Implementing HP Virtual Connect Direct-Attach Fibre Channel with HP 3PAR StoreServ Systems

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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.
This paper explains the features and benefits of using HP Virtual Connect Direct-Attach Fibre Channel for connecting HP
ProLiant c-Class Server Blade systems with HP 3PAR StoreServe systems and the defines the components required.
Introduction
SAN infrastructures typically use a Fibre Channel (FC) routing solution involving a number of SAN switches that
implement N-Port ID Virtualization (NPIV) technology. NPIV technology uses N-ports, F-ports, and E-ports for building a
FC SAN fabric. Each physical N-Port can have multiple IDs so that a virtual server can share a single physical port with
other servers yet “see” only its associated storage on the SAN. Using SAN switches for interconnecting servers with
storage (Figure 1) is convenient, but as servers are added to the system more switches are required resulting in IT
sprawl, bandwidth issues, FC SAN management challenges, and additional port-license expense.
Figure 1: A typical fabric-attach FC SAN requires multiple switches and cables.
HP Virtual Connect (VC) FC modules offer the network compatibility and flexibility to allow you to extend virtualization
beyond the server edge to the network and reduce the expanse of the FC SAN fabric (Figure 2). The VC-FC Module offers
SAN switch functionality with less cost. VC-FC modules allow you to wireup once, then add and change network
configurations as needed to meet workload demands.
Figure 2: HP VC FC modules create a versatile, more manageable network.
Storage
devices
c-Class enclosure
Storage
devices
NOTES:
N-port: Node port on a server HBA that connects to the fabric.
F-port: Fabric port on a FC switch that connects to an N-Port.
E-port: Expansion port on a SAN switch that connects to an E-Port of another switch.
c-Class enclosure