Cisco Cisco MDS 9000 24-Port 8-Gbps Fibre Channel Switching Module Libro blanco
8GFC Deployment
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being served. Anytime aggregate link bandwidth needs are in excess of 800 MB/s then
8GFC should be considered.
8GFC should be considered.
Tools for determining any 8GFC advantage
Determining throughput or bandwidth requirements for a data center can be a particularly
daunting task. However, vendors are providing tools to help monitor a data center’s
storage fabric. For example, Cisco Fabric Manager Performance Monitoring can provide
detailed bandwidth usage information by drilling down to an individual port, link or ISL
level. Such detailed information would provide definitive guidance in determining where
additional bandwidth might enhance application throughput or overall data center
performance.
daunting task. However, vendors are providing tools to help monitor a data center’s
storage fabric. For example, Cisco Fabric Manager Performance Monitoring can provide
detailed bandwidth usage information by drilling down to an individual port, link or ISL
level. Such detailed information would provide definitive guidance in determining where
additional bandwidth might enhance application throughput or overall data center
performance.
Figure 1 Screenshots from Cisco Fabric Manager
Conclusion
In the relentless quest for superior performance, 8GFC technology has emerged.
However, the ultimate decision to adopt this technology should be based on technological
and economic reality. That is, does the data center, regardless of its specific
configuration need the expanded throughput capabilities of 8GFC links? Is the
significant price differential between 4GFC and 8GFC justifiable? Can the new
technology be gradually introduced?
Given the current state of SANs, servers, applications, and storage subsystems only
modest true need exists for 8GFC today and is perhaps reflected in the current support of
this technology. However, future development of these products and new applications
will rapidly drive the mainstream adoption of this technology.
Silverton Consulting, Inc. is a Strategy, Storage & Systems consulting services company,
based in the USA offering products and services to the data storage community.
However, the ultimate decision to adopt this technology should be based on technological
and economic reality. That is, does the data center, regardless of its specific
configuration need the expanded throughput capabilities of 8GFC links? Is the
significant price differential between 4GFC and 8GFC justifiable? Can the new
technology be gradually introduced?
Given the current state of SANs, servers, applications, and storage subsystems only
modest true need exists for 8GFC today and is perhaps reflected in the current support of
this technology. However, future development of these products and new applications
will rapidly drive the mainstream adoption of this technology.
Silverton Consulting, Inc. is a Strategy, Storage & Systems consulting services company,
based in the USA offering products and services to the data storage community.
http://www.silvertonconsulting.com