.Part 1 Architecture HP SAN Design Reference Guide 785351-001

4 Fibre Channel over Ethernet
Fibre Channel over Ethernet is a protocol in which Fibre Channel frames can be sent over Ethernet
networks. This allows Fibre Channel to use 10-GbE networks while preserving the Fibre Channel
protocol. Simultaneously, the 10-GbE network supports Ethernet data thus creating a single
converged network for Ethernet and Fibre Channel.
The convergence of Ethernet and FC provides the same level of connectivity as each individual
technology provides separately, but requires:
• 50% fewer switches in each server rack—Only two converged network ToR switches, compared
with four switches per rack with separate Ethernet and FC switches (two network and two FC)
• 50% fewer adapters per server
• 75% fewer cable connections
This chapter describes the following topics:
• “HP FCoE solutions overview” (page 62)
• “HP FCoE converged switch technology” (page 63)
• “HP FCoE products” (page 64)
• “FCoE configuration rules” (page 77)
HP FCoE solutions overview
HP offers multiple FCoE solutions:
• HP FCoE fabric-edge solutions deploy FCoE technology in Ethernet and FC environments with
the benefit of convergence at the server and fabric edge using CNAs and CN switches. These
solutions provide the benefits of both convergence and investment protection by allowing
FCoE to be integrated with existing HP Fibre Channel SANs.
• HP end-to-end FCoE solutions for 3PAR StoreServ, P9500, and P6000/EVA storage provide
an FCoE technology implementation from server to storage. The solutions consist of FCoE
CNAs, CN switches, and FCoE storage targets. The following FCoE end-to-end configurations
are available:
◦ 3PAR StoreServ 10400/10800/7200/7400/7450 FCoE/iSCSI target—Provides 10GbE
FCoE and iSCSI ports. The number of available ports varies depending on the StoreServ
model. See the 3PAR Feature Availability Matrix located on the HP SPOCK website at
http://www.hp.com/storage/spock. You must sign up for an HP Passport to enable
access.
◦ P9500 FCoE target—Provides four 10 GbE FCoE ports on each channel adapter. See
“FCoE storage systems” (page 71) and the HP P9500 Owner Guide.
◦ P63xx/P65xx FCoE/iSCSI target—Provides two 10 GbE FCoE/iSCSI ports on each
storage controller. See Figure 43 (page 74),“P6300/P6350/P6500/P6550 EVA” (page
324), and the iSCSI or iSCSI/FCoE configuration rules and guidelines chapter in the HP
P63x0/P65x0 Enterprise Virtual Array User Guide.
◦ MPX200 Direct-connect—Provides 10-GbE FCoE and iSCSI target connectivity for up to
two P6000/EVA Fibre Channel storage systems without requiring any Fibre Channel
switches.
◦ MPX200 Fabric-connect—Provides additional FCoE and iSCSI storage connectivity,
allowing for up to four P6000/EVA, 3PAR StoreServ, or XP24000/12000 (iSCSI only)
Fibre Channel storage systems using a fabric connection between the MPX200 and the
Fibre Channel storage.
62 Fibre Channel over Ethernet