INSPEED™ SAN STORAGE SWITCH MODEL 355

CHAPTER 3 SWITCH MANAGEMENT

USER’S GUIDE

 

Cascading Switches

When multiple switches are connected, the connecting links between the switches are referred to as "cascades". There are two distinct cascade configurations to consider when configuring networks for optimal performance and connectivity: string cascades and tree cascades.

String Cascades

A string cascade connects multiple switches (up to three switches maximum) together in a "daisy- chained" configuration. When one device requests access to another device, the request is sent to each switch in the cascade before device access is granted. This arbitration method promotes fairness between the switches. However, when compared to tree cascades, string cascades offer less performance due to the increased latency between the switches.

Figure 3-20: String Cascade configuration example

When configuring a switch port for a string cascade, use the String Cascade Smart Setting. To reduce contention and improve performance between initiator traffic and target traffic when using a string cascade configuration, connect the ports of each switch together using the same String Cascade Smart Settings. For example, in Figure 3-20the three switches are connected through two string cascades using the String Cascade - Trunk 1 and String Cascade - Trunk 2 Smart Settings. This creates two dedicated paths through which initiators and targets can communicate.

Tree Cascades

Tree cascades provide the best performance (lowest latency) configuration. A tree cascade consists of a root switch connected to additional switches (up to 8 switches maximum). When a device on a switch requests access to another device, the request is sent the particular switch for that device. The limitation to the tree cascade configuration is the random nature of devices gaining access to one another, as fairness is not used for tree cascades.

Figure 3-21: Tree Cascade configuration example

When configuring a port for a tree cascade, use the Tree Cascade Smart Setting.

43

Page 45 Page 47
Page 46
Image 46
Emulex 355 manual Cascading Switches, String Cascades, Tree Cascades
Page 45 Page 47

355 specifications

The Emulex 355 is a high-performance network interface card (NIC) designed specifically for data centers requiring advanced connectivity, reliability, and speed. With the rapid evolution of data transmission technology, the Emulex 355 stands out due to its robust features and capabilities that cater to the demands of modern IT infrastructures.

One of the key features of the Emulex 355 is its support for 10 Gigabit Ethernet, which allows for significantly faster data transfer rates compared to standard Gigabit connections. This increased bandwidth is essential for handling large volumes of data traffic, particularly in virtualized environments and cloud computing applications. Its high throughput ensures that data can be transmitted rapidly across networks, minimizing latency and improving overall performance.

The Emulex 355 employs advanced technologies such as iSCSI Offload and FCoE (Fibre Channel over Ethernet), which help enhance data processing efficiency. These technologies allow the card to offload processing tasks from the host system's CPU, reducing the load on server resources and optimizing performance. The result is a more efficient system that can handle more concurrent connections and processes without being overwhelmed.

In addition to speed and efficiency, reliability is paramount in data center operations. The Emulex 355 includes features like error detection and correction, ensuring data integrity during transmission. Built-in redundancy and failover capabilities safeguard against potential network disruptions, allowing for continuous availability of services—a crucial aspect in mission-critical environments.

The Emulex 355 also offers support for various robust networking protocols, enabling seamless integration into existing network infrastructures. Its compatibility with multiple operating systems and virtualization platforms, such as VMware and Microsoft Hyper-V, further enhances its versatility.

Another notable characteristic of the Emulex 355 is its energy-efficient design. It is optimized for lower power consumption without sacrificing performance, aligning with contemporary efforts to reduce the carbon footprint in data centers.

In conclusion, the Emulex 355 NIC is a powerful solution equipped with features that address the complex demands of modern data centers. Its combination of speed, reliability, and efficiency, along with advanced technologies, makes it a preferred choice for organizations looking to enhance their network capabilities and ensure smooth, uninterrupted operations.
Top Page Image Contents