Fibre Channel basics |
 |
By Andrew Burton
23 Nov 2005 | SearchStorage.com |
|
|
If you are considering adopting Fibre Channel (FC), this Fast Guide is for you. You'll learn everything you need to know to get started with FC, from the latest news to expert advice on implementation to how it stacks up against similar technologies.
FC is used to transmit data between computer devices at data rates of up to 4 Gbps. It has been widely reported that FC will offer data transfer rates of 8 and and 10 Gbps in the near future, but some analysts remain skeptical about these claims. Regardless, its speed and reliablility have been the major factors driving FC's adoption, and it has begun to replace the Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) as the transmission interface between servers and clustered storage devices in many storage networks (FC is three times as fast as SCSI).
Learn whether FC is right for your organization by browsing the links below.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 Beginner's Fibre Channel
Evaluating network protocols
Pros/cons of Fibre Channel
The new wave: Low-cost Fibre Channel
Latest Fibre Channel news/developments
Library of SAN/NAS tips
- Glossary Definition: Fibre Channel
- Whatis FCIP?
- Whatis the FCIA?
- SAN School Lesson 3: What makes a SAN go?
Understanding the performance aspects of a SAN can help you begin to see where the benefits lie. This lesson is devoted to the inner workings of a SAN, such as latency issues, Fibre Channel protocols, WWN and how the SAN fabric works.
- Storage Smarts Quiz: FCIP vs. iFCP
Are you familiar with the pros and cons of FCIP and iFCP? Both can be used to route FC data over IP networks, but which is more easily implemented and which one reduces overall availability? Every protocol has its ups and downs so take our quick FCIP/iFCP quiz and see which one stacks up.
- Expert Advice: How to decide between Fibre and SCSI SANs
Test, test, test. That's the advice from expert Chris Poelker whenever evaluating any product you plan on bringing into your data center. In this tip, Chris lists 10 things you must consider before you make your choice.
- Featured Topic: Evaluate network protocols
To help make your research a breeze, SearchStorage.com has gathered the best news, expert Q&As, tips and quick guides on the various network protocols. This Featured Topic is geared to help you evaluate each protocol.
- Article: The difference between SCSI and FC protocols
Storage expert Chris Poelker tackles this important and common question.
- Expert advice: Fibre Channel vs. iSCSI for SANs
Storage expert Greg Schulz compares and contrasts FC and iSCSI.
- Expert advice: SATA, Fibre Channel and ATA disks on the same array?
Storage expert Randy Kerns discusses the problems associated with using FC and ATA disks on the same array.
- Expert advice: The slow move toward faster Fibre
Fibre Channel vendors have been talking up a move to 4 Gbps, with possibilities of 8 Gbps or 10 Gbps shimmering on the horizon, but some analysts remain skeptical.
- Article: Future is fuzzy for Fibre drives
The Fibre Channel-connected disk drives that populate midrange arrays may soon give way to a new generation of SAS drives.
- Article: InfiniBand makes a comeback
Engenio will unveil today the first storage array to offer native InfiniBand support promising users high-speed connectivity without the complexity of Fibre Channel.
- Article: New SAS products spark debate
Recently announced SAS products have renewed the debate over whether SAS will push out Fibre Channel or SATA in the data center.
- Article: Mixing Fibre Channel and SATA drives
Randy Kerns, a senior partner at Evaluator Group, offers his recommendations for mixing Fibre Channel and SATA drives in a single midrange array.
- Article: What will 4 Gbps Fibre Channel mean to you?
Do organizations really need 4 Gbps technology, when many of them aren't taking full advantage of 2 Gbps?
- Article: Overseas IT powerhouse bails on Fibre Channel
A large IT service provider in Europe running systems for over 80 banks has deployed an EqualLogic iSCSI SAN and is retiring Fibre Channel.
- Article: Fibre committee guarantees users more speed
The FCIA has approved 8 Gbps Fibre Channel, but are they going too fast?
- Webcast: Where Fibre Channel is headed
The near future will see a lot of confusion in FC bandwidth options, with 4, 8 and ultimately 10GB coming on the market. At the same time, HBA prices are under pressure. And what's being done to improve HBA manageability and interoperability? Marc Staimer, Founder of Dragon Slayer Consulting, examines these issues.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| TechTarget provides technology professionals with the information they need to perform their jobs - from developing strategy, to making cost-effective purchase decisions and managing their organizations' technology projects - with its network of . |
|
| |
All Rights Reserved, , TechTarget |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginner's Fibre Channel
