Section 3

Planning

Consider the following when planning a fabric:

■Devices

■Multiple chassis fabrics

■Performance

■Device access

■Fabric management

■Fabric security

3.1

Devices

When planning a fabric, consider the number of devices and the anticipated demand. This will determine the number of ports that are needed and in turn the number of switches. Consider how many and what types of switches are needed.

Consider the distribution of public and private devices as well as targets and initiators. Public devices have full Fibre Channel addressing capability, and therefore can communicate with any other public device on the fabric. An F_Port supports a single public device. An FL_Port can support up to 126 public devices in an arbitrated loop.

Private devices do not have full Fibre Channel addressing capability, only the Arbitrated Loop Physical Address (ALPA) portion. A TL_Port provides a proxy for a loop of private initiator or target devices allowing communication with off-loop public and private devices. Consider the number of private devices in the fabric and the number of off-loop devices with which the private devices must communicate.

■A TL_Port can support up to 125 private initiator devices and maintain communications with up to 64 off-loop target devices.

■A TL_Port can support up to 124 private target devices and maintain communications with up to 63 off-loop initiator devices.

The SANbox2-16 Fibre Channel switch uses SFP optical transceivers, but the device host bus adapters you are using may not. Consider whether the device adapters use SFP transceivers or Gigabit Interface Converters (GBIC), and choose fiber optic cable accordingly. Use LC-type cable connectors for SFP transceivers and SC-type cable connectors for GBIC transceivers.

59021-05 A

3-1

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Q-Logic 59021-05 manual Planning, Devices
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59021-05 specifications

The Q-Logic 59021-05 is a sophisticated Fibre Channel adapter designed to provide high-performance connectivity in storage area networks (SANs). This model is part of Q-Logic’s family of advanced host bus adapters (HBAs), which are engineered to deliver exceptional speed and reliability for data-intensive applications.

One of the standout features of the Q-Logic 59021-05 is its support for Fibre Channel standards up to 8 Gbps. This capability ensures that the adapter can handle large volumes of data transfer with ease, making it ideal for enterprise environments where performance is critical. The high bandwidth provided by the 8 Gbps interface significantly enhances data throughput, reducing latency and improving overall system responsiveness.

The Q-Logic 59021-05 is equipped with advanced error handling and data recovery technologies, which help maintain data integrity during transmission. Its robust architecture ensures that data is protected against potential corruption, providing peace of mind for organizations that rely on the accuracy and reliability of their data.

In terms of compatibility, the Q-Logic 59021-05 is designed to work seamlessly with various operating systems and virtualization platforms. This versatility allows it to integrate effortlessly within diverse IT environments, providing flexibility for data center managers. The adapter supports both Windows and Linux operating systems, as well as various hypervisors, enabling organizations to leverage existing infrastructure without needing extensive reconfigurations.

Moreover, the Q-Logic 59021-05 features advanced power management technologies that help optimize energy consumption. This is particularly beneficial for organizations looking to enhance their sustainability practices while reducing operational costs related to power usage.

The card also supports multiple protocols, including FCoE (Fibre Channel over Ethernet), which extends the capabilities of traditional Fibre Channel networks. This feature enables organisations to create converged networks, ultimately simplifying their infrastructure and reducing costs associated with maintaining separate networks for storage and data traffic.

User-friendly management tools are another highlight of the Q-Logic 59021-05. These tools facilitate the monitoring and management of the adapter, ensuring that network administrators can promptly address any issues that may arise. With an easy-to-use interface and detailed diagnostics capabilities, the management software significantly enhances the overall user experience.

In summary, the Q-Logic 59021-05 presents a powerful solution for enterprises striving to improve their storage connectivity. Its key features, including high data transfer speeds, robust error handling, compatibility with multiple environments, and advanced management tools, position it as a leader in the Fibre Channel adapter market. Organizations seeking to optimize their data storage and connectivity solutions will find in the Q-Logic 59021-05 a reliable and efficient choice.
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