Municipal architects compare a simple 3-stage leaf-spine Clos with a 5-stage Clos for a larger regional data center. When does a multi-stage Clos typically enter the design conversation?
Select an answer to reveal the explanation.
Short Explanation
A 3-stage Clos is the familiar leaf-spine sandwich. When the regional DC outgrows that sandwich, architects add stages—like adding more highway rings—so ports and paths can keep scaling. It is not an excuse to drag STP or server-to-spine attachments back into the picture.
Full Explanation
Three-stage leaf-spine Clos designs suit many pods; larger fabrics may adopt multi-stage (for example, 5-stage) Clos topologies for additional radix and path diversity. Multi-stage designs address scale, not a return to STP-based loop control. Overlay and underlay roles remain distinct. Servers still attach at the leaf edge in typical IP-fabric architectures.