EMULEX MODEL 355 SAN STORAGE SWITCH

CHAPTER 3: SWITCH MANAGEMENT

USER’S GUIDE

Automatic Trunking

Multiple links between switches are called “trunks”. Trunks provide higher bandwidth across cascaded switches for systems incorporating multiple initiators. Each trunk can improve system throughput and provide “failover” capability. A maximum of 4 trunks between each switch is supported. Trunking is performed automatically when ports are configured properly. Figure 3-22is an example of Automatic Trunking.

Figure 3-22: Automatic Trunking example

Each trunk is part of a trunk group. A trunk group consists of two or more cascades between two switches, and these cascades must be the lowest numbered ports on both switches. There can only be one trunk group between two switches. Each trunk group contains a primary trunk. All traffic flows through the primary trunk on a switch unless specified otherwise using the Load Balancing feature. The primary trunk is always the lowest numbered port of any trunk group.

If the primary trunk fails, the secondary trunk automatically becomes the primary trunk unless otherwise configured. Multiple cascades also enable switch configuration for better performance through load balancing (see “Load Balancing” on page 43).

The Automatic Trunking page enables users to configure trunking by defining trunk groups and assigning ports to those groups. The Automatic Trunking feature is available when one or more ports are assigned a String or Tree Cascade Smart Setting.

Only one of the three following options may be selected for each port.

•Device or Initiator – Select this option to designate a specific port as an initiator or device. The specified port is not assigned to a trunk group. The Device or Initiator option is the default setting.

•Single Cascade – Select this option when connecting two switches with a single cascade. The selected port is not part of a trunk group.

•Trunk Group – Select this option when multiple cascades are connected between two switches. The selected port must be assigned to an available trunk group. Multiple trunk groups appear when two or more ports are assigned to the same string cascade Port Smart Setting (for example, String Cascade - Trunk 1).

Note: Before changing the Port Smart Setting for a particular port assigned to a trunk group, you must remove that port from the trunk group by selecting the Device or Initiator setting. Remember to click Submit to update the port’s setting.

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PART NUMBER 00041407-002 REV. B

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Emulex 355 manual Automatic Trunking example
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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.
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