Chapter

Introducing Brocade Fabric Watch

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This chapter provides the following information:

Overview on page 1-1

Threshold Behavior Models on page 1-2

Overview

Brocade Brocade Fabric WatchTM is used by SAN managers to monitor key fabric and switch elements, making it easy to quickly identify and escalate potential problems. It monitors each element for out-of-boundary values or counters and provides notification when any exceed the defined boundaries. The SAN manager can configure which elements, such as error, status, and performance counters within a SilkWorm switch, are monitored.

Brocade Fabric WatchTM is an optionally licensed product that runs on SilkWorm 2000 series

switches and above with Brocades Fabric OS™ version v3.0. Brocade Fabric WatchTM can be accessed through:

Brocade Web Tools

A telnet interface

A SNMP-based enterprise manager

By modifying and uploading the Brocade Fabric WatchTM configuration file to the switch. Brocade Fabric WatchTM monitors the following elements:

Fabric events (such as topology reconfigurations, zone changes)

Switch environment (fans, power supplies, and temperature)

Ports (state changes, errors, and performance)

GBICs (for switches equipped with SMART GBICs. Example: the Finiasr SMART GBIC FTR-8519-3).

With Brocade Fabric WatchTM installed, each switch continuously monitors error and performance counters against a set of defined ranges. This and other information specific to each monitored element is made available by Brocade Fabric WatchTM for viewing and, in some cases, modification. This set of information about each element is called a threshold, and the upper and lower limits of the defined ranges are called boundaries.

If conditions break out of acceptable ranges, an event is considered to have occurred, and one or more of the following alarms (reporting mechanisms) are generated if configured for the relevant threshold:

SNMP trap

Fabric Watch User’s Guide

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Finisar manual Introducing Brocade Fabric Watch, Overview

Brocade Fabric Watch specifications

Finisar Brocade Fabric Watch is an advanced network management solution designed to simplify the monitoring and administration of storage networks. Its primary goal is to enhance the performance and reliability of data center operations by providing comprehensive visualization and management capabilities.

One of the standout features of Fabric Watch is its ability to deliver real-time monitoring of the health and performance of network devices. This is critical for organizations that require constant uptime and high availability for their storage systems. Fabric Watch continuously assesses the status of switches, routers, and other devices within the fabric, enabling administrators to quickly identify potential issues before they escalate into problems that could disrupt operations.

The technology behind Fabric Watch encompasses various innovative aspects that enhance its functionality. For instance, the solution uses advanced analytics to assess historical performance trends, allowing IT teams to predict potential bottlenecks and optimize resource allocation effectively. This predictive capability not only improves operational efficiency but also reduces the risk of downtime, ensuring that organizations can maintain consistent access to critical data.

Furthermore, Fabric Watch supports a range of protocols and standards, making it compatible with various environments and configurations. This flexibility is crucial for companies that have heterogeneous systems and diverse technology stacks. As a result, organizations can deploy Fabric Watch across different platforms, ensuring a unified approach to network management.

Another notable characteristic of Fabric Watch is its intuitive user interface, which makes it user-friendly for administrators of varying skill levels. The dashboard presents a centralized view of the entire storage network, complete with graphical representations of performance metrics, alerts, and health statuses. This visual approach facilitates rapid decision-making, allowing teams to address issues quickly and maintain optimal performance.

In addition, Fabric Watch integrates seamlessly with existing data center management tools and workflows, providing a holistic view of the infrastructure. This integration capability supports broader initiatives around automation and orchestration, enabling organizations to create more streamlined and efficient operational processes.

In summary, Finisar Brocade Fabric Watch stands out as a robust solution for managing and monitoring storage networks. Its real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, compatibility across platforms, and user-friendly interface make it an essential tool for IT teams seeking to enhance performance and reliability in today’s demanding data environments. By employing Fabric Watch, organizations can better navigate the complexities of their storage networks, ensuring they remain agile and responsive to business needs.