Converged networks with Fibre Channel over Ethernet and Data Center Bridging

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Figure 13. Converged network deployment, phases 2 and 3
HP strategy
We believe that the transition to DCB/FCoE can be graceful. It need not disrupt existing network
infrastructures if you first deploy at the server-to-network edge and then migrate farther into the network.
With this approach, you will gain the immediate benefit of reduced cable and adapter hardware with the
least amount of disruption to the overall network architecture.
As you deploy new servers, you can deploy DCB/FCoE with new CNAs and DCB/FCoE/FC enabled
edge/access switches. Doing this will optimize, simplify, and reduce the cost of the server-to-network edge
infrastructure, and you won’t have to replace the entire data center communications infrastructure. You
should start by implementing DCB/FCoE technology only with those servers requiring access to FC SAN
storage targets. Many data centers average about 60 to 80 percent LAN-only network attachment, so only
the remaining 20 to 40 percent would need both LAN and SAN.
Not all servers need access to FC SANs. Looking forward, many IT organizations are re-evaluating the
network storage connectivity of their server infrastructure. Besides DCB/FCoE technology, other methods of
converging traffic include iSCSI protocols with storage devices at 10 Gb, and file-oriented network storage
protocols with storage such as NFS or CIFS. Neither of these technologies requires a DCB-enabled Ethernet
network. Both can operate on traditional 1/10 Gb Ethernet infrastructure.
Transitioning the server-to-network edge first to accommodate FCoE/CEE will maintain the existing
architecture structure and management roles, keeping the existing SAN and LAN topologies. Updating the
server-to-network edge offers the greatest benefit and simplification without disrupting the data center
architecture.