Remote SAN

[umar-rana]

We have one site configured for services. All the servers are using SAN for storage. We need create a backup site with same hardware 30kms far. The SAN hardware at both locations needs to communicate. We are using Cisco SAN switches. Both locations can only be connected via E1 links.

How two SANs would be connected? We cannot have direct fibre link between SAN switches.

[oerkan]

Hi Umar-Rana,

You may consider FCIP(Fibre Channel over IP Protocol). It is a tunneling protocol that connects geographically distributed Fibre ChannelSAN islands transparently over IP LANs, metropolitan area networks (MANs), and WANs.

You can find the further details on the following URL :

http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/sn5000/mds9000/2_0/cliguide/part6/cfcip.htm

For the FCIP, you will need IPS module on the switches.

Regards,

Hakan.

[ozkarakok]

Hi Umar,

I suppose before you order your Cisco MDS switches you have contacted with local Cisco engineers.Depending on the modules that you have ordered , you can use your existing IP network to carry your FC traffic via using FCIP.

Here is an example of basic FCIP config:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/tech/tk1048/technologies_configuration_example09186a00801e6f03.shtml

Fibre Channel over IP Design Using the Cisco MDS 9000

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/products/hw/ps4159/ps4358/products_white_paper09186a0080177bd4.shtml

Understanding Alternatives for Extending Storage Networks

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/products/hw/ps4159/ps4358/products_white_paper09186a008020805e.shtml

I hope this answers your question.

Kind regards,

Ozden Karakok

[The_guroo_2]

well buy a fiber termination CPE connect it with router?? i guess this will help