Capacity Planning - HP Surestore 64 - Director Switch Planning Manual

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Point-to-point
A dedicated point-to-point connection through the director is simple to implement and
should be considered for server-to-storage applications where high performance, high
availability, or extended distances are required.
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Multiswitch fabric
Support of multiswitch fabric operation is a major feature of the director. Consider
installation of multiple directors (or other switch elements) to form a high-availability
fabric topology that supports multiple, full-bandwidth data transmission paths
between servers and devices.
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Arbitrated loop
Although the director does not support direct connection of arbitrated loop devices,
such devices can communicate with the director through selected Fibre Channel
devices. Contact your local HP sales representative for a list of supported devices.

Capacity Planning

Consider the data traffic capacity of the enterprise (normal and peak load) as part of the
director planning and installation process. Capacity planning:
• Ensures SAN traffic is distributed and balanced across servers, storage devices, and the
multiswitch fabric.
• Identifies traffic bottlenecks and provides for alternate paths through the multiswitch
fabric during peak load times or when fabric elements are serviced.
• Assists in calculating scalability to satisfy nondisruptive growth requirements.
Capacity planning is a dynamic activity that must be performed when new devices,
applications, or users are added to the enterprise.
Planning a Fibre Channel SAN Configuration 53