Switches are used to segregate network traffic, and they are
particularly crucial in a
storage area network (SAN) to interconnect servers and storage
devices into the overall SAN fabric. As SANs scale up over time,
data centers are often upgrade and expand the SAN switch
infrastructure. In most cases, the switch fabric is based on
traditional Fibre Channel (FC) technology for its high speed, low
latency and advanced reliability features such as ISL trunking, as
well as security features that protect the storage network. The
product snapshots in this chapter highlight key specifications for
a cross section of popular director-class 4 Gbit and faster FC
switch products. The following products were selected based on
input from industry analysts and SearchStorage.com editors, and
specifications are current as of
February 2007.
The following specifications have been provided by vendors and
are periodically updated. Vendors are welcome to submit their
updates and new product specifications to
sbigelow@techtarget.com.
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first
product snapshot, or select the desired product below:
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Product Snapshot
#1
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Product:Brocade Communications Systems; SilkWorm
48000 director
Ports per Domain:384 ports per Director; >2500
ports within a single fabric
Port Speed(s):All ports auto-negotiate from 4G, 2G and
1G Fibre Channel speeds
Performance:4Gb: 3.07 Tb/s; 2Gb: 1.5 Tb/s; 1Gb: 0.7
Tb/s
Latency:<2.1 µsec any port to any port at 2Gbit/sec,
cut-through routing; <3.6 µsec any port to any port at
4Gbit/sec, cut-through routing
Classes of Service:Class 2, Class 3 and Class F
(inter-switch frames)
Management Software:SNMP, Brocade Fabric
Manager
Fabric Services:Simple Name Server; Registered State
Change Notification (RSCN); Alias Server (multicast); Brocade
Advanced Zoning; FICON Control Unit Port (CUP) on FC4-16 and FC4-32
port blades; Fabric Watch; Extended Fabrics; Remote Switch; ISL
Trunking, and Advanced Performance Monitoring
Protocol Support:FCP, FICON, iSCSI, FCIP,
Ethernet
Application Support:Not provided
Security:Software license key for Brocade Secure Fabric
OS. Brocade Secure Fabric OS enables digital certificates and
digital signatures, multiple levels of password protection, strong
password encryption, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
authentication, and 128-bit encryption of the switch's private key
used for digital signatures. It also supports open management
standards such as DH-CHAP for switch-to-switch authentication, SSH
v2, SSL, RADIUS, and SNMP v3
Scalability:56 switch domains
Interoperability:See the compatibility matrix at
http://www.brocade.com/products/pdf/Fabric_Aware_Compatibility_%20Matrix-070110.pdf
Vendor Comment:The Brocade SilkWorm 48000 director
provides 4Gbit/sec Fibre Channel performance and scalability for
large high-availability SANs -- with up to 384 ports in a single
domain and proven fabric intelligence. Its design includes every
high-availability feature to support "five-nines" operation. Full
product family compatibility, multi-protocol capabilities, and
application processing upgrades ensure investment
protection.
Availability:Currently available
Base Cost:Not provided
Detailed Specs:http://www.brocade.com/products/directors/silkworm_48000/index.jsp
Vendor URL:www.brocade.com
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Product Snapshot
#2
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Product:Brocade Communications Systems; Mi10K
(formerly McData)
Ports per Domain:Anywhere from 32 to 256; Each Mi10K
can support from 1 to 4 domains.
Port Speed(s):1, 2, 4 or 10Gb Fibre Channel
Performance:Full transfer rate, sustained at each
speed.
Latency:28usec for Mi10k
Classes of Service:Class 2, Class 3, Class F
Management Software:Heterogeneous Enterprise Fabric
Connectivity Manager (EFCM), SNMP v1/2/3, CLI – Telnet, SSH, SSHv2,
FICON Management Server (CUP), Inband Management (OSMS), RSCN
Filtering
Fabric Services:Simple Name Server, Management Server,
Fabric Config Server, Unzoned Name Server, Fabric Zone Server,
FICON CUP Server, Fabric Login Server, Fabric Controller, Domain
Controller
Protocol Support:FC-PH, FC-PH-2, FC-PH-3, FC-GS-2,
FC-GS-3, FC-FLA, FC-FG, FC-MI, FC-SW, FC-SW-2, 10GFC, FC-FS, FC-PI,
FC-SB-2, FC-SB-3; FICON: Express 4 or lower
Application Support:Support is provided for all partner
(IBM, HDS, SUN, EMC) fabric based application including all
replication and backup applications
Security:SAN LPAR hard partitioning, Password
Authentication, Radius Support, Security Log, Log-in banner, E/F
port authentication, CHAP authentication, SSHv2, IP ACLs, SSH, SSL,
SNMP v3, Port/switch/fabric binding
Scalability:Up to 31 switches supported
Interoperability:See the details at
http://www.brocade.com/products/interop/san-interop.jsp
Vendor Comment:The Mi10K is the ideal network
consolation vehicle with 256 ports, support for FICON and Fibre
Channel and hierarchical fabric segmentation with SAN LPARs and
Open VSANs.
Availability:Currently available
Base Cost:List pricing for a 256 port Mi10K director is
$451,727 USD
Detailed Specs:http://www.brocade.com/products/directors/Mi10K/index.jsp
Vendor URL:www.brocade.com
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Product Snapshot
#3
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Product:Brocade Communications Systems; M6140
(formerly McData)
Ports per Domain:140 ports
Port Speed(s):1, 2, 4, and 10 Gb Fibre Channel
Performance:Full duplex for 1, 2 and 4Gb
Latency:Under 2 microseconds
Classes of Service:Simple Name Server, Management
Server, Fabric Config Server, Unzoned Name Server, Fabric Zone
Server, FICON CUP Server, Fabric Login Server, Fabric Controller,
Domain Controller
Management Software:Heterogeneous Enterprise Fabric
Connectivity Manager (EFCM), SNMP v1/2/3, CLI – Telnet, SSH, SSHv2,
FICON Management Server (CUP), Inband Management (OSMS), RSCN
Filtering
Fabric Services:Simple Name Server, Management Server,
Fabric Config Server, Unzoned Name Server, Fabric Zone Server,
FICON CUP Server, Fabric Login Server, Fabric Controller, Domain
Controller
Protocol Support:FC-PH, FC-PH-2, FC-PH-3, FC-GS-2,
FC-GS-3, FC-FLA, FC-FG, FC-MI, FC-SW, FC-SW-2, 10GFC, FC-FS, FC-PI,
FC-SB-2, FC-SB-3; FICON: Express 4 or lower
Application Support:Support is provided for all partner
(IBM, HDS, SUN, EMC) fabric based application including all
replication and backup applications
Security:Password Authentication, Radius Support,
Security Log, Log-in banner, E/F port authentication, CHAP
authentication, SSHv2, IP ACLs, SSH, SSL, SNMP v3, Port, switch and
fabric binding
Scalability:Up to 31 switches
Interoperability:See the details at
http://www.brocade.com/products/interop/san-interop.jsp
Vendor Comment:The M6140 is the ideal consolidation
product for medium to small enterprises that require a high degree
of granularity at a cost effective price point. The M6140 does not
compromise when it relates to availability, performance or ease of
use.
Availability:Currently available
Base Cost:List pricing for a 140 port M6140 director is
$257,623 USD
Detailed Specs:http://www.brocade.com/products/directors/M6140/index.jsp
Vendor URL:www.brocade.com
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Product Snapshot
#4
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Product:Cisco Systems; MDS 9124 Multilayer Fabric
Switch
Ports per Domain:24 ports (maximum) per Chassis --
scalable from 8 to 24 ports on demand
Port Speed(s):Line Rate Port speeds of 1, 2, and 4 Gbps
Fibre Channel
Performance:Line Rate Performance at 1, 2 and 4 Gbps
speeds
Latency:1.1 microseconds
Classes of Service:Class 2, Class 3, Class F
Management Software:The Cisco MDS 9124 includes built-in
storage network management, with all features available through a
command-line interface (CLI) or Cisco Fabric Manager, a centralized
management tool with task-based wizards that simplify management of
a standalone switch or multiple switches and fabrics.
Fabric Services:In addition to FC services like zoning,
name services, and login services, MDS 9000 provides Advances
Intelligent Services including, VSAN, Intelligent frame processing
for ACL list, Congestion control (FCC),performance monitoring, ISL
trunking and Security services. The Cisco MDS 9124 supports quick
configuration and task wizards that allow it to be deployed quickly
and easily in networks of any size.
Protocol Support:Fibre Channel
Application Support:SMB SAN consolidation, LAN free
backup, Replication, Business Continuance, Enterprise Core Edge
design
Security:The Cisco MDS 9124 supports RADIUS and TACACS+,
port security, fabric binding, Fibre Channel Security Protocol
(FC-SP) host-to-switch and switch-to-switch authentication, Secure
FTP (SFTP), Secure Shell Version 2 (SSHv2) and Simple Network
Management Protocol Version 3 (SNMPv3) implementing Advanced
Encryption Standard (AES), VSANs, hardware-enforced zoning,
broadcast zones, and per-VSAN role-based access control
(RBAC).
Scalability:We have tested 26-50 switches in 1 SAN. In
theory we support 1000s of switches in 1 SAN given our VSAN
capability.
Interoperability:The MDS 9000 family of multilayer
directors and fabric switches supports various types of
interoperability modes
Vendor Comment:The Cisco MDS 9124 Multilayer Fabric
Switch, provides enterprise-class capabilities such as virtual
Storage Area Networks (VSANs), advanced security, high availability
and flexibility, all powered by the Cisco SAN operating system. The
new switch also offers "pay as you grow" on-demand ports and an
easy point-and-click wizard that dramatically simplifies SAN setup
and management.
Availability:Currently available
Base Cost:An estimated base starting price would be
$5,000-$5,500 for 8 ports activated on the switch, and
$7,000-$8,000 for 16 ports activated on the switch.
Detailed Specs:http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps5990/products_data_sheet0900aecd80446023.html
Vendor URL:www.cisco.com
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Product Snapshot
#5
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Product:Cisco Systems; MDS 9506 Multilayer
Director
Ports per Domain:192 ports (maximum) per chassis --
scalable from 12 to 192 ports; 12 to 192 1/2/4Gb Fibre Channel
ports; 4 to 16 10 Gb Fibre Channel ports; 4 to 24 1Gb Ethernet
ports
Port Speed(s):Line rate port speeds of 1, 2, 4, and 10Gb
Fibre Channel
Performance:Line rate throughput at 1/2/4 and 10Gb.
Depending upon the line card, Cisco MDS 9509 also supports
oversubscription
Latency:5 microseconds for 50 byte packets
Classes of Service:Class 2, Class 3, Class F
Management Software:Cisco MDS 9000 family CLI, Cisco
Fabric Manager and Device Manager and Cisco Fabric Manager Server
(optional; requires Cisco Fabric Manager Server license). See
details at
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps6030/products_data_sheet09186a00800c4656.html
Fabric Services:In addition to standard FC services like
zoning, name services, and login services, MDS 9000 provides
Advances Intelligent Services including, VSAN, Intelligent frame
processing for ACL list, Congestion control (FCC),performance
monitoring, ISL trunking, Security services and Network based
services (Virtualization, SANTap and Serverless Backup).
Protocol Support:The Cisco MDS 9506 transparently
integrates Fibre Channel, IBM Fiber Connection (FICON), Small
Computer System Interface over IP (iSCSI), and Fibre Channel over
IP (CIP) in one system
Application Support:Data Center SAN Consolidation,
Business Continuance, Centralized SAN Management, Advanced SAN
Security for Compliance and Regulation, Centralized Backup,
Recovery and Archive through Intelligent Fabric Applications,
Storage Virtualization, Serverless Backup and CDP using Cisco
SANTap
Security:Supports RADIUS and TACACS+, Fibre Channel
Security Protocol (FC-SP), Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP),
Secure Shell (SSH) Protocol, and Simple Network Management Protocol
Version 3 (SNMPv3), Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), VSANs,
hardware-enforced zoning, ACLs, and per-VSAN role-based access
control.
Scalability:We have test 26-50 switches in 1 SAN. In
theory we support 1000s of switches in one SAN given our VSAN
capability.
Interoperability:The MDS 9000 Family of multilayer
directors and fabric switches supports various types of
interoperability modes
Vendor Comment:Providing investment protection is one of
the best ways to help customers control costs. The Cisco MDS 9506
provides forward and backward compatibility by supporting all
currently shipping Cisco switching modules. This allows customers
to mix and match switching modules to achieve optimal performance
at the most cost effective price, while avoiding costly forklift
upgrades.
Availability:Currently available
Base Cost:An estimated base starting price would be
$77,000 USD
Detailed Specs:http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps5990/products_data_sheet09186a00801ce948.html
Vendor URL:www.cisco.com
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Product Snapshot
#6
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Product:Cisco Systems; MDS 9509 Multilayer
Director
Ports per Domain:336 ports (maximum) per chassis --
scalable from 12 to 336 ports; 12 to 336 1/2/4Gb auto-sensing Fibre
Channel ports; 4 to 28 10Gb Fibre Channel ports; 4 to 48 1Gb
Ethernet ports
Port Speed(s):Line Rate Port speeds of 1, 2, 4, and 10Gb
Fibre Channel
Performance:Line Rate throughput at 1/2/4 and 10Gb.
Depending upon the line card, Cisco MDS 9509 also supports
oversubscriptions
Latency:5 microseconds for 50 byte packets
Classes of Service:Class 2, Class 3, Class F
Management Software:Cisco MDS 9000 family CLI, Cisco
Fabric Manager and Device Manager and Cisco Fabric Manager Server
(optional; requires Cisco Fabric Manager Server license). See
details at
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps6030/products_data_sheet09186a00800c4656.html
Fabric Services:In addition to standard FC services like
zoning, name services, and login services, MDS 9000 provides
Advances Intelligent Services including, VSAN, intelligent frame
processing for ACL list, congestion control (FCC), performance
monitoring, ISL trunking, security services and network based
services (e.g., Virtualization, SANTap and Serverless
Backup).
Protocol Support:The Cisco MDS 9000 transparently
integrates Fibre Channel, IBM Fiber Connection (FICON), Small
Computer System Interface over IP (iSCSI), and Fibre Channel over
IP (FCIP) in one system
Application Support:Data Center SAN Consolidation,
Business Continuance, Centralized SAN Management, Advanced SAN
Security for Compliance and Regulation, Centralized Backup,
Recovery & Archive through Intelligent Fabric Applications,
Storage Virtualization, Serverless Backup and CDP using Cisco
SANTap
Security:Supports RADIUS and TACACS+, Fibre Channel
Security Protocol (FC-SP), Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP),
Secure Shell (SSH) Protocol, and Simple Network Management Protocol
Version 3 (SNMPv3), Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), VSANs,
hardware-enforced zoning, ACLs, and per-VSAN role-based access
control.
Scalability:We have tested 26-50 switches in one SAN. In
theory we can support 1000s of switches given our VSAN
capability.
Interoperability:The MDS 9000 family of multilayer
directors and fabric switches supports various types of
interoperability modes
Vendor Comment:Providing investment protection is one of
the best ways to help customers control costs. The Cisco MDS 9509
provides forward and backward compatibility by supporting all
currently shipping Cisco switching modules. This allows customers
to mix and match switching modules to achieve optimal performance
at the most cost effective price, while avoiding costly forklift
upgrades.
Availability:Currently available
Base Cost:An estimated base starting price would be
$85,000 USD
Detailed Specs:http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps5990/products_data_sheet09186a00801ce945.html
Vendor URL:www.cisco.com
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Product Snapshot
#7
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Product:Cisco Systems; MDS 9513 Multilayer
Director
Ports per Domain:528 ports (maximum) per chassis --
scalable from 12 to 528; 12 to 528 1/2/4Gb Fibre Channel ports; 4
to 44 10Gb Fibre Channel ports; 4 to 60 1Gb Ethernet
ports
Port Speed(s):Line rate port speeds of 1, 2, 4, and 10Gb
Fibre Channel
Performance:Line Rate throughput at 1/2/4 and 10Gb.
Depending upon the line card, Cisco MDS 9513 also supports
oversubscriptions
Latency:5 microseconds for 50 byte packets
Classes of Service:Class 2, Class 3, Class F
Management Software:Cisco MDS 9000 family CLI, Cisco
Fabric Manager and Device Manager and Cisco Fabric Manager Server
(optional; requires Cisco Fabric Manager Server license). See
details at
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps6030/products_data_sheet09186a00800c4656.html
Fabric Services:Apart from the standard FC services like
zoning, name services, and login services, MDS 9000 provides
Advances Intelligent Services including, VSAN, Intelligent frame
processing for ACL list, Congestion control (FCC),performance
monitoring, ISL trunking, Security services and Network based
services (e.g., Virtualization, SANTap and Serverless
Backup).
Protocol Support:The Cisco MDS 9513 transparently
integrates Fibre Channel, IBM Fiber Connection (FICON), Small
Computer System Interface over IP (iSCSI), and Fibre Channel over
IP (FCIP) in one system.
Application Support:Data Center SAN Consolidation,
Business Continuance, Centralized SAN Management, Advanced SAN
Security for Compliance and Regulation, Centralized Backup,
Recovery & Archive through Intelligent Fabric Applications,
Storage Virtualization, Serverless Backup and CDP using Cisco
SANTap
Security:Supports RADIUS and TACACS+, Fibre Channel
Security Protocol (FC-SP), Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP),
Secure Shell (SSH) Protocol, and Simple Network Management Protocol
Version 3 (SNMPv3), Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), VSANs,
hardware-enforced zoning, ACLs, and per-VSAN role-based access
control.
Scalability:We have tested 26-50 switches in one SAN. In
theory there can be 1000s of switches in a SAN given Cisco's VSAN
capability.
Interoperability:The MDS 9000 family of multilayer
directors and fabric switches supports various types of
interoperability modes
Vendor Comment:Providing investment protection is one of
the best ways to help customers control costs. The Cisco MDS 9513
provides forward and backward compatibility by supporting all
currently shipping Cisco switching modules. This allows customers
to mix and match switching modules to achieve optimal performance
at the most cost effective price, while avoiding costly forklift
upgrades.
Availability:Currently available
Base Cost:An estimated base starting price would be
$100,000
Detailed Specs:http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps5990/products_data_sheet0900aecd80446023.html
Vendor URL:www.cisco.com
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