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. A G_Port supports a single public device. A GL_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 126 private devices and can maintain communications with up to 63 off-loop devices.

The Fibre Channel ports use 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 GBICs.

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3-1

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Q-Logic SANBOX2-8C manual Planning, Devices
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SANBOX2-8C specifications

The Q-Logic SANBOX2-8C is a high-performance Fibre Channel switch designed for enterprise-level storage area networks (SANs). This product stands out due to its remarkable features and technologies that cater to the evolving demands of data center environments. The SANBOX2-8C is specifically engineered to optimize storage efficiency, enhance performance, and provide a robust infrastructure for various applications.

One of the key features of the SANBOX2-8C is its 8-Gbps Fibre Channel ports, which deliver exceptional bandwidth and reduced latency for critical data transactions. The switch supports a non-blocking architecture, ensuring that data can flow seamlessly across all connected devices without bottlenecks. This architecture is crucial for organizations that require high availability and reliability, such as those in the financial sector or healthcare industries.

Another significant characteristic of the SANBOX2-8C is its scalability. With support for multiple interconnectivity options, the switch can easily be expanded to accommodate growing storage needs. Users can integrate additional ports as demand increases without necessitating a complete infrastructure overhaul. This flexibility makes the SANBOX2-8C an attractive investment for organizations looking to future-proof their SAN.

Moreover, the SANBOX2-8C is equipped with advanced management tools that simplify network configuration and monitoring. Features such as automatic zoning and path management enhance the overall performance and security of the storage network. Integrated diagnostic tools help identify and troubleshoot issues swiftly, reducing downtime and optimizing operational efficiency.

The switch also incorporates cutting-edge technologies, including Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities that prioritize critical data traffic. This ensures that mission-critical applications receive the bandwidth they need, regardless of overall network load. Additionally, with support for virtualized environments, the SANBOX2-8C is well-suited for organizations leveraging cloud technologies or virtualization solutions, enabling efficient resource allocation and management.

Overall, the Q-Logic SANBOX2-8C is a robust Fibre Channel switch that combines high performance, scalability, and advanced management features. Its ability to adapt to dynamic environments while ensuring high availability and data integrity makes it an ideal choice for businesses aiming to enhance their storage networks. With these technologies and characteristics, the SANBOX2-8C remains a leading solution in the SAN infrastructure market.
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