Multiple Chassis Fabrics

3 – Planning	0
3 – Planning
Multiple Chassis Fabrics

3.4

By connecting switches together you can expand the number of available ports for devices. Each switch in the fabric is identified by a unique domain ID, and the fabric will automatically resolve domain ID conflicts. Because the Fibre Channel ports are self-configuring, you can connect SANbox2-8c and other FC-SW-2 compliant switches together in a wide variety of topologies.

3.4.1

Optimizing Device Performance

When choosing a topology for a multiple chassis fabric, you should also consider the locality of your server and storage devices and the performance requirements of your application. Storage applications such as video distribution, medical record storage/retrieval or real-time data acquisition can have specific latency or bandwidth requirements. Refer to ”Performance” on page 3-4for information about latency and bandwidth. However, the highest performance is achieved on Fibre Channel switches by keeping traffic within a single switch instead of relying on ISLs. Therefore, for optimal device performance place devices on the same switch under the following conditions:

Heavy I/O traffic between specific server and storage devices.

Distinct speed mismatch between devices such as the following:

A 2-Gbps server and a slower 1-Gbps storage device

A high performance server and slow tape storage device

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2-8C specifications

The Q-Logic 2-8C is a cutting-edge connectivity solution designed for enterprise environments that require robust performance and scalability in storage networking. This versatile product serves as a bridge between various storage devices and servers, ensuring seamless data transfer and high availability across complex IT infrastructures.

One of the standout features of the Q-Logic 2-8C is its advanced Fibre Channel technology. Supporting speeds of up to 32 Gbps, this adapter significantly enhances data transfer rates, allowing businesses to efficiently handle large volumes of information. The high bandwidth capability is particularly beneficial for data-intensive applications, including databases and virtualization environments, where speed and reliability are paramount.

The architecture of the Q-Logic 2-8C is built around a dual-port design, which promotes redundancy and load balancing. This means that even if one port encounters issues, the other can seamlessly take over, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity. Furthermore, the dual-port architecture provides the flexibility to connect to multiple storage arrays, maximizing resource utilization and minimizing downtime.

Another notable feature is the support for advanced management protocols and interoperability standards. The Q-Logic 2-8C is compatible with a wide array of operating systems and virtualization platforms, making it an ideal choice for heterogeneous environments. This broad compatibility ensures that organizations can integrate the adapter with their existing infrastructure without significant modifications, thus preserving their overall investment.

The Q-Logic 2-8C also incorporates sophisticated security features, such as end-to-end data encryption and access control mechanisms. These features are essential in today’s data-sensitive landscape, where organizations face increasing threats from cyberattacks. The added layer of security ensures that data remains protected during transit, giving businesses peace of mind.

In terms of energy efficiency, the Q-Logic 2-8C adheres to modern standards, consuming less power compared to its predecessors. This not only reduces operational costs but also aligns with sustainability initiatives that many organizations are pursuing.

With its powerful combination of speed, reliability, security, and energy efficiency, the Q-Logic 2-8C represents a robust solution for organizations looking to enhance their storage connectivity. Its advanced features cater to the demands of modern data centers, making it a strategic asset for businesses aiming to maintain a competitive edge in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Q-Logic 2-8C manual Multiple Chassis Fabrics, Optimizing Device Performance

Models: 2-8C