Dell VNX2 Fibre Channel SAN Topologies TechBook - Page 150

Complex Fibre Channel SAN Topologies the above switch module manufacturing vendors, interoperability between multi-vendor switches is an important aspect to consider before building such a fabric. User scenario 3: Switch migration Depending on their requirements, some end users move their SAN from one switch vendor type to another switch vendor type. This switch migration procedure needs to be executed in phases. One of the transitional phases requires the vendor type switches (one type before and the other after the migration) to be in the same fabric, making interoperability between multi-vendor switches an aspect to be considered before starting a switch migration procedure. Heterogeneous SAN design This section provides details on setting up an interoperable SAN environment, and studies different combinations of some of the EMC-supported heterogeneous SANs. In addition to providing a detailed step-by-step approach to design some specific type of SANs, this section is intended to give you an insight into the kind of configurations previously tested and supported by E-Lab, and to provide some of the best practices and caveats that must be considered while designing these SANs. Components needed to create a heterogeneous design The concept of simple SANs and Complex SANs has been discussed in detail in "Best practices" on page 86. Most of the discussed topologies comprising of at least two switches are applicable to designing heterogeneous SANs. It is important to note that: ◆ In the heterogeneous SANs, the switched fabric must be comprised of switches from two or more different vendors. ◆ It is essential to set the appropriate operational mode on the switches so that they can communicate with any other switch from a different vendor in the same fabric. How to set up an interoperable switched fabric topology In order to address the individual vendor switch settings for supported switch interoperability configurations, a cookbook approach is used to explain a seven phase switch vendor migration process. The assumptions for this seven phase migration process follows. 150 Fibre Channel SAN Topologies TechBook