Converged networks with Fibre Channel over Ethernet and Data Center Bridging

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Converged networks with Fibre Channel

over Ethernet and Data Center Bridging

Technology brief, 3

edition

Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 2

Traditional data center topology ............................................................................................................ 2

Early attempts at converged networks ..................................................................................................... 2

10 Gigabit Ethernet ............................................................................................................................. 3

Network convergence with FCoE ........................................................................................................... 4

Data Center Bridging ........................................................................................................................ 4

Fibre Channel over Ethernet ............................................................................................................... 4

Industry transition to converged fabrics ................................................................................................... 6

Practical strategies for moving to FCoE ................................................................................................... 8

For more information ............................................................................................................................ 9

Summary of content (9 pages)

PAGE 1
Converged networks with Fibre Channel over Ethernet and Data Center Bridging Technology brief, 3rd edition Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 2 Traditional data center topology ............................................................................................................ 2 Early attempts at converged networks .....................................................................
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Introduction Using separate, single-purpose networks for data, management, and storage can be more complex and costly than required for IT organizations or infrastructure deployments. Network convergence is a more economical solution: It simplifies data center infrastructure by consolidating block-based storage and traditional IP-based data communications networks onto a single converged Ethernet network.
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Figure 1: The various attempts at converged infrastructure produced multiple protocol stacks. Fibre Channel InfiniBand FCoE/DCB Internet SCSI (iSCSI) was an attempt to bring a direct SCSI to TCP/IP mapping layer and protocol to the mass Ethernet market. Proponents of iSCSI wanted to drive down cost and to deploy SANs over existing Ethernet LAN infrastructure.
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Figure 2: Multiple traffic types can share the same link using a multifunction adapter. Network convergence with FCoE Now that 10 GbE is becoming more widespread, FCoE is the next attempt to converge block storage protocols onto Ethernet. FCoE takes advantage of 10 GbE performance and compatibility with existing Fibre Channel protocols. It relies on an Ethernet infrastructure that uses the IEEE Data Center Bridging (DCB) standards.
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vendors can easily implement logic for converting FCoE on a DCB network (FCoE/DCB) to native FC in high-performance switch silicon. FCoE encapsulates FC frames inside of Ethernet frames (Figure 3). Figure 3: The FCoE protocol embeds FC frames within Ethernet frames. The traditional data center model uses multiple HBAs and NICs in each server to communicate with various networks. In a converged network, CNAs in servers can handle both FC and traditional LAN-based communication traffic (Figure 4).
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legacy FC ports. Examples of FCFs include HP Virtual Connect FlexFabric modules and HP Networking 5820X top-of-rack access switches with FC option modules. FCoE has several advantages: • Uses existing OS device drivers (Because the same vendors make devices used on CNAs and native FC HBAs, they use a common FC/FCoE driver architecture.
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In the first phase of migration to converged fabrics, CNAs will connect to converged fabric access switches that support DCB-enabled Ethernet, legacy Ethernet, and legacy FC. The CNAs will provide converged connectivity between servers and the first-hop switch before splitting the traffic to the legacy LAN and SAN infrastructure. Figure 6 compares traditional deployment to the first phase of converged network deployment.
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Figure 7: Phases 2 and 3 of converged network deployment reduce the required hardware. Practical strategies for moving to FCoE You can make the transition to FCoE gracefully with little disruption to existing network infrastructures: Deploy FCoE first at the server-to-network edge and migrate it further into the network (aggregation/core network layers and storage devices) over time. You could also start by implementing FCoE only with those servers requiring access to FC SAN targets.
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For more information Resource description Web address HP Multifunction Networking Products http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/servers/proliantadvantage/networking.html HP ProLiant networking Ethernet network adapters http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/servers/networking/in dex-nic.html “HP FlexFabric and Flex-10 technology” technology brief http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManu al/c01608922/c01608922.pdf HP Virtual Connect Technology web page www.hp.