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Figure 1: Key factors driving network convergence.
Network convergence, enabled by FCoE, helps address the network infrastructure sprawl while fully
complementing server consolidation efforts and improving the efficiency of the enterprise data center.
An FCoE enabled converged network provides the following key benefits to IT organizations:
• Lower total cost of ownership through infrastructure simplification
A converged network based on FCoE lowers the number of cables, switch ports and adapters
required to maintain both SAN and LAN connectivity. The reduction in the number of adapters
facilitates the use of smaller servers and the expanded offload to the adapter enables higher CPU
efficiency which reduces power and cooling costs.
• Consolidation while protecting existing investments
FCoE lets organizations phase the roll out of converged networks. FCoE–based network
convergence drives consolidation in new deployments without affecting the existing server and
storage infrastructure or the processes required to manage and support existing applications. For
example, the use of a common management framework across Fibre Channel and FCoE connected
servers protects existing investments in management tools and processes and lowers the long-term
operating cost of the data center.