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Chapter 4 FCIP over IP/MPLS Core
Using FCIP Tape Acceleration
•
Simplified management—Provides a unified management environment independent of whether
servers use FCIP to connect to the storage network.
•
Comprehensive security—Combines the ubiquitous IP security infrastructure with Cisco virtual
SANs (VSANs), hardware-based zoning, and hardware-based access control lists (ACLs) to provide
robust security.
Cisco FCIP
Cisco FCIP offers the following functions:
•
Simplifies data protection and business continuance strategies by enabling backup, remote
replication, and disaster recovery over WAN distances using open-standard FCIP tunneling
•
Improves utilization of WAN resources for backup and replication by tunneling up to three virtual
ISLs on a single Gigabit Ethernet port
•
Reduces SAN complexity by eliminating the need to deploy and manage a separate remote
connectivity platform
•
Preserves the Cisco MDS 9000 Family enhanced capabilities including VSANs, advanced traffic
management, and security across remote connections
Cisco MDS 9216i
The Cisco MDS 9216i Multilayer Fabric Switch is designed for building mission-critical enterprise
storage networks that take advantage of the cost-effectiveness and ubiquity of IP for more robust
business continuance services, leveraging both Fibre Channel and IP in a single module. The Cisco MDS
9216i brings new capability to the fabric switch market. Sharing a consistent architecture with the Cisco
MDS 9500 Series, the Cisco MDS 9216i integrates both Fibre Channel and IP storage services in a single
system to allow maximum flexibility in user configurations.
With 14 2-Gbps Fibre Channel ports, two Gigabit Ethernet IP storage services ports, and a modular
expansion slot, the Cisco MDS 9216i is ideally suited for enterprise storage networks that require high
performance SAN extension or cost-effective IP storage connectivity. This level of integration gives
Cisco MDS 9216i users the benefits of a multiprotocol system without sacrificing Fibre Channel port
density. The expansion slot on the Cisco MDS 9216i allows for the addition of any Cisco MDS 9000
Family module, so users can add additional Fibre Channel ports and additional IP ports. Alternatively,
the expansion slot may be used for a variety of Cisco MDS 9000 Family services modules, thereby
providing an unparalleled level of storage services in a single, highly available 3-rack unit system.
As the storage network expands further, Cisco MDS 9000 Family modules can be removed from Cisco
MDS 9216i switches and migrated into Cisco MDS 9500 Series Multilayer Directors, providing smooth
migration, common sparing, and outstanding investment protection.
The modular design of the Cisco MDS 9216i allows it to support current and future Cisco MDS 9000
Family switching or services module.
Currently available modules include the following:
•
16-port and 32-port 2-Gbps Fibre Channel switching modules
•
IP Services Module supporting iSCSI and FCIP over both four and eight ports of Gigabit Ethernet
•
Multiprotocol Services Module supporting 14 ports of 2-Gbps Fibre Channel and 2 ports of Gigabit
Ethernet that provide iSCSI and FCIP storage services
•
Advanced Services Module and Caching Services Module supporting integrated network-hosted
application services
