Fcip Network Considerations; Fcip Bandwidth Considerations; Fcip Network Consideration - HP StorageWorks 4000/6000/8000 - Enterprise Virtual Arrays Reference Manual

FCIP network considerations

Implementing FCIP with your existing network depends on the expected storage replication application
load and existing network traffic. The key consideration is whether you have enough unused or
available bandwidth from your network to support the current network load, accommodate future
growth, and handle replication load demands.
Table 144 lists considerations for determining whether to use an existing network.
Table 144 FCIP network consideration
Configuration type
Mirrored FCIP SAN
Data migration
FCIP gateways support Ethernet connections of 10 Mb/s, 100 Mb/s, and 1 Gb/s. Select the network
connection that matches the amount of data to be transferred and the time allowed for that transfer.

FCIP bandwidth considerations

When sites are located many miles apart, there can be unacceptable delays in the completion of an
I/O transaction. Increasing the available bandwidth may not solve this problem.
Recommendations for managing bandwidth with FCIP
In an enterprise-level SAN with multiple copy sets, merges, or full copies, normalization time can be
extensive. Use the following guidelines to decrease the normalization time in a Continuous Access
EVA environment with the EVA family of storage arrays:
Set up and normalize all copy sets at the same location with direct Fibre Channel connections,
and then move the remote hardware to the remote site for normal operations. New copy sets will
then normalize at the slower link speeds.
Increase link bandwidth while normalization is taking place.
Determine which data must be immediately available after a disaster, and save that data to a
copy set. This applies to EVA storage arrays. Back up all other data using backup methods that
can run at off-peak times.
Most IP networks do not manage bandwidth to each connection. As traffic increases due to other
demands on the network, you can use bandwidth from the replication application. Use the following
techniques to minimize impact on performance:
Create VPNs with QoS through your local routers for the replication circuit.
Create separate physical networks for EVA storage arrays.
Guarantee the bandwidth using a third-party router and/or QoS vendor.
Distance affects the amount of data that can be transmitted across a link. Consider these
nl
site-planning best practices:
Use the shortest possible distance between remote sites.
Use existing network?
No
Yes
Factors
For peak performance, HP recommends using a
separate network. A dedicated network is the
benchmark for mirrored FCIP SAN systems.
Because data migration is usually a one-time
event for upgrade or maintenance purposes, you
can use your existing network. However, network
performance can be significantly degraded
during data migration.
SAN Design Reference Guide 293