Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Fibre Channel
12
12.1 Introduction
The increase in demand for bandwidth requires faster server-to-storage and server-to-server
networking. This is mainly due to the increase in client/server applications. Fibre Channel is
one solution to this, as it is a highly reliable technology which operates at gigabit speeds. It
interconnects well with other technologies, especially SCSI and TCP/IP. The main applica-
tions have been in switches, hubs, storage systems, storage devices and adapters. The term
fibre is a generic term which can indicate either optical or a copper cable
Its development started in 1988 and ANSI standard approval in 1994. It has the following
advantages:
•
Cost-effective channel
-
it is a cost-effective for storage and networks.
•
Reliable
-
it is reliable with assured information delivery.
•
Gigabit bitrate
-
bit rate of
1.0
6
Gbps, but scalable to 2.1
2
Gbps and 4.2
4
Gbps.
•
Multiple topologies
-
it has dedicated point-to-point, shared loops, and scaled switched
topologies meet application requirements.
•
Multiple protocols
-
it supports SCSI, TCP/IP, video, or raw data, and is especially
suited to real-time video/audio.
•
Scalable
-
it supports single point-to-point gigabit links to integrated enterprises with
hundreds of servers.
•
Congestion free
-
data can be sent as fast as the destination buffer can receive it.
•
High efficiency
-
fibre channel has very little transmission overhead.
12.2 Comparison
Fibre channel is designed to support scalable gigabit technology, and provides flow control,
self-management, and ultrareliability. It does not suffer from the problems associated with
traditional networking technologies. Table 12.1 compares Fibre channel with gigabit ethernet
and ATM.
In real-time applications, the data must have a guaranteed quality of service. gigabit
ethernet does not provide for an assured quality of service, whereas ATM does. Fibre chan-
nel improves on ATM as it gives guaranteed delivery, along with gigabit bandwidth, as well
as a given quality of service.
