HP Virtual Connect Fibre Channel Networking Scenarios Cookbook

78
Benefits
Storage solutions usually include components such as server HBAs (Host Bus Adapters), SAN switches/directors,
optical transceivers/cables, and storage systems. You may have concerns about management and efficiency,
because of the sheer number of components. Moreover, different components require different tools—such as SAN
fabric management, storage management (for each type of storage), and HBA management.
HP Virtual Connect Flat SAN technology for HP 3PAR Storage Systems helps you to:
Reduce costs
 Do away with the need for expensive SAN fabrics, HBAs, and cables.
 Save on operating costs and cut down on capital expenditure.
 Scale with the “pay-as-you-grow” model, which lets you pay for only what you need now.
Overcome complexity
 Connect Virtual Connect FlexFabric Fibre Channel connects directly to HP 3PAR FC storage to simplify your server
connections.
 Improve efficiency with automated fabric management with simplified management tools.
 Configure your Virtual Connect as “direct attach” or “fabric attach,” depending on your solution design.
Simplify management
 Manage through a single pane of glass with Virtual Connect Manager Web-based and Command Line Interfaces.
 Use Virtual Connect technology to further improve management efficiency.
 Reduce disparity with separate fabric and device management.
Considerations
In a fully populated c7000 enclosure, the server-to-uplink ratio is 16:1. This configuration can result in poor
response time and might also require particular performance monitoring attention. You can use additional uplink
ports for better performance.
A properly configured multipathing I/O driver must be running on the server Operating System to prevent server I/O
disruption when a failure occurs somewhere between VC and the external storage system.
Be sure to configure the SAN 3PAR host ports that connect to the VC FlexFabric modules to accept the connection.