple Array and 3rd-party virtual appliances (VAs), providing the agility of virtualization with the guaranteed performance of dedicated appliances.

Depending on the model, the AVX Series runs up to 32 fully independent VAs in a single hardware platform. Dedicated CPU, SSL, memory, and I/O resources serve each virtual appliance. As a result, the AVX Series offers the equivalent of up to 32 dedicated physical appliances in two rack units, in which security and networking services can be assured of guaranteed and demonstrable performance.

Array Networks commissioned The Tolly Group to benchmark performance and scaling characteristics of the AVX platform using next-gen firewall (NGFW) virtual appliances from a market-leading vendor as an example application.

Tolly Group measured performance and scale by dividing the testing activity into three test scenarios. Test #1 consisted of running 16 small-sized NGFW virtual appliance instances on a single AVX9800 platform. Test #2 measurements were made with 8 medium-sized NGFW virtual appliance instances on a single AVX9800 platform. Test #3 measurements were taken with 4 large-sized NGFW virtual appliance instances on a single AVX 9800 platform.