Simplifying the Network with 10 Gigabit Ethernet Unified Networking

White Paper: Simplifying the Network with 10 Gigabit Ethernet Unified Networking
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Native Initiator Success: iSCSI
iSCSI provides an excellent example of the success of native
storage initiators integrated into the operating system.
In the early days of iSCSI, proponents of iSCSI HBAs claimed that
these dedicated adapters were necessary to deliver acceptable
performance. iSCSI HBAs offload iSCSI processing to a separate
processor on the adapter, rather than allowing the host CPU and
operating system to handle these tasks.
Today, all major server operating systems include native iSCSI
support, delivering the same benefits as detailed above. Native
iSCSI initiators have continued to mature and now support
advanced adapter features and platform advancements that
help deliver excellent performance. In fact, Intel recently
demonstrated a standard Intel
®
Ethernet 10 Gigabit Server
Adapter driving 1.25 million IOPS using the native iSCSI
initiator in Windows Server* 2008 R2.
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IT departments standardizing on Intel
®
Ethernet Server
Adapters for iSCSI connectivity are able to use a single initia-
tor, TCP/IP stack, and set of management tools and IT policies.
Easier server provisioning, lower likelihood of human error, and
simpler management enable lower capital and operational
expenditures. That standardization also allows IT to enjoy the
benefits of simplified management and integrated tools. Intel
expects the same benefits for Open FCoE-based solutions.
Intel
®
Ethernet Unified Networking
Ethernet is the foundation of unified networking, and with
30 years of experience delivering quality Ethernet products,
Intel is uniquely positioned to drive the transition to 10GbE
unified networking. Qualification by EMC’s E-Lab* means
customers can be confident that servers with the Intel
®
Ethernet Server Adapter X520 installed will interoperate
with EMC systems for iSCSI and now FCoE.
Broad Support Commitment
Intel is the volume leader in Ethernet adapter shipments
and has led the industry through speed transitions and
enhancements to the Ethernet standard, including iSCSI,
DCB, and FCoE. Intel Ethernet products have the broadest
operating system support in the industry, and Intel’s long-
term product roadmaps align future products with new server
platform capabilities and upcoming data center trends, includ-
ing Cloud Computing. Intel is expanding the capabilities of
its trusted Ethernet product line to incorporate FCoE for true
unified networking.
Figure 5. IT administrators use the same interface for configuring
LAN and FC SAN traffic
FPO