User`s guide

3–Configuring Fibre Channel
Virtual Ports (NPIV)
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Figure 3-1. Priority and Bandwidth-Based QoS
The priority method assigns priority levels (low, medium, or high) to virtual ports
based on the quality of service required for the applications or VMs using the
virtual port. This method provides for various levels of latency requirements
across virtual ports.
The bandwidth method assigns a bandwidth percentage (0–100) or a bandwidth
rate (16Gb) to applications or VMs that are using a virtual port. This method
provides a minimum bandwidth guarantee. The bandwidth-based QoS
configuration applies only when the total bandwidth requirement of the
applications exceeds the available bandwidth. The bandwidth is not reserved for a
particular virtual port, and unused bandwidth is shared among the other virtual
ports.
The physical port or WWN always has high priority, independent of the bandwidth
or priority scheme chosen for created virtual ports. You need not assign a QoS
level to every virtual port that you create. If a QoS level is not assigned to a virtual
port, the default is low priority (best effort), independent of the bandwidth or
priority scheme. This flexibility allows you to focus on critical applications to
ensure that the highest service level is provided. You can modify QoS levels for
virtual ports using the QConvergeConsole CLI.
To modify QoS levels, the configuration must meet the following hardware and
software requirements:
 Server operating system: Microsoft
®
Windows Server
®
2008 or later
 Server support for MSI-X
 A QLogic 2600 Series Adapter
 Latest version of the QLogic STOR miniport driver available from
http://driverdownloads.qlogic.com