Dell External MD3620i t User Guide - Page 13

Integrating Dell PowerVaultTM MD3600i/MD3620i Arrays with Existing SANs If the existing 1GbE switches do not have integrated 10GbT 10GBASE-T ports, integration of 10GbE arrays will not be possible without replacing the existing 1GbE switches or without adding 10GbT 10GBASE-T modules within a 1GbE switch. 10GbE Switches When considering candidate 10GbE switches, it is helpful to understand the options and features that are typically available in the current offerings. As 10GbE standards progressed and matured, additional features were added over time by the switch vendors. 10GbE ports, were introduced as uplink ports on 1GbE switches and used a variety of non-standard physical connection types such as XFP, XENPAK, and X2. They migrated initially to a more standard SFP+ solution and now to a standard 10Gbase-T connection type for copper connections similar to the 1Gbase-T switches today. The latest 10GbE switch offering from Dell is PowerConnect 8024, which has 24 10Gbase-T ports. As an alternative to buying new 10GbE switches such as Dell PowerConnect 8024, Dell also offers optional expansion 10GbE modules that can replace the stacking modules on existing 1GbE switches, such as PowerConnect 6224, providing 10GbE capability without the need to buy an entirely new switch. 10GbE Cables To carry 10GBASE-T up to distances of 100m, CAT 6A or better twisted pair cables as specified in ISO 11801 amendment 2 or ANSI/TIA-568-C.2 are required. Mixed Speed SAN Infrastructure The following sections provide insight into mixed speed SAN infrastructures. Terminology Several different SAN architecture configurations might be considered when integrating 10GbE MD Series arrays into an existing SAN infrastructure consisting of 1GbE MD Series arrays. The actual viability of each design depends on the features and capabilities of the candidate switch(s) and may not be suitable for all switch options. Note: Each illustration uses the following color scheme to ensure consistency: Symbol/Color Definition Indicates 1GbE components, such as cables, NICs, HBAs, or array controllers Indicates 1GbE MD series arrays Indicates 10GbE components such as cables, NICs, HBAs, or array controllers Indicates 10GbE MD series arrays Indicates hosts connected to SAN Table 2. Diagram Symbol/Color Scheme Page 11