What should you consider when selecting a fibre channel switch?

Fibre channel switches are essential components of a fibre channel storage area network (SAN), which connects servers and storage devices using high-speed optical cables. Fibre channel switches enable data transfer, routing, management, and security functions within the SAN. However, not all fibre channel switches are the same, and choosing the right one for your network can have a significant impact on performance, scalability, reliability, and cost. In this article, we will discuss some of the key factors that you should consider when selecting a fibre channel switch.

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1 Port speed

One of the first things to look at when comparing fibre channel switches is the port speed, which determines how fast data can travel between devices. Port speed is measured in gigabits per second (Gbps), and typical values range from 4 to 32 Gbps. The higher the port speed, the better the throughput and latency of the network, but also the higher the price and power consumption of the switch. You should choose a port speed that matches the requirements of your applications and devices, and that can support future growth and upgrades.

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Mohamed Emam

Passive implementation specialist at Benya Systems
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Port speed that can support future growth and upgrades. Port count that allows for redundancy and fail over. Switch type, that suits your budget, space, and performance requirements. Fabric service, that are compatible with your devices and applications. Vendor support, includes warranty, maintenance, updates, documentation, training, and technical assistance. Vendor support can affect the availability, reliability, and security of the network, as well as the ease of installation, configuration, and management.

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2 Port count

Another important factor to consider is the port count, which indicates how many devices can be connected to the switch. Port count is usually expressed as a multiple of 12 or 24, such as 12, 24, 48, or 96 ports. The more ports a switch has, the more devices it can support, and the more flexible and scalable the network design can be. However, more ports also mean more complexity, management, and cost. You should choose a port count that meets your current and projected needs, and that allows for redundancy and failover.

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3 Switch type

Fibre channel switches can be classified into two main types: fixed and modular. Fixed switches have a predefined number of ports and features, and cannot be expanded or modified. Modular switches have a chassis that can accommodate different types of modules, such as port cards, power supplies, fans, and controllers. Modular switches offer more flexibility and scalability, as they can be customized and upgraded according to changing needs. However, they are also more expensive and require more space and cooling than fixed switches. You should choose a switch type that suits your budget, space, and performance requirements.

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Carniely Chernozubov
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You also need to consider what type of switch is a better fit for you, managed or unmanaged. Managed switches allow full configurability, customizations, and a wide range of data on performance. Now unmanaged switches on the other hand, have a plug and play design which are fine to use for smaller networks since they are easier to use and still have the fast transmissions of video and voice files.

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4 Fabric services

Fibre channel switches provide various fabric services that enhance the functionality and security of the network. Some of the common fabric services are zoning, masking, trunking, load balancing, encryption, authentication, and monitoring. Zoning allows you to group devices into logical segments and control their access to each other. Masking prevents unauthorized devices from accessing storage resources. Trunking combines multiple ports into a single logical link for higher bandwidth and redundancy. Load balancing distributes traffic across multiple paths for optimal performance. Encryption protects data from interception and tampering. Authentication verifies the identity of devices and users. Monitoring collects and analyzes network data for troubleshooting and optimization. You should choose a switch that offers the fabric services that you need and that are compatible with your devices and applications.

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5 Vendor support

Finally, you should consider the vendor support that comes with the fibre channel switch. Vendor support includes warranty, maintenance, updates, documentation, training, and technical assistance. Vendor support can affect the availability, reliability, and security of the network, as well as the ease of installation, configuration, and management. You should choose a vendor that has a good reputation, a long history, and a wide network of partners and customers. You should also compare the terms, costs, and benefits of different vendor support plans and options.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What should you consider when selecting a fibre channel switch?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Port speed

2 Port count

3 Switch type

4 Fabric services

5 Vendor support

6 Here’s what else to consider

Computer Networking

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What should you consider when selecting a fibre channel switch?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Port speed

2 Port count

3 Switch type

4 Fabric services

5 Vendor support

6 Here’s what else to consider

Computer Networking

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