Overview - IBM N Series Hardware Manual

1.1 Overview

This section introduces the IBM System Storage N series and describes its hardware
features. The IBM System Storage N series provides a range of reliable, scalable storage
solutions for a variety of storage requirements. These capabilities are achieved by using
network access protocols such as Network File System (NFS), Common Internet File System
(CIFS), HTTP, FTP, and iSCSI. They are also achieved by using storage area network
technologies such as Fibre Channel and Fibre Channel Over Ethernet (FCoE). built-in
Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) technologies, all data is protected, with
options to enhance protection through mirroring, replication, Snapshots, and backup. These
storage systems also have simple management interfaces that make installation,
administration, and troubleshooting straightforward.
The N series unified storage solution supports file and block protocols as shown in
Figure 1-1. Further, converged networking is supported for all protocols.
Figure 1-1 Unified storage
This type of flexible storage solution offers many benefits:
Heterogeneous unified storage solution: Unified access for multiprotocol storage
environments.
Versatile: A single integrated architecture designed to support concurrent block I/O and file
servicing over Ethernet and Fibre Channel SAN infrastructures.
Comprehensive software suite designed to provide robust system management, copy
services, and virtualization technologies.
Ease of changing storage requirements that allows fast, dynamic changes. If additional
storage is required, you can expand it quickly and non-disruptively. If existing storage is
deployed incorrectly, you can reallocate available storage from one application to another
quickly and easily.
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IBM System Storage N series Hardware Guide