EMULEX MODEL 355 SAN STORAGE SWITCH

CHAPTER 3: SWITCH MANAGEMENT

USERS GUIDE

Default Smart Settings

There are several default Smart Settings available on the switch. These default Smart Settings were defined by Fibre Channel storage experts to ensure that the switch is optimally configured for performance and stability.

The default Smart Settings cannot be modified or deleted, but these settings can be used as templates for creating custom Smart Settings.

Note: Changing the Smart Setting of a port may affect the performance or behavior of the system. Depending on the implementation, some Smart Settings are more appropriate than others.

Initiator or Target

This Smart Setting is the default setting for all switch ports from the factory. This setting offers no change protection and all settings are set to their default values. Initiators and targets can be connected to ports that are set to this Smart Setting.

This is the recommended Smart Setting for setups with targets and initiators connected to a single switch.

Initiator with Stealth

This Smart Setting is used when connecting a host device to the port. When a port is set to this Smart Setting, change notifications are not sent from the initiator to other devices, but change notifications are received by the initiator.

This Smart Setting is appropriate for embedded storage controllers and external Host Bus Adaptors (HBAs) or servers with installed HBAs.

Target with Stealth

This Smart Setting is used when connecting embedded storage devices, like JBODs, SBODs, tape drives, or external RAID systems (JBODs, SBODs, or tape libraries). When a port is set to this Smart Setting, change notifications are sent to other devices, but change notifications are not received by the target.

Fabric Connection

This Smart Setting is used when connecting a port to a Fabric switch. Only one connection from the Emulex Model 355 SAN Storage Switch to a Fabric switch is valid.

Tree Cascade

This Smart Setting is used when connecting two or more switches together in a tree configuration. Up to four tree cascades are supported between switches. See “Cascading Switches” on page 41 for additional information.

String Cascade

This Smart Setting is used when connecting two or more switches together in a string configuration. Up to four string cascades are supported between two switches. See “Cascading Switches” on page 41 for additional information.

Before selecting a cascade option, consider the following:

Cascade ports of like number should be connected together. For example, connect port 1 of Switch A to port 1 of Switch B, connect port 2 of Switch B to port 2 of Switch C, and so on.

Cascade port numbers must be lower than non-cascade port numbers (for example, Initiator or Target ports). Therefore, select cascade types before selecting these non-cascade types.

A maximum of three switches may be connected using string cascades.

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PART NUMBER 00041407-002 REV. B

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Emulex 355 manual Default Smart Settings

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.