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BP1037 Transitioning to DCB with EqualLogic PS series Storage Solutions 18
Figure 9 Data center that has transitioned to DCB, minimizing required host connection paths
4.3.2.2 Scenario 2: DCB support in 1Gb SAN storage array network
If the goal of the data center is to transition to DCB while still maintaining the use of 1GbE iSCSI SAN,
the steps below would lead to a converged DCB network. While an in-depth discussion on integration
of 1GbE and 10GbE iSCSI SANs is out of the scope of this paper, detailed information can be found in
Best Practices for Deploying a Mixed 1 Gb/10Gb Ethernet SAN using Dell EqualLogic Storage Arrays ,
which is available on http://en.community.dell.com/techcenter/storage/w/wiki/creating-a-dcb-
compliant-equallogic-iscsi-san-with-mixed-traffic.aspx
Step 1: Build a DCB core
The first step is adding DCB core switches to the existing network infrastructure to enable the DCB
transition.
Step 2: Add CNA’s at the host servers
In this phase adding 10Gb CNAs will provide converged connectivity between servers and the core-
DCB switch before splitting the traffic to the legacy LAN and SAN infrastructure. (Refer Figure 10)
Step 3: Add DCB aware bridge /gateway switches to connect to the DCB core
Assuming the arrays in SAN network have no DCB support and both SAN and LAN are connected to
non-DCB switches, addition of a layer of DCB aware bridge/gateway switches is required to connect
to the core DCB switch. (Refer figure 10).