IBM System Networking RackSwitch G8264/G8264T
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have seen their I/O requirements per server increase anywhere from 4 to 6 to 8 or even more
NICs per server, especially with the adoption of virtualization. What IBM Virtual Fabric does is
provide clients with the ability to leverage a virtual NIC approach leveraging 10 Gb Ethernet
technology to help reduce cost and complexity while also achieving better performance and more
flexibility. It provides the following benefits:
Reduced costs: (Acquisition and operating) by using fewer adapters, cables, and upstream
switch ports.
Reduced complexity: Fewer items to manage, based on industry standards, making
management easier with the addition of high availability and better security.
Better performance: A significant amount more I/O bandwidth per server and lower latency
than traditional 1 Gb Ethernet.
Flexibility: The ability to carve up a dual-port 10 Gb adapter into 4 - 8 virtual NICs and create
virtual pipes between the adapter and switch for higher availability and security. Not only can
customers dynamically allocate I/O bandwidth to each virtual NIC, Virtual Fabric also provides
the ability to change those allocations as needed. For example, a customer might have one
configuration for workload during the day and another during the evenings. Virtual Fabric has
the ability to make those changes on the fly without downtime.
IBM Virtual Fabric is designed in partnership with Emulex. This solution requires the following
components:
Emulex 10 Gb Virtual Fabric Adapter for IBM System x. For more details, use the link below
http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/Redbooks.nsf/RedbookAbstracts/tips0762.html?Open
IBM System Networking RackSwitch G8264
Figure 8 shows the vNIC.
Figure 8. vNIC
IP Storage over 10 GbE: Changing the economics of storage
G8264 benefits for IP Storage applications are as follows:
Lossless Ethernet Fabric
Low latency ideal for HPC clusters, cloud, and financial applications
Line-rate, high-bandwidth performance
Low-power consumption with fewer components
Low-cost, pay-as-you-grow 10 Gb/40 Gb storage network
Figure 9 shows the iSCSI.
