HP StorageWorks 2/32 common software and switch options version 3.0.x/4.0.x re - Page 11

Switch Options Descriptions and Requirements The ISL Trunking feature connects up to four ISLs, between two switches through an Expansion Port (E_Port), to merge logically into one link. With ISL Trunking, high speed links ensure that server-to-storage performance is efficient and shared under heavy network loads. When using ISL Trunking to aggregate bandwidth of up to four ports, the speed of the ISLs between switches in a fabric is quadrupled. For example, at 2 Gbps speeds, ISL Trunking delivers ISL throughput of up to 8 Gbps. ISL Trunking is documented in the HP StorageWorks ISL Trunking Version 3.0.x/4.0.x User Guide. Trunking Requirements The following sections describe Trunking requirements. Installation Requirements There are no installation requirements as ISL Trunking is a built-in component of Fabric OS v3.0, Fabric OS v4.0, and later releases on all StorageWorks 2 Gbit/sec switches based on third generation HP ASIC technology. This includes: • StorageWorks 2 Gb SAN switches • StorageWorks Core switch Configuration Requirements No software configuration is required to invoke ISL Trunking since it is enabled on any E_Port for which it is supported. To invoke Trunking, plug in ISLs and follow the following configuration guidelines: • An ISL trunking license is required for each switch that participates in a trunked connection. • ISL trunks must be established in port groups driven by a common ISL Trunking hardware driver. Trunking hardware drivers are connected to contiguous 4-port groups such as 0-3, 4-7, 8-11, and 12-15. • ISL trunk groups can be established by using two, three, or four ISLs between switches--which enables ISLs capable of 4, 6, or 8 Gbit/sec of total throughput. • Ports must be set to 2 Gbit/sec or auto-negotiate (AN). You can easily build meshed switch fabrics by connecting trunk groups to any number of adjacent switches. Common Software and Switch Options Version 3.0.x/4.0.x Release Notes 11