Technical white paper Implementing HP Virtual Connect Direct-Attach Fibre Channel with HP 3PAR StoreServ Systems Abstract 2 Introduction 2 HP Virtual Connect Direct-Attach Fibre Channel Required components Benefits Integrating into SAN fabric environments Restrictions 3 3 4 5 6 Conclusion 7 For more information 7 Click here to verify the latest version of this document. Created January 2013.
Abstract HP Virtual Connect Direct-Attach Fibre Channel hardware offers a unique solution for interconnecting HP c-Class BladeSystems with HP 3PAR StoreServ systems. By using HP Virtual Connect FlexFabric modules to connect directly to the HP 3PAR StoreServ system, you eliminate the Storage Area Network (SAN) fabric, simplify SAN management, lower network latency, and reduce power consumption.
HP Virtual Connect Direct-Attach Fibre Channel HP Virtual Connect now allows you to eliminate dedicated FC switches entirely by communicating with HP 3PAR StoreServ systems through direct-attach Fibre Channel. With HP Virtual Connect Direct-Attach Fibre Channel for HP 3PAR StoreServ systems, you can build a storage solution with just a pair of VC FlexFabric modulesand the HP 3PAR StoreServ storage system.
Any of the of the following HP dual-port FlexFabric adapters: – HP NC551i FlexFabric 10Gb Network Adapter (included on select G7 servers as a LAN-on-motherboard (LOM) adapter) – HP NC551m FlexFabric 10Gb Converged Network Adapter – HP NC553i 10Gb FlexFabric Converged Network Adapter (included on select G7 servers as aLAN-on-motherboard (LOM) adapter) – HP NC553m 10Gb FlexFabric Adapter – HP 554FLB10Gb FlexFabric Adapter (default configuration on Gen8 servers) – HP 554m10Gb FlexFabric Adapter HP Virtual
On a traditional SAN, there is no knowledge of how each device was intended to connect, since zone configuration is the responsibility of the SAN administrator. Implicit zoning: Configures automatically based on the VC fabric definitions and server profile SAN connectivity selections. Allows servers connected to a direct-attach fabric to access the storage attached to uplinks in that same direct attach fabric. Restricts visibility between server ports and between storage uplink ports.
Figure 4. HP Virtual Connect direct-attach Fibre Channel can be integrated with a LAN and SAN fabric.
Conclusion Using HP Virtual Connect Direct-Attach FC with HP 3PAR StoreServ systems reduces initial and expansion hardware costs, improves performance, and simplifies storage configuration and management by reducing or even eliminating the SAN infrastructure. In addition, HP Virtual Connect and FlexFabric Modules add configuration flexibility while reducing network administration time. For more information Visit the URLs listed below if you need additional information.
