Infortrend RAID Controller Manual

Chapter
9
9.1 Overview
Fibre Channel
Fibre channel is a device (in term of RAID, a data storage device)
protocol capable of high data transfer rates. Fibre channel simplifies
data bus sharing and supports not only greater speed, but also more
devices on the same bus than SCSI. Fibre channel can be used over
both copper wire and optical cable. It can be used for concurrent
communications among multiple workstations, servers, storage
systems, and other peripherals using SCSI and IP protocols. When a
Fibre hub or fabric switch is employed, it provides means of
interconnections in flexible topologies.
This chapter describes the Fibre-specific functions available since the
firmware release 3.12 and above. Optional functions have been
implemented for Fibre channel operation and access control under a
multiple-host environment such as the Storage Area Network. Users
familiar with Fibre channel configurations, please jump to section 9.4.
Data Availability:
Data availability is one of the major requirements for today's missioncritical
applications. Highest availability can be accomplished by the
following features as have been implemented in Infortrend's lines of
controllers:
1. Hot-plug capabilities: controller hot-plug capability. With proper
hardware and software configuration in dual controller mode, a
failed controller can be replaced online while the existing
controller is actively serving I/Os.
2. Dual loop configurations: dual loop provides path redundancy
and greater throughput. The controller is capable of executing a
load-sharing algorithm for a better dual loop performance.
3. Controller communications over Fibre channel: Selectable either
via dedicated loop(s) or all drive loops. This allows a flexible and
extended configuration of redundant controllers.
Scalability:
Fibre channel also brings scalability and upgradability to storage. In
term of RAID system, storage expansion can be as easy as cascading
another drive JBOD to a configured JBOD without powering down the
running system. This also makes backup an easier job.
Fibre Operation 9-1