Brocade Communications Systems 24000 manual Systems Architecture

In addition, exchange-based Dynamic Path Selection (DPS) optimizes fabric- wide performance and load balancing by automatically routing data to the most efficient available path in the fabric. DPS augments ISL Trunking to provide more effective load balancing in certain configurations, such as routing data between multiple trunk groups for higher availability.

To support disaster recovery and busi- ness continuance operations, the SilkWorm 24000 with new 4 Gbit/sec blades enables unprecedented distances between servers and storage devices. Support for distances up to 500 kilo- meters at 1 Gbit/sec and 100 kilome- ters at 4 Gbit/sec at full bandwidth facilitates high-performance, long- distance SAN solutions for data replication and business continuance.

INTELLIGENT SAN MANAGEMENT

AND MONITORING

The SilkWorm 24000 leverages Fabric OS, the embedded operating system, to centralize SAN management for greater efficiency.This approach enables heterogeneous device connectivity, auto- matic data routing, self-healing capabili- ties, and scalable connectivity options. To simplify daily SAN management, organizations can utilize a command line interface for automated scripting or the GUI-based Brocade Web Tools utility.

SILKWORM 24000 DIRECTOR SPECIFICATIONS

Organizations can also use Brocade Advanced Performance Monitoring to improve SAN performance tuning, resource optimization, and administrator productivity. Moreover, the Brocade Fabric Access API integrates with popular third-party storage management applications, enabling organizations to continue using their storage manage- ment tools of choice.

FICON SUPPORT FOR IBM ZSERIES SERVER ENVIRONMENTS

The SilkWorm 24000 supports the FICON protocol for IBM zSeries server environments, enabling organizations to run both open systems Fibre Channel and FICON traffic in intermix mode on a port-by-port basis within a single director.The Brocade FICON imple- mentation also supports cascaded FICON fabrics and both 1 and 2 Gbit/sec FICON speeds, as well as the CUP in-band management protocol for use with SA/390, DCM, or RMF monitoring platforms.

UPGRADE PATHS FOR

INVESTMENT PROTECTION

To help protect existing technology investments, the SilkWorm 24000 pro- vides backward and forward compati- bility with SilkWorm entry, midrange, and director offerings. Organizations can upgrade existing SilkWorm 12000 directors by replacing the port cards

and control processors, and can intermix SilkWorm 12000 and SilkWorm 24000 blades in supported configurations.

In addition, the SilkWorm 24000 is designed to support non-disruptive addition of 4 Gbit/sec Fibre Channel blades for performance and distance benefits. These capabilities help “future-proof” the SilkWorm 24000 for years to come. (For specific SilkWorm 24000 upgrade options, contact an authorized Brocade Partner or visit www.brocade.com.)

MAXIMIZING SAN INVESTMENTS

Brocade and its partners offer complete SAN solutions to meet a wide range of technology and business requirements. These solutions include education and training, support, service, and profes- sional services to help optimize SAN investments. For more information, contact an authorized Brocade sales partner or visit www.brocade.com.

S I L K W O R M S W I T C H FA M I LY

Systems Architecture

Fibre Channel ports 128 ports, universal (E, F, and FL); one domain per chassis at up to 128 ports or two domains per chassis at up to 64 ports each; up to eight 16-port Fibre Channel modules; up to 384 ports per 42U rack

Control processor	Redundant (active/standby) control processor modules
Scalability	Full fabric architecture 239 switches maximum
Certified maximum	Combination of 56 switches, 19 hops; larger fabrics
	certified as required; consult Brocade or OEM SAN
	design documents for configuration details
Interoperability	Any SilkWorm 2000 family switch, SilkWorm 3000
	family switch, SilkWorm 4000 family switch, SilkWorm
	200E, SilkWorm 12000, and SilkWorm 48000

Performance	2 Gbit/sec blades: 1.063 Gbit/sec line speed (full
	duplex); 2.125 Gbit/sec line speed (full duplex);
	auto-sensing of 1 and 2 Gbit/sec port speeds;
	optionally programmable to fixed port speed;
	speed-matching between 1 and 2 Gbit/sec ports
	4 Gbit/sec blades: 1.063 Gbit/sec line speed (full
	duplex); 2.125 Gbit/sec line speed (full duplex);
	4.25 Gbit/sec line speed (full duplex); auto-sensing
	of 1, 2, and 4 Gbit/sec port speeds; optionally
	programmable to fixed port speed; speed-matching
	between 1, 2, and 4 Gbit/sec ports
ISL Trunking	2 Gbit/sec blades: Up to four 2.125 Gbit/sec ports
	per ISL trunk; up to 8.5 Gbit/sec per ISL trunk
	4 Gbit/sec blades: Up to eight 4.25 Gbit/sec ports
	per ISL trunk; up to 32 Gbit/sec per ISL trunk