Network And Interconnect Types; Small Computer System Interface - Compaq BL10e - HP ProLiant - 512 MB RAM Introduction Manual

Clustering – Inter-Process Communication (IPC) data is a method for exchanging data among two or
more threads in one or more compute nodes. HPC Cluster computing is a typical example using
IPC. IPC is employed mostly for passing instructions and redistributing large amounts of data
between shared, distributed applications. IPC functions include methods for message passing,
synchronization, shared memory, and remote procedure calls.
Storage – All data communication to and from storage media. This includes Network Attached
Storage (NAS), File System, iSCSI Targets and Initiators, and Fibre Channel (FC) Storage Area
Networks (SAN).
These multiple networks are typically deployed physically or with VLAN isolated switches and network
adapters for each server. Figure 1 illustrates the fact that businesses may support as many as four
unique networks in order to manage SAN data, IPC clustering data, remote management data, and
Ethernet communications data. These different networks and interconnects add to the complexity of
current network architectures and to the issues presented in any attempt to unify network fabrics.
Figure 1. Representation of multiple networks found in business environments

Network and interconnect types

Different networks and interconnects add to the complexity of current network architectures and to the
issues presented in any attempt to unify network fabrics. This section describes common network
interconnects.

Small Computer System Interface

In business critical environments, Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) continues to be the most
widely used standard for physically connecting and transferring data between computers and
peripheral devices. The SCSI standards define commands, protocols, and electrical and optical
interfaces. SCSI is most commonly used for hard disks and tape drives, but it can connect a wide
range of other devices, including scanners and CD drives. Internet Small Computer System Interface
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