.Part 1 Architecture HP SAN Design Reference Guide 785351-001
Figure 9 Core-edge fabric (4 x 12)
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25097a
Switch models
All HP Fibre Channel switches are supported for use in a core-edge fabric topology. Core-edge
topologies typically use the SN6000 Fibre Channel Switch; the 8/20q Fibre Channel Switch (or
the HP Simple SAN Connectivity Kit); SAN, Fabric, or Edge switches on the edge; and Core and
Director switches in the core. H-series core-edge topologies use the SN6000 Fibre Channel Switches
as edge and core switches (particularly if using the stacking capability) and 8/20q Fibre Channel
Switches as edge and core switches. When using switches with different Fibre Channel maximum
speed capabilities (such as 1 Gb/s, 2 Gb/s, 4 Gb/s, or 8 Gb/s), HP recommends using the
higher-speed switches in the core.
Benefits
The benefits of a core-edge fabric include:
• Typically, a maximum of two hops between switches
• Equal, centralized access to devices in the core
• Increased fabric and switch redundancy with two or more switches in the core
• Full many-to-many connectivity with evenly distributed bandwidth
• Support for centralized and distributed data access needs
• Ability to designate an optimally located core switch as the primary management switch, with
direct connections to all switches
Topology data access
To choose a SAN fabric topology, you must determine which data access type is appropriate for
your environment. The data access types are as follows:
• Local (one-to-one)—Data access between a local server and a storage system connected to
the same switch
• Centralized (many-to-one)—Data access between multiple, dispersed servers and one centrally
located storage system
• Distributed (many-to-many)—Data access between multiple, dispersed servers and storage
systems
32 SAN fabric topologies