Storage Management Strategies for the CIO
Storage networking is constantly evolving, becoming faster and more scalable. The newest option, Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE), promises a converged network
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that can handle both Fibre Channel (FC)
and Ethernet traffic over an enhanced 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 GbE) network and, in turn, a
reduction in the number of cables and adapters within a data center. With true end-to-end network
convergence still in the future, some shops will opt to upgrade to 8 Gbps Fibre Channel or
standard 10 Gigabit Ethernet with iSCSI or NAS storage. No matter which storage networking
direction a company chooses, it still has to grapple with the nuts-and-bolts details around
storage, servers, switches, cables and connectors. Data storage shops contemplating a storage networking
upgrade face a series of often-complex decisions involving factors such as incumbent
technology, technical capabilities, future technology roadmaps, standards progress and cost. In
this storage
networking tutorial, we detail the equipment you need to upgrade to 8 Gbps Fibre Channel, 10
Gigabit Ethernet and FCoE storage. We also provide pricing information, how the available products
compare, the impact of the standards process on the technologies, and where to watch out for vendor
lock-in.
8
Gbps Fibre Channel storage: Use arrays, switches and server for gradual move to 8
Gbps
For IT shops interested in advancing their Fibre Channel storage networking gear to the next step
in its evolution, the incumbent choice is 8 Gbps hardware -- but that move doesn't have to be a
forklift upgrade. Indeed, a slow and steady transition is how most shops will likely make the
upgrade, updating their servers, switches and/or disk arrays because the components can
automatically negotiate down to the slowest speed of the equipment they're using. Learn how to
prepare for an upgrade to 8 Gbps Fibre
Channel storage and discover what it will cost.
10
Gigabit Ethernet for iSCSI storage, NAS storage still hinges on cost
While 10 Gigabit Ethernet holds the promise of much speedier delivery of data to networked storage
hardware than its predecessor, 10 GbE is still expensive enough to require a discussion around cost
justification. In some cases, Gigabit Ethernet will still be fast enough to meet the needs of a
company's block-based iSCSI storage or file-based NAS storage. Get the data you need to do the cost
analysis, and find out about the architectural decisions associated with upgrading your cables and
connectors, servers, switches and storage hardware to 10
Gigabit Ethernet.
End-to-end
FCoE storage not quite ready
While Fibre Channel over Ethernet promises to allow IT shops to run LAN and SAN traffic over a 10
Gigabit Ethernet converged network, the process of getting the data center outfitted for FCoE is
neither simple nor fast. Plans for FCoE were announced in early 2007, yet end-to-end FCoE from
server to storage still isn't a realistic option for most IT shops because multi-hop,
switch-to-switch FCoE involving a core switch isn't ready for prime time. But FCoE prospects should
start to improve toward the end of this year as key standards inch closer to finalization. If
you're considering a move to FCoE
storage, get the details on what your networking component options are and how much of a hit it
will take on your budget.
This was first published in July 2010
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