Q: My network topology is FC-SW and I'm thinking about a Brocade 4100. Can I connect my Emulex and QLogic switches with this new one to get more link channels?

A: Do you want more connectivity ports, greater bandwidth or lower latency? How big is your FC-SW SAN network? How many switches do you have? What's their type and size? You should also consider inter-switch links, switch configurations, port speeds, and the type and number of servers and storage devices attached.

It's possible to connect switches from different vendors, but it depends on how your current Fibre Channel and switches are configured. Interoperability without a SAN router may pose challenges. Talk to your switch, storage and adapter vendors about what they'll support given your environment and application needs.

--Greg Schulz, founder and senior analyst StorageIO Group