Tape Backup

conjunction with backing up to tape. Replication technologies also provide multiple options suitable for varying application requirements. Although replication can help you to recover from a catastrophic failure faster, it does have a limitation of replicating corrupt data along with valid data. Therefore, there will always be a need for tape backup as a way of archiving valid data. This paper primarily focuses on tape backup technologies, architectures, and options as a component of an overall DR plan.

In today’s enterprise environment, most application servers are directly attached to a dedicated tape drive via a parallel SCSI connection. Dedicated resources are expensive to both deploy and maintain since the number of tape devices to be managed increases in direct proportion to application servers. However, directly-attached tape drives guarantee performance because that server is the only one who uses the drive. Cost considerations caused a migration to network backup models where tape drives were placed on a LAN and shared among multiple servers. A typical LAN based backup scenario is shown in the ﬁgure below. In this model both data and backup trafﬁc traverse the same LAN. The networked model for backup optimizes tape utilization and enhances manageability but introduces concerns listed below.

Figure 1

Application Traffic

Clients	Application
	Servers

Backup

Servers

First, large volumes of data being backed up increases trafﬁc on the LAN and may cause degradation in application performance. Backups are generally performed off-hours in order to minimize interruption to data trafﬁc. Growing data volume leads to a longer backup window that can potentially extend into business hours. Globalization of enterprises continues to shrink available time windows for backup due to 24x7 uptime requirements. Secondly, sharing LANs for backup and application trafﬁc may result in backup interruptions causing backup jobs to fail altogether. Thirdly, backup and data applications sharing the same LAN can often prove costly as a ﬁrmware upgrade or instability in one application environment can lead to an outage in the other as well. To alleviate these potential conﬂicts in a common LAN, administrators proposed a separation in application and backup domains. In newer implementations, customers are migrating towards LAN-free architectures to segregate backup trafﬁc from applications as described below. A large number of customers have started to deploy dedicated storage networks for backup.

Cisco Systems, Inc.

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MDS 9000 specifications

Cisco Systems MDS 9000 series is a line of storage networking switches designed to address the unique demands of enterprise-level data centers. These switches provide high-performance solutions for connecting various storage devices, including traditional disk arrays, solid-state drives, and tape libraries. The MDS 9000 series is built for scalability, high availability, and advanced security, making it an ideal choice for organizations looking to optimize their storage infrastructure.

One of the standout features of the MDS 9000 series is its support for Fibre Channel and FICON protocols, which enable seamless integration with various storage technologies. This versatility is crucial for organizations that may be using a mix of applications and storage performance requirements. The switches support multiple speeds, including 1G, 2G, 4G, 8G, and even 16G Fibre Channel rates, ensuring that they can adapt to evolving storage needs.

The MDS 9000 is known for its advanced features in terms of management and automation. Cisco provides intelligent automation capabilities to enhance operational efficiency. Features like Flow Vision and intelligent network services allow for deep visibility into storage environments, enabling administrators to monitor performance, troubleshoot issues, and optimize resource allocation effectively. This level of visibility helps organizations to mitigate risks and ensure data availability.

Security is another paramount consideration for the MDS 9000 series. The switches are equipped with a range of security features, including role-based access controls, encryption technologies, and zoning options. These capabilities help safeguard sensitive data and ensure compliance with industry regulations, making the MDS 9000 a trusted choice for enterprises dealing with critical data.

The architecture of the MDS 9000 series is designed for high availability and resiliency. With redundant power supplies and cooling systems, these switches minimize downtime and ensure continuous operation. Additionally, they offer advanced features like non-disruptive software upgrades, which eliminate the need for scheduled outages during firmware updates.

In summary, the Cisco Systems MDS 9000 series offers a robust set of features tailored for enterprise storage networking. Its support for various protocols, intelligent management capabilities, and high availability characteristics make it a preferred choice for organizations seeking to optimize their storage infrastructure for both current and future needs. By investing in the MDS 9000 series, businesses can enhance their operational efficiency, ensure data security, and maintain a competitive edge in today's data-driven landscape.