Brocade FCOE10-24 Blade
24 Ports with 10 Gigabit Ethernet for Brocade DCX Backbones
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Overview:
The Brocade FCOE10-24 Blade provides a cut-though non-blocking architecture designed for use in Brocade DCX Backbones. It features 24 10 Gbps DCB ports and extends DCB/FCoE capabilities to enable end-of-row DCB/FCoE deployment. In addition, it processes FCoE traffic at wire speed for transport to Fibre Channel and FCoE storage systems. By enabling LAN and SAN access over a single server connection, the Brocade FCOE10-24 simplifies network design, reducing capital and operating expenses.
High-Density, End-of-Row Connectivity for Server I/O Consolidation
The Brocade FCOE10-24 Blade provides wire-speed, cut-though, and non-blocking Data Center Bridging (DCB)/Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) performance to Brocade DCX and DCX-4S Backbones. It enables end-of-row server I/O consolidation for access layer servers with Tier 3 and some Tier 2 virtualized applications to help reduce both capital and operating expenses in enterprise data centers. The blade features 24 10 Gbps ports and a high-performance FCoE engine In addition, the Brocade FCOE10-24 provides full support for end-to-end FCoE via Fibre Channel ISLs, allowing FCoE traffic to be carried from FCoE initiators across multiple Fibre Channel ISL hops, eventually terminating in Fibre Channel or FCoE storage.
Designed for midsize and large enterprise environments, the Brocade FCOE10-24 Blade for Brocade DCX Backbones enables access to LANs and SANs over a common server connection by utilizing the emerging Data Center Bridging (DCB) and Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) protocols. The blade forwards LAN traffic to aggregation layer Ethernet switches using conventional 10 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) connections, and it forwards storage traffic to Brocade Fibre Channel SANs and FCoE storage systems.
Full support for end-to-end FCoE is achieved via Fibre Channel ISLs, allowing FCoE traffic to be carried from FCoE initiators across multiple Fibre Channel ISL hops, eventually terminating in Fibre Channel or FCoE storage. By simplifying system configuration, the Brocade FCOE10-24 enables Brocade DCX Backbones to provide high-density, end-of-row server connectivity that helps reduce both capital and operating expenses in enterprise data centers.
Highlights
- Provides Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) and Data Center Bridging (DCB) end-of-row server connectivity using highdensity Brocade DCX Backbones
- Delivers line-rate 10 Gbps performance across 24 DCB ports using a cut-through, non-blocking architecture
- Processes FCoE traffic at wire speed for transport to Fibre Channel and FCoE storage systems
- Supports end-to-end FCoE using Fibre Channel ISLs
- Utilizes Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) and Brocade frame-based trunking to maximize DCB bandwidth
- Combines with Brocade Converged Network Adapters (CNAs) and Brocade Network Advisor to provide a unified DCB/FCoE solution that reduces CapEx and OpEx
Fabric-Wide Consolidation and Cost Control
- Connect to servers with industry-standard, third-party CNAs
- Consolidate server I/O to reduce adapters per server, cabling, and switch ports
- Reduce power consumption and cooling costs for greener data centers
Scalability and Performance for High-Density Networks
- Support 10 GbE throughput across 24 DCB ports with cut-through, non-blocking architecture
- Process FCoE traffic at wire speed for transport to Fibre Channel and FCoE storage systems
- Provide up to 40 Gbps server connection throughput via frame-based trunking
Unleash Performance and Deliver Operational Stability for the Virtualized All-Flash Data Center
Digital transformation driven by storage innovation requires a modern storage network. Brocade X6 Director family and SX6 Extension Blade, combined with Brocade Fabric Vision technology enables customers to drive always-on business operations, eliminate performance bottlenecks, and adapt to the requirements of the digital enterprise.
Cut Costs with Unified Consolidation
The Brocade FCOE10-24 connects to servers with third-party Converged Network Adaptors (CNAs), consolidating I/O to cut infrastructure costs. And gain complete command-and-control of your SAN with Brocade Network Advisor for network management.
Easily Scale Your Network for Delivering Must-Have Performance
Built for data-intensive applications, the Brocade FCOE10-24 features non-blocking architecture and extensive expansion capabilities. Frame-based trunking accelerates server connection throughput up to 40 Gbps for delivering must-have performance.
Unify Management Across Your Storage Network
Leveraging the same OS and management utilities that support the entire Brocade SAN fabric, the Brocade FCOE 10-24 connects easily to Brocade Fibre Channel SANS and FCoE systems. Configuration, monitoring, and management and upgrades are completely non-disruptive.
Features:
High-Density, End-Of-Row Connectivity For Server I/O Consolidation
Designed for midsized and large enterprise environments, the Brocade FCOE10-24 Blade for Brocade DCX Backbones enables access to LANs and SANs over a common server connection utilizing emerging DCB and FCoE protocols. The blade forwards LAN traffic to aggregation layer Ethernet switches using conventional 10 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) connections, and it forwards storage traffic to Brocade Fibre Channel SANs and FCoE storage systems. By simplifying system configuration, the Brocade FCOE24 enables Brocade DCX Backbones to provide high-density, end-of-row server connectivity to help reduce both capital and operating expenses in enterprise data centers.
Unified DCB/FCoE Solution To Reduce Costs
The Brocade FCOE10-24 connects to servers utilizing Brocade 1010/1020 Converged Network Adapters (CNAs) or third-party CNAs. Consolidating server I/O reduces the number of server adapters, which in turn reduces cabling and switch ports, and ultimately results in lower infrastructure costs, including reduced power and cooling costs. To further reduce complexity and administrative overhead, organizations can manage Brocade CNAs and Brocade DCX Backbones across their Brocade Fibre Channel SAN infrastructures with Brocade Network Advisor—providing a unified DCB/FCoE solution that is unique in the industry.
Industry-Leading Performance and Scalability
Utilized in a Brocade DCX or Brocade DCX-4S chassis, the Brocade FCOE10-24 Blade supports data-intensive applications by delivering best-in-class performance.
Its non-blocking architecture features 24 10 GbE DCB ports. Each Brocade DCX and Brocade DCX-4S chassis supports a maximum of four Brocade FCOE10-24 Blades, providing up to 96 10 GbE FCoE/DCB-capable ports per chassis.
In addition, unique Brocade frame-based trunking provides unmatched server connection throughput (up to 40 Gbps). The blade also utilizes advanced ASIC technology to provide standards-based Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) for LAN connections.
Comprehensive Layer 2 LAN Capabilities
Leveraging deep Brocade expertise in Ethernet technologies, the Brocade FCOE10-24 provides broad, standards-based Data Link Layer (Layer 2) capabilities. DCB ports provide uplink connections to aggregation layer Ethernet switches (Brocade or third-party devices) using conventional 10 GbE ports. Layer 2 functions are configured and administered accordingly at the access layer.
Fabric OS-Powered, Non-Disruptive SAN Connectivity
The Brocade FCOE10-24 utilizes the same Brocade Fabric OS that supports the entire Brocade SAN product family—from fixed port switches to the Brocade DCX Backbone. This helps ensure backward and forward compatibility, and enables seamless, high-speed connectivity to Brocade Fibre Channel SANs and FCoE storage systems (see Figure 1). The Brocade DCX control processor failover and firmware upgrade processes are completely non-disruptive to FCoE and Fibre Channel traffic flowing through the Brocade DCX Backbone.
Higher Fabric Security
To help organizations safeguard their critical information, the Brocade FCOE10-24 is designed for the highest level of fabric security. It utilizes advanced port and switch Access Control Lists (ACLs) to simplify administration and significantly increase control over data access. To enhance access security, the Brocade FCOE10-24 supports Active Directory with LDAP and 802.1x security and authentication.
Seamless, Unified Management
Brocade Network Advisor provides comprehensive management of unified data center fabrics, including configuration, monitoring, and management of the Brocade DCX Backbone and Brocade directors, routers, switches, Host Bus Adapters (HBAs), and CNAs. It also helps organizations discover, monitor, and manage converged FCoE network environments as well as IP switching and routing networks.
Brocade Network Advisor provides comprehensive Layer 2 configuration, with easy-to-use DCB interface administration, FCoE port and trunk configurations, and Quality of Service (QoS).
Deployment:
Figure 1.The Brocade FCOE10-24 supports end-to-end FCoE, allowing traffic to be carried from FCoE initiators across multiple Fibre Channel ISL hops to Fibre Channel or FCoE storage.
Specifications:
The following feature information is based on a Brocade DCX Backbone running Fabric OS 6.4.1_fcoe or higher.
| FCOE10-24 Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Systems Architecture | |
| DCB ports | 24 ports with 10 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) |
| FCoE | The Brocade FCOE10-24 de-encapsulates FCoE traffic and forwards it to chassis-based Brocade DCX Fibre Channel port blades |
| Performance | 10 Gbps line speed |
| Maximum frame size | 9048-byte Ethernet frame for DCB ports |
| Data traffic types | Fabric switches supporting unicast, multicast (255 groups), and broadcast |
| MAC address table entries | 32,000 MAC addresses |
| DCB features | Priority-based Flow Control (PFC): IEEE 802.1Qbb Enhanced Transmission Selection (ETS): IEEE 802.1Qaz Data Center Bridging eXchange (DCBX) |
| DCB media types | Hot-pluggable, Brocade 10 GbE SFP+ supports any combination of Short-Reach (SR) and Long-Reach (LR) optical transceivers |
| Data Link Layer (Layer 2) Features | |
| Layer 2 features |
|
| Layer 2 security |
|
| Layer 2 Quality of Service (QoS) |
|
| FCoE features | Complete T11 FCoE entity and FCoE bridging. The FCoE hardware engine provides:
Fabric-Provided MAC Addresses (FPMAs) enable new Ethernet MAC addresses to be created using the FC_ID assigned by the fabric. |
| Licensing options | FCoE support is enabled on the Brocade FCOE10-24 blade |
| Management | |
| Management software | Brocade Network Advisor:
|
| Management protocols |
|
| Diagnostics |
|
| Mechanical | |
| Size | Width: 27.9 cm (11.0 in) Height: 41.2 cm (16.2 in) Thickness: 3.6 cm (1.4 in) |
| Environmental | |
| Temperature | Operating: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F) Non-operating: –25°C to 70°C (–13°F to 158°F) |
| Humidity | Operating: 10% to 85% non-condensing at 40°C (104°F) Non-operating: 10% to 93% at 70°C (158°F) |
| Altitude | Operating: Up to 3000 m (9842 ft) Storage: Up to 12 km (39,370 ft) |
| Shock | Operating: 20 g, 6 ms half-sine Non-operating: 33 g, 11 ms, half-sine |
| Vibration | Operating: 0.5 g p-p, 5 to 500 to 5 Hz Non-operating: 2.0 g p-p, 5 to 500 to 5 Hz |
| Power | |
| Power | Nominal: 250 watts |
| Input voltage | 40 to 50 VAC nominal |
| Input line frequency | 47 to 63 Hz |
| Inrush current | 60 amps maximum |
| Maximum current | 29 amps at 12 V DC |
Frequently Asked Questions:
Brocade provides industry-leading storage and IP networking solutions that deliver the highperformance, high-reliability features to help IT organizations address their most demanding enterprise business requirements. As part of this product family, Brocade now offers an endto-end Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) solution that includes the Brocade 8000 Switch, the Brocade 1010/1020 Converged Network Adapters (CNAs), and the Brocade FCOE10-24 Blade for use in the Brocade DCX® Backbone family.
What is the Brocade FCOE10-24 Blade and what are its capabilities?
The blade is a new addition to the Brocade end-to-end FCoE solution that includes the Brocade 8000 top-of-rack switch and Brocade 1010/1020 10 Gbps CNAs. The blade is designed for use in the Brocade DCX and Brocade DCX-4S Backbone family as part of an end-of-row chassis configuration. With 24 Data Center Bridging (DCB) ports supporting 10 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) speeds, the Brocade FCOE10-24 provides:
- Industry-leading performance: To support mission-critical environments, the Brocade FCOE10-24 provides best-in-class performance for FCoE/DCB delivery in an end-ofrow blade. It features a non-blocking, cut-through Layer 2 architecture with 24 10 GbE DCB ports. The blade's ASIC technology supports industry-standard Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) and Brocade enhanced frame-based port trunking that delivers 40 Gbps of aggregate bandwidth.
- End-of-row server I/O consolidation: The Brocade FCOE10-24 provides first-hop connectivity to access-layer servers. In combination with CNAs such as the Brocade 1010/1020 products, it enables server I/O consolidation to help reduce both CapEx and OpEx. When connected to the Brocade FCOE10-24 DCB ports, servers can leverage the blade's FCoE switching capabilities to access Fibre Channel SANs.
- End-to-end FCoE support: The Brocade FCOE10-24 provides full support for end-toend FCoE via Fibre Channel ISLs. In combination with FCoE CNAs such as Brocade 1010/1020 products, FCoE traffic is carried from FCoE initiators across multiple Brocade Fibre Channel ISLs terminating in Fibre Channel or FCoE storage targets.
- Superior ROI and investment protection: The Brocade FCOE10-24 utilizes the same Brocade Fabric OS that supports the entire Brocade Fibre ChanneI product family. This backward compatibility enables the Brocade FCOE10-24 to seamlessly integrate with existing Fibre Channel devices. It also enables forward compatibility among Brocade solutions to simplify maintenance and field upgrades while providing peace of mind for future data center expansion. Moreover, organizations can monitor and manage the Brocade FCOE10-24 with fabric management applications such as Brocade Network Advisor.
What is the main value for deploying end-of-row FCoE and DCB?
The primary value proposition is server I/O consolidation. When using CNAs for server connectivity, organizations reduce the number of adapters (ports) per server. That in turn reduces the number of cables and switch ports. The reduced component costs and power consumption contribute to lower acquisition and operating costs. The lower power consumption and associated cooling costs facilitate greener data center environments.
Why would someone choose the Brocade FCOE10-24 Blade?
The Brocade FCOE10-24 offers new FCoE and DCB technologies that can be used in data centers with existing Brocade DCX installations. The blade will integrate seamlessly into these environments, protecting current investments and extending their value, while enabling access to emerging FCoE storage target solutions. The Brocade FCOE10-24 also enhances the Brocade DCX/DCX-4S capabilities by adding 24 DCB ports. With FCoE preserving investments in Fibre Channel infrastructures and management tools, organizations can realize significant time and monetary savings.
What ports are available on the Brocade FCOE10-24?
The Brocade FCOE10-24 provides 24 DCB ports with 10 GbE speed.
Does the Brocade FCOE10-24 provide Fibre Channel ports?
The Brocade FCOE10-24 contains no external Fibre Channel ports, but it utilizes Fibre Channel ports available on other blades.
Does the Brocade FCOE10-24 support FCoE?
Yes. It supports the T11-compliant FCoE protocol using a built-in FCoE hardware engine.
How many Brocade FCOE10-24 Blades can be installed in a Brocade DCX chassis?
Each Brocade DCX or DCX-4S chassis can accommodate four Brocade FCOE10-24 Blades.
Does the Brocade FCOE10-24 support existing Fibre Channel features and services?
The Brocade FCOE10-24 utilizes Fibre Channel ports available on other Brocade DCX blades. As a result, organizations can continue to use the Fibre Channel features and advanced services already available in their environments.
Does the Brocade FCOE10-24 Blade support high availability of FCoE traffic?
Yes, the Brocade DCX control processor failover and firmware upgrade processes are completely non-disruptive to FCoE and Fibre Channel traffic flowing through the Brocade DCX Backbone.
Can I connect the DCB ports of the Brocade FCOE10-24 to traditional 10 GbE ports?
Yes. Upon making such a connection, the system will negotiate the services between the two ports and will default to the traditional Ethernet services. When connecting a DCB port to a traditional Ethernet port, the link loses support for the DCB enhancements.
Is the Brocade FCOE10-24 compatible with third-party CNAs?
Yes. The Brocade FCOE10-24 supports Brocade 1010/1020 CNAs as well as industrystandard CNAs from third-party vendors, including Emulex and QLogic.
How many of the 24 ports are active on the Brocade FCOE10-24 as shipped?
All 24 ports are active, and no action is required to use those ports.
What type of connectors does the Brocade FCOE10-24 support?
The Brocade FCOE10-24 supports fiber DCB ports. The DCB media type includes the hotpluggable, Brocade 10 GbE Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP+) that supports any combination of Short-Reach (SR) and Long-Reach (LR) optical transceivers.
Are Brocade-branded SFPs required for the new switches?
Yes. The Brocade FCOE10-24 requires Brocade-branded SFPs.
What optional Fibre Channel licenses are available for the Brocade FCOE10-24?
No new licenses are required to support the Brocade FCOE10-24. All DCB and FCoE features are automatically enabled. See the Brocade DCX or Brocade DCX-4S product information for details on optional licenses.
Is the Brocade FCOE10-24 available through Brocade OEMs and VARs/VADs?
Yes. The Brocade FCOE10-24 is available from major Brocade OEM Partners and Brocade Resellers that support the Brocade DCX and Brocade DCX-4S. Please contact your Brocade Sales Representative for more information.
How much does the new blade cost?
Pricing for the Brocade FCOE10-24 is available from Brocade Partners.
How is FCoE different from iSCSI?
FCoE and iSCSI are both encapsulation protocols, but the similarities end there. FCoE encapsulates Fibre Channel frames so they can be transported over Ethernet. iSCSI encapsulates SCSI to be transported over TCP/IP. As a data center technology, FCoE was not intended to be routable over IP as is iSCSI.
Does the Brocade FCOE10-24 support Layer 2 multipathing?
Yes, as soon as IETF completes the definition of a new standard called TRILL that will provide an industry-supported definition of Layer 2 multipathing.
Documentation:
Download the Brocade FCOE10-24 Blade Datasheet (PDF).
Pricing Notes:
- Pricing and product availability subject to change without notice.