Real difference between ISCSI SAN and FibreChannel SAN

Question

Hi,

If i'd get to configure ISCSI SAN or FibreChannel SAN what are the real differences plus challenges to do it? I understand that iscsi is built-in technology and it's pretty simple to configure it, while FC demands some extra config depending on which vendor we chose(so looks like the cost/infrastructure are important). Can somebody briefly shine some lights, especially on FC SAN. There is also vFC technology that has to be taken into account.

Thank you!

Answer 1

Hi,

iSCSI is a transport layer protocol that can provide block-level access to storage devices through a TCP/IP network. This protocol works on top of TCP and describes how to transmit SCSI data packets via a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN) or the Internet. iSCSI enables IT departments to build shared storage networks, such as storage area networks (SAN).

Because iSCSI uses standard Ethernet technology, organizations often use iSCSI, which makes it cheaper and easier ** than Fibre Channel (FC).** iSCSI can use multipath, jumbo frames, data center bridging (DCB) and other technologies to transmit data at a higher speed over longer distances. Now, iSCSI-based SAN implementations support data rates up to 25 Gb Ethernet, with 50GbE and 100GbE following closely behind.

Fibre Channel (FC) is a high-speed network technology that can provide lossless original block data in an orderly manner. This technology defines multiple communication layers for transmitting SCSI commands and information units using the Fibre Channel Protocol (FCP). In addition to SCS, Fibre Channel can also interoperate with IP and other protocols. It provides point-to-point, switching and loop interfaces, and can provide data rates up to 128Gbps.

Create Fibre Channel to support Storage Area Network (SAN) and solve the shortcomings of SCSI and High-Performance Parallel Interface (HIPPI). It provides reliable and scalable protocols and interfaces with high throughput and low latency, making it very suitable for shared network storage. When used with optical fiber, Fibre Channel can support devices that are 10 kilometers apart. However, Fibre Channel (FC) networks can be complex and require special equipment such as switches, adapters, and ports.

Thanks for your time!
Best Regards,
Anne

-----------------------------

If the Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

Answer 2

http://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/CascadingTargetedDownloads/downloads/storage%20area%20network%20(SAN)%20definition.pdf

I hope it will help if issue resolved please accept answer and vote