Qlogic QLA2 Series, User Manual

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2–Getting Started
Advanced Features
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Advanced Features
SANsurfer FC/CNA HBA CLI adds the following advanced features to its toolset:
N_Port ID virtualization (NPIV).
NPIV (N_Port ID virtualization) allows you
to make the most of your server and Fibre Channel fabric. For instance, you can
partition your server to support multiple operating systems at the same time,
maximizing server utilization. By creating virtual ports from a single physical
adapter port, you allow multiple initiators. SANsurfer FC/CNA HBA CLIfacilitates
creating multiple virtual ports from a single physical adapter port.
Quality of service (QoS).
QoS refers to service level agreement (SLA) to
ensure business continuity when transmitting data over virtual ports by either
setting priorities or allocating bandwidth. SANsurfer FC/CNA HBA CLI provides an
easy-to-use interface that lets you either assign QoS to virtual ports by setting
priorities (which eventually translates to IOPS) or allocating bandwidth to them.
„ Setting the QoS by bandwidth lets you allocate up to 80% of the number of
gigabits per second (Gbps) transmission speed of the physical port's
capacity to its defined virtual ports (NPIV). Using this feature lets you
guarantee a transmission rate for each virtual port that requires a specific
bandwidth to run mission-critical applications for business continuity using
virtual ports. The setting for a given QoS can resolve bottlenecks that exist
when virtual machines contend for port bandwidth on the same server.
„ Setting the QoS by priority lets you set the priority level for the defined
virtual ports. This enables to you give preference to data transmissions for
one virtual port over others by giving it a higher priority than the others. You
can set the priority level on any virtual port, regardless of the settings
applied to other virtual ports.
NOTE:
NPIV is available only for Windows and Solaris operating systems and 4Gb
and greater adapters.
NOTE:
QoS is available only for Windows operating systems and 8Gb adapters. On
Windows Server 2008, MSI-X must be enabled.