HP StorageWorks 2/140 FW 08.01.00 McDATA Products in a SAN Environment Plannin - Page 41

Fabric Switch Performance Sphereon 3232 Fabric Switch Introduction to McDATA Multi-Protocol Products 1 Fabric switches provide an availability of 99.9% through a redundant configuration of power supplies and cooling fans. When an active FRU (power supply or fan) fails, the backup takes over operation automatically to maintain switch and Fibre Channel link operation. Availability is also provided through concurrent firmware upgrades and spare or unused Fibre Channel ports. Excluding an availability of 99.999%, fabric switches offer the same general performance features as directors, including high bandwidth, low latency, local control, low communication overhead, multiple topology support, and multiple service class support. The Sphereon 3232 Fabric Switch operates at 2.1250 Gbps, provides fabric connectivity for to up to 32 Fibre Channel devices, and supports FICON, EON architecture, and HotCAT technology. Figure 1-5 illustrates the switch. Figure 1-5 Sphereon 3232 Fabric Switch The switch provides a modular design that enables quick removal and replacement of FRUs, including: • Redundant power supplies and cooling fans. The switch provides two power supplies, each with an AC power receptacle and power switch. The switch also provides four cooling fans. Introduction to McDATA Multi-Protocol Products 1-15