HP StorageWorks 4000/6000/8000 - Enterprise Virtual Arrays, Reference Manual

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Fibre Channel switches
A switch is identified by its function in a SAN:
• Core (or director)—Provides ISLs for any-to-any connectivity
• Edge (or fabric or SAN)—Provides user ports for connecting servers and storage systems
For some switches, the model name (for example, HP StorageWorks Core Switch 2/64) indicates its
intended use in a SAN.
NOTE:
This guide describes specific switch and fabric rules for SAN configuration. A heterogeneous
environment requires coordination of components based on their rules to create a consolidated system.
You must also consider the restrictions and requirements of the servers, HBAs, operating systems,
cables, and other components.
SAN design approaches
HP has three approaches to SAN design, listed here in order of complexity and experience required:
• HP standard design
HP standard designs specify the arrangement of Fibre Channel switches in a SAN fabric, and are
optimized for specific data access requirements and typical workloads. Implementing a standard
design is the simplest approach to SAN design. HP recommends this approach for users who are
designing a SAN for the first time.
• Modified HP standard design
Select a standard SAN design that satisfies most of your requirements, and then modify it to meet
your data access and connectivity requirements. HP recommends this approach for users with an
intermediate level of SAN experience.
• Custom design using the HP SAN design rules
Use a custom SAN design for specific storage and data access requirements. The SAN design
rules in this guide specify guidelines for configuring custom topologies. HP recommends this
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approach for users with an intermediate or advanced level of SAN experience.
For information about:
• Standard SAN designs, see “ SAN fabric topologies ” on page 35.
• Customizing a SAN design, see:
• “
H-series switches and fabric rules ” on page 83
• “ B-series switches and fabric rules ” on page 93
• “ C-series Fibre Channel and FCoE switches and fabric rules ” on page 135
• “ M-series switches and fabric rules ” on page 157
• Heterogeneous SAN design, see:
• “
Heterogeneous server rules ” on page 185
• “ MSA storage system rules ” on page 235
• “ EVA storage system rules ” on page 247
• “ XP and VA storage system rules ” on page 263
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