Unsolved
This post is more than 5 years old
1 Message
0
1330
Basic Server - EMC SAN Configuration Question
We have video servers connected to an EMC SAN and had a drop in recording which ended up being a fiber switch issue (we now know we should have a redundant switch).
The question is, why do we need a switch for a SAN backup unit and servers that are in racks right next to each other, why can't they be directly connected by fiber, Ethernet cable, or a specialized cable of some sort?
Thanks, their is probably a simple answer we should have known in the first place.
umichklewis
1.2K Posts
1
March 22nd, 2016 14:00
SAN switches serve many of the same purposes of Ethernet switches. They serve to buffer traffic when needed and help ensure delivery. If an Ethernet switch receives a bad frame, it can assist by having a client retransmit a frame. The same is true for SAN switches as well.
While you can directly connect the FC HBA on a host to an FC storage array or tape library, it is often best practice to put a switch between those devices. If switches are used, it is often best practice to use two switches to ensure redundancy. Depending on how many HBAs and FC ports are available in each server, you may not have enough ports on your storage array or backup device, hence a switch - or better yet, a redundant pair of switches - allows you to connect many servers to just a handful of storage ports.
Let us know if that helps!
Karl
kelleg
4.5K Posts
0
March 29th, 2016 07:00
Was your question answered correctly? If so, please remember to mark your question Answered when you get the correct answer and award points to the person providing the answer. This helps others searching for a similar issue.
glen
AnkitMehta
1.4K Posts
0
April 4th, 2016 00:00
Generally, a Mid-range SAN comes with 4 to 8 Host Port which means if you are to connect your servers directly to your Storage then you can connect up to 16 non-redundant Hosts or 8 redundant Hosts directly.
Pros:
- It saves the cost of procuring fibre channel switch.
- Useful for SMB environment
Cons:
- Scalability is limited.
However, if you now add let's say a basic 2 x 8/24 switches in between you can connect more than 8 redundant Hosts on your SAN + add backup devices as well.