Performance

Performance

The switch module supports class 2 and class 3 Fibre Channel service with a maximum frame size of 2148 bytes at transmission rates of 1-Gbps or 2-Gbps. An external port adapts its transmission speed to match that of the device to which it is connected prior to login when the connected device powers up.

Related performance characteristics include the following:

Distance

Bandwidth

Latency

Distance

Consider the physical distribution of devices and switches in the fabric.

Choose SFP transceivers that are compatible with the cable type, distance,

Fibre Channel revision level, and the device host bus adapter. Refer to

Specifications for more information about cable types and transceivers.

Each Fibre Channel port is supported by a data buffer with a 16 credit capacity; that is, 16 maximum sized frames. For fibre optic cables, this enables full bandwidth over the following approximate distances:

26 kilometers at 1-Gbps (0.6 credits/Km)

13 kilometers at 2-Gbps (1.2 credits/Km)

Beyond these distances, however, there is some loss of efficiency because the transmitting port must wait for an acknowledgement before sending the next frame.

Longer distances can be spanned at full bandwidth by extending credits to G_Ports, F_Ports, and E_Ports. Each port can donate 15 credits to a pool from which a recipient port can borrow. The recipient port also loses a credit in the process. For example, you can configure a recipient port to borrow 15 credits from one donor port for a total of 30 credits (15+15=30). This will support communication over the following approximate distances:

50 Km at 1-Gbps (30÷0.6)

25 Km at 2-Gbps (30÷1.2)

You can configure recipient and donor ports using the EFCM BASIC application or the Set Config command. Refer to the McDATA 4314 Command Line Interface Guide for information about the Set Config command.

Bandwidth

Bandwidth is a measure of the volume of data that can be transmitted at a given transmission rate. A Fibre Channel port can transmit or receive at nominal rates of 1-Gbps or 2-Gbps depending on the device to which it is connected. This corresponds to actual bandwidth values of 106 MB and 212 MB. Multiple source ports can transmit to the same destination port if the destination bandwidth is greater than or equal to the combined source bandwidth. For example, two 1-Gbps source ports can transmit to one 2-Gbps destination port. Similarly, one source port can feed multiple destination

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McDATA 4314 Fibre Channel Switch Module Installation Guide

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McDATA 4314 manual Performance, Distance, Bandwidth

4314 specifications

The McDATA 4314 is a highly regarded Fibre Channel switch designed for enterprise storage area networks (SANs). This switch is particularly known for its reliability, high performance, and scalability. As part of McDATA's extensive range of networking products, the 4314 stands out for its ability to meet the demands of modern data centers, providing seamless connectivity for numerous storage and server devices.

One of the main features of the McDATA 4314 is its robust architecture, which supports up to 32 ports. This enables a flexible configuration that can easily scale as the needs of the organization grow. The switch is characterized by its ability to handle both FC-AL and FC-SW protocols, thus providing compatibility with a wide range of existing Fibre Channel devices. This versatility makes it ideal for organizations looking to enhance their existing infrastructure without the need for a complete overhaul.

In terms of performance, the McDATA 4314 supports high bandwidth requirements, with each port capable of delivering up to 4 Gbps. This high throughput is critical for data-intensive applications, ensuring low latency access to data stored on SAN devices. Additionally, the switch incorporates advanced technologies such as dynamic load balancing and intelligent pathing, which further optimize traffic flow and enhance overall system performance.

Security is a key consideration in any data center environment, and the McDATA 4314 addresses this with features such as zoning and masking. These capabilities ensure that only authorized devices can access specific data, safeguarding sensitive information from potential breaches. Moreover, the switch supports management protocols like SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), allowing for seamless integration into existing network management systems and enabling administrators to monitor performance and troubleshoot efficiently.

In terms of characteristics, the McDATA 4314 is designed for high availability, with redundant components that minimize downtime in critical environments. Furthermore, its compact form factor allows for efficient rack space utilization, making it a practical choice for organizations with space constraints.

Overall, the McDATA 4314 Fibre Channel switch provides a combination of performance, reliability, and scalability, making it an ideal choice for enterprise environments. Its advanced features and robust design ensure that organizations can maintain high levels of performance while effectively managing their storage networks. Whether supporting virtualized environments or managing extensive data storage, the McDATA 4314 is a valuable asset for any data center infrastructure.